Are you a lifelong horse lover who wants to learn how to ride? Or perhaps a seasoned equestrian in search of a trail to bring your horse? No matter your level of experience, there are plenty of ways to spend time with the majestic creatures around Northern Virginia. Here are options for lessons, trail rides, classes, and more.
Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
Did you know the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (commonly known as the W&OD) is nicknamed the skinniest park in Virginia? The paved trail runs 45 miles between Shirlington and Purcellville. Horse lovers will adore the 32-mile gravel trail for riders that runs adjacent to the main trail. The equestrian trail does occasionally cross minor streams and waterways and disappear into brush. Shirlington through Purcellville, free
Sky Meadows State Park
Those who want to take horses for a walk can enjoy over 10.5 miles of bridle trails. There are about seven miles of horse trails and a trailer parking lot at Lost Mountain, on the east side of Route 17. On the west side, there are almost four miles of bridle trails accessible via the Corporal Morgan Trail. And don’t forget: State law requires visitors to carry a copy of a negative Coggins report, a blood test to identify if a horse is a carrier of Equine Infectious Anemia, for each horse brought into the park. 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, park entrance $10 plus $4 equestrian fee
Frying Pan Farm Park
If you’re an inexperienced horse lover, the Fairfax County Park Authority offers four-week classes for beginners and “advanced beginners” ages 8 to 14 at Frying Pan Farm Park. There are also therapeutic horseback riding classes open to adults and children over 4. Registration for Fall sessions opens August 1. 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon, $399
Grovespring Farm
Grovespring Farm is a Recognized Riding Academy with the U.S. Hunter Jumper Assocation. The venue offers lessons for young riders and adults, which can teach participants the positions and controls involved in horse riding, how to care for horses, and the etiquette of foxhunting. School horses are educated and safe to ride, according to Grovespring’s website. 11323 Grovespring Rd., Culpeper, lesson prices vary
Royal Horseshoe Farm
Royal Horseshoe Farm offers guided scenic trail rides all year, on trails that pass through the Shenandoah Valley’s meadows, hills, and woods. Trail guides lead each ride. Experiences will vary depending on the riders’ level of experience and the condition of the trails, but could range from gentle pastures to narrow, steep, and wooded paths. In addition to scenic rides, Royal Horsehoe Farm offers lessons in both indoor and outdoor areas. 509 Morgan Ford Rd., Front Royal, rides starting at $50, lessons starting at $40/hour
Turkey Hill Stables
Turkey Hill Stables is a riding facility that offers many services for equestrians. The stables have access to over 10,000 acres of riding lands with trails and both indoor and outdoor arenas for riding and training. The company offers personal lessons, teaching clinics, and horse training. 268 Fletcher’s Mill Rd., Woodville
Morningside Stables
Morningside Stables is a great option for children interested in horseback riding but aren’t sure where to start, as they offer lessons for kids as young as 5 years old. They also offer camps, and beginner, intermediate, and advanced lessons. Owner Tara Ward and trainer Terri Turner Smith have a show team that focuses on horses as being more than just athletes but also teachers and friends. 12199 General Trimbles Ln., Manassas
Dark Spring Stables
Those ages 12 and up are invited to take a relaxing trail ride with no experience needed (as long as they can get themselves onto a saddle). Trail ride choices include a general ride, where guests can learn the basics of horsemanship, a vineyard or brewery ride, which includes a few glasses of wine or beer at the end, an ice cream trail ride that ends at Moo Thru, and a trail ride at Sweet Run State Park. 16145 Mountain Ridge Ln., Hillsboro
Twin Oaks Farm
Twin Oaks has lessons, boarding, and training at their Lovettsville farm. There are Saturday “Young Rider Camps” that run through October and November on select dates, as well as summer equestrian and young rider camps. The farm is an approved Girl Scout vendor, meaning girls can visit to earn a horseback riding badge. Equestrians can also board horses at the barn, and they are fed twice daily, spend plenty of outdoor time, and are given blankets and fly protection as needed. 37947 Morrisonville Rd., Lovettsville
Tamarack Stables
Tamarack Stables in Lorton is a 40-year-old, family-owned business. The stables offer riding lessons for all ages and levels. Lessons are focused on fundamentals and building confidence and a connection with the horse. There are private and group options, with horses that are well-trained for the task. Group lessons and private lessons are for those ages 8 and up, while private, half-hour options are available for riders under 8 to introduce them to horseback riding. 9905 Old Colchester Rd., Lorton
Tsaheylu Farm
With a spacious, 100 x 200-foot outdoor riding ring with footing and jumps, and more than 15 acres of pasture for horses to enjoy plenty of downtime, Tsaheylu Farms in Philomont is an oasis or horseback riders. And for equestrians looking to purchase a horse, the farm does occasionally sell the animals. 36688 Philomont Rd., Philomont
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