Editor’s note: This story was updated on October, 20, 2021.
“If it weren’t for my love of horses, I wouldn’t have met my husband, my hay guy, and have a beautiful baby girl,” explains Manassas mom Anne Humphreys, who spent most of her childhood working in barns and riding horses competitively.
But that’s not all that Humphreys’ love of horses brought her, as it eventually led to her opening Brentsville Stables on her parents’ 11-acre Manassas farm in the summer of 2012. Since then, the stable has grown to include an indoor riding arena and can accommodate approximately 40 private lessons each week.
Here, Humphreys shares her advice for those looking to get into horseback riding.
What are the benefits of horseback riding?
Horses, just like other animals, are good at reading your body language. They can teach you how to control your emotions. [Plus,] riding isn’t only soothing and therapeutic, but it is good exercise and teaches you to be kind, empathetic, patient, and responsible. Horse care is a lot of work.
Is horseback riding good exercise?
A horse’s gait mimics the human movement of walking; the horse’s stride helps move the rider’s pelvis in the same rotation as walking. Although it seems the horse is “doing all the work” … riders must depend on balance and upper body, core, and leg strength.
To get started with horseback riding, what equipment is needed?
For English lessons, riders wear an American Society for Testing and Materials-approved helmet, jodhpurs (for children) and breeches (for adults), plus paddock boots with half chaps or tall boots. Beginning riders often borrow equipment from the facility and buy their own if they decide to continue with lessons. Most riding facilities provide the tack, which is equipment for the horse.
What can beginners expect during lessons?
New riding students learn how to get the horse from their stall or pasture, properly groom the horse, and tack it up. I show them how to mount, hold the reins, steer, and stop the horse. After the lesson I show them how to take off the horse’s tack, groom, or cool off the horse, then properly put the horse away. New students often work on balance exercises while posting at the walk.
What is the typical cost of horseback riding lessons in NoVA?
Most local barns offer lessons ranging from $40-$80 an hour. There are often specials and discounted rates for beginners.
Do you have any advice for parents?
Riding is a great way to get your kids to become physically active and teach them responsibility. Since riders are learning to work with a large animal, it boosts confidence. Also, riding is not only for children, but for adults as well.
Where to take horseback riding lessons in NoVA:
Blacks Hill Stables
Offering: Private and group lessons, camps
Address: 815 Blacks Hill Rd., Great Falls
Brentsville Stables
Offering: Private lessons
Address: 8827 Brentsville Rd., Manassas
Bull Run Stables
Offering: Private and group lessons
Address: Bull Run Post Office Rd., Centreville
Cavallo Farm
Offering: Private and group lessons, camps
Address: 22761 Evergreen Mills Rd., Leesburg
Criswood Farm
Offering: Private and group lessons, camps, pony rides, and parties
Address: 5304 Hoadly Rd., Manassas
Little Burgundy Farm
Offering: Private and group lessons, camps
Address: 5715 Sable Dr., Alexandria
Misty Brae Farm
Offering: Private and group lessons, camps
Address: 40295 New Rd., Aldie
Mulford Riding School
Offering: Private and group lessons, camps
Address: 15105 Lee Hwy., Centreville
River Chase Farm
Offering: Private and group lessons
Address: 40332 Courtland Farm Ln., Aldie
Scattered Acres Sport Horses
Offering: Private and group lessons, camps
Address: 8366 Old Nokesville Rd., Catlett
Silver Eagle Stable
Offering: Private and group lessons, camps
Address: 11506 Parkgate Dr., Nokesville
Tamarack Stables
Offering: Private and group lessons, camps, scout programs, parties and trail rides
Address: 9905 Old Colchester Rd., Lorton
Twin Oaks Riding Academy
Offering: Group lessons, scout programs, camps
Address: 37947 Morrisonville Rd., Lovettsville
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