See the Beauty of So. Illinois Thru Giant Ears on Guided Mule Rides

My First Experience Riding at Shawnee National Forest in So. Illinois

When I was a kid, my mom bought me a pony. Not knowing any better, she bought me a four-year-old so we could grow up together. Now, we know better. Ponies are notorious for being difficult and not so kid-friendly. And you never buy a young horse for a kid - you buy a kid an old brokey broke horse that doesn't have any fire left!

Despite the challenges, we made some great memories, including a big organized trail ride at Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. It was led by a guy on a gaited mule. A gaited equine is a type of horse or mule that moves their feet in various patterns outside of a standard walk, trot, canter and it's a very smooth ride. I remember it being super hot, and our tent up on the hill didn’t help much. But the biscuits at dinner were AMAZING (probably because I was starving). And, every day, I’d ride right behind that gaited mule, and my pony tackled those steep hills and rough terrain like a champ, while my mom and her friends dealt with a constant traffic jam at the back.

After that summer, we sold my pony to a friend who wanted a cute pasture pet, and my mom got me Stormy, my heart horse. He was way more kid-friendly, and we spent countless hours on the trails together, exploring places like Brown County and Mammoth Cave. But my absolute favorite was Shawnee National Forest. We didn’t go there often because the trails were more intense, but if you’ve hiked Shawnee, you know how breathtaking it is—those overlooks are worth the steep climbs!

Get our free mobile app

Fast forward to today: my daughter has inherited my love for horseback riding. We got her a little guy last year, and we’re having a blast riding him on trails next to our boarding barn. Plus, there’s a big Appaloosa named Thor at the lesson barn that I get to borrow now and then. But we can’t travel and camp like we used to. So when I found out about mule rides in Shawnee, I was thrilled!

Guided Mule Rides in Shawnee National Forest

I reached out to Angie Mayfield, the owner of Mayfield Farms, because fall is the perfect time for riding, and the weather has been great. I love everything horse-related and enjoy chatting with equine business owners about their journeys. Angie told me she’s trail-ridden in all 50 states and even six countries—how amazing is that? I’m a little low-key jealous; she must have seen some stunning landscapes. Horseback riding lets you slow down and truly appreciate the details.

Last year, we did a trail ride outside Austin, TX, with Thunderhorse Outfitters, and it was one of the best days of my life. The rock formations and wildflowers in Hill Country were simply breathtaking, so I can only imagine the stories Angie has from her adventures.

Why Does Angie Prefer Mules and What Brought Her to Shawnee?

I was curious about her preference for mules over horses since I’ve never ridden one. She shared that she’s been riding mules for 55 years and loves them for their endurance, sure-footedness, personality, and because they’re easier on her allergies than horses. Plus, those long ears are just adorable!

Angie grew up riding in southern Indiana at Hoosier National and Brown County, but once she experienced the trails in Shawnee, she was hooked. In 2022, she retired from Vincennes University, bought 88 acres bordering Shawnee National Forest, and decided to offer guided rides to showcase the beauty of the area and promote mules. Mayfield Farms also has campsites, a showerhouse, a cabin, and covered stalls for those bringing their own horses or mules.

Where is Mayfield Farms?

Located north of Elizabethtown, IL, and just about an hour and a half from Evansville, Mayfield Farms offers trail rides year-round except for January and February. Now is the perfect time to book!

How to Book a Mule Ride in Shawnee National Forest

Mule rides are $60 for 2 hours, $80 for 4 hours, and $125 for an all-day ride that includes lunch. You can explore Camp Cadiz, Rice Hollow, Whiskey Cave, Dead Horse Canyon, Jackson Falls, or Garden of the Gods with Angie, her husband Doug, and their 15-year-old son, Tucker.

If you want a real experience like I had with my little demon pony, you can camp on the property. Campsites are $20 for primitive and $25 with electric, and the cabin is $75 per night. To reserve your Shawnee adventure, email mayfieldmules@gmail.com, call (812) 709-9826, or visit their website at www.mayfieldmulefarm.com.

MORE ADVENTURES:

• Hike with a Llama Deep in the Tennessee Woods
• Holiday Cheer Awaits at Southern Indiana’s Christkindlmarkets
• Drink Wine with Santa & His Reindeer at a Fun Kickoff to the Holidays in Kentucky

FOR HORSE LOVERS:

• New So. Indiana Farm Specializes in Equine Assisted Learning & Team Building for Businesses
• Adult Horse Camp Being Offered at an Evansville Stable this Fall
• Campground in KY Offers Guided Horse Rides Thru Mammoth Cave Park