Tween wants to try out a horseback trail ride or intro lesson. Places to go?

[Anonymous]

Tween DD wants to try a horseback trail ride or beginners lesson. She’s been on a horse a few times in her life but doesn’t really know what she’s doing. The places I’m looking up don’t have trail rides, thanks to covid. She’s been depressed and this idea perks her up, so I’m really hoping I can make it happen. Does anyone know of a place where I can take her to do this?

[Anonymous]

Hopefully someone can give you ideas that are closer, but we did trail rides often with young kids in the shenandoah area. Pretty scenery and they cater to tourists.

[Anonymous]

Where are you located? I took my DS and a couple of friends for a ride at Piscataway Stables for DS 10th bday. They were all beginners - no issues.

[Anonymous]

My tween did riding lessons at calleva pre-covid. It was about a hour drive, but totally worth it. I would walk around Calleva during her lesson.

We stopped at McDonald’s in Poolesville to use bathroom and get a snack before heading home.

[Anonymous]

Not sure what their Covid setup is like or if they offer trail rides (they definitely have private lessons), but my daughter has done some summer camps at WillowBend Farm in PG County. The people who run it seemed very nice, and I suspect they’ll work with you if their Covid set-up allows for it.

[Anonymous]

Where are you located?

[Anonymous]

Red Gate in Bluemont is excellent! My daughter started riding there when she was 6. She just turned 15 and is still riding.

[Anonymous]

We do Rock Creek Horse Center but they are closed..COVID.. sigh.

[Anonymous]

There are tons of barns doing riding lessons. You need to narrow down your location.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the responses. We are in Bethesda but are willing to travel up to an hour one-way for this.

[Anonymous]

OP, if money isn't an issue and she'll be riding more than a couple of times then it is worth the investment for a new helmet asap.

[Anonymous]

We have been very happy at the Potomac Horse Center, they have group classes and private classes as well. Indoor arenas during winter,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have been very happy at the Potomac Horse Center, they have group classes and private classes as well. Indoor arenas during winter,

Thank you. Do they go on trails or just stay at the Center?