Saddle up and ride in the Panhandle

Those looking to ride horses in a scenic area with wide open spaces will be hard-pressed to find better territory than the Panhandle of western Nebraska.

Two state parks in Nebraska’s scenic Pine Ridge offer trail rides and riding is allowed on an abundance of other public land in this region of rugged buttes, sweeping grasslands and ponderosa pine forests.

Visitors to Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford soon realize they’re in horse country. A sign at the entrance of the park’s headquarters evokes visions of the park’s history as a 19th century U.S. Cavalry post: “Through Thes...