If you’ve ever wanted to visit a place where horses have the right of way and the Old West isn’t just some distant memory, head to Norco! Nicknamed “Horsetown USA,” this part of Riverside County stays true to its Western roots. Bridle paths replace sidewalks, hitching posts line the streets, and spotting someone at a drive-thru on horseback is just another Tuesday!
Ride Through Horse-Friendly Trails
With nearly 100 miles of horse-friendly trails, it’s easy to saddle up and explore at your own pace. Explore downtown, grab some breakfast, window shop, and more—all on horseback! Or, hit the area's many natural trails for some fresh air and outdoor recreation.
Ingalls Park Equestrian Center offers riders a chance to train in the covered Clark Arena on select days and explore Norco’s extensive horse trails. With 400 acres of open space directly accessible from here, it’s the perfect base camp for your horseback adventure.
The Norco Hills Trails wind through rolling terrain, offering amazing views of the Temescal Valley and Jurupa Mountains. On clear days, you can see mountains like Mount Baldy, making it a favorite for sunrise and sunset rides. Meanwhile, the Santa Ana River Trail follows the river, offering shaded stretches and soft dirt paths that make for an easygoing trot for you and your horse.
Shop for Gear at Local Tack Shops
If your horse needs a new saddle, bridle, or just some extra treats, visit local tack shops to stock up. They’re part of the town’s culture, where friendly locals can share tips and help you find exactly what you need.
Stop by Boot Barn for a fresh pair of cowboy boots, or a riding hat, or head to The Hay Connection for tack, feed, and a variety of other products. For everything from fly protection to saddles, Thrifty Horse offers a selection of new and pre-owned gear and riding attire.
Experience Equestrian Events
Norco keeps its cowboy roots alive with equestrian events all year long, and whether you ride or just like to watch, there’s always something going on.
On Saturday, July 26, the Day of the Cowboy Rodeo takes over Ingalls Event Center with bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and much more. It’s packed with excitement from start to finish and fun for the whole family. Over Labor Day weekend, Norco Fair brings live music, great food, rodeo competitions, mower races, and a Labor Day Parade, where decorated riders and their horses fill the streets.
For kids who want to get in on the fun, Kids Fun Day at Ingalls Event Center has everything from stick horse races to games on horseback. And if you visit in April, Norco Horseweek is a full-on celebration with wagon rides, a Texas Hold’em tournament, a chili cook off, the Rodeo Queen crowning, and line dancing that goes late into the night.
Western-Themed Attractions
Norco’s Equestrian Historic District looks like something straight out of an old Western movie, with wooden storefronts, wagon wheels, and plenty of hitching posts for riders stopping in town. You’ll find Western-themed shops, diners, and even a few drive-thrus where locals pull up on horseback.
Throughout the year, Norco’s community events bring that small-town feel to life. One of the biggest is the Christmas Festival & Parade of Lights, where decorated floats and twinkling lights fill the streets. On the Fourth of July, the Independence Day Celebration kicks off with a Patriotic Picnic in the Park featuring live music, a watermelon eating contest, egg toss, and more, all leading up to a fireworks show at Pikes Peak Park. And since July is also “Parks Make Life Better!” month, you can enjoy dozens of free family activities.
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a place where horses have the right of way and the Old West isn’t just some distant memory, head to Norco! Nicknamed “Horsetown USA,” this part of Riverside County stays true to its Western roots. Bridle paths replace sidewalks, hitching posts line the streets, and spotting someone at a drive-thru on horseback is just another Tuesday!
