Horseback Trail Riding with Johnny Snyder of HomeFarm at Undermountain
Johnny Snyder is a world-class kayaker who once owned and operated a river kayaking school in Africa’ s Zambezi River. Featured in the extreme whitewater film The Black Book and the PBS documentary Paddling the Roof of the World, he has guided adventure trips throughout the Americas and led excursions for Berkshire-area resorts. These days, Johnny frequently trades paddle for saddle as a horseback trail guide at HomeFarm at Undermountain in Lenox.( See page 16.)
What: Horseback Riding, Trail Riding Where:
1. HomeFarm at Undermountain, 400 Undermountain Road, Lenox: Johnny recommends a park and“ play” experience at HomeFarm in Lenox, where riders can access over 150 + acres of pastures and trails. Guests can connect with the horses and learn the basics in the outdoor arena before venturing out on the trails. Undermountain offers access to expansive Kennedy Park, with nearly 15 miles of trails open to horseback riding, as well as Gould Meadows( a place that Johnny refers to as
the“ Field of Dreams”), located on Hawthorne Road across from Kripalu. From Kennedy or Undermountain, riders can“ ride and dine” to places like Chocolate Springs or Appletree Inn, creating a memorable experience.
2. French Park, 65 Prospect Lake Road, Egremont: If you have your own horse, French Park, a large athletic complex, playground, and hiking area in North Egremont also offers a small, outdoor horse ring. Behind the open area of the park, family-friendly hiking trails stretch out through the forest and are accessible to those on horseback.
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88 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2025