Seems like they're on Groupon all the time. Our horseback ride started about 1.5hours late. I wasn't happy about this at all. Not simply because he was running late, but because the house (castle/waiting room/party room) was absolutely filthy. I was really taken aback by a business looking like this, even if it's a business that works w/ animals. When we got there, the owner and assistant were on a ride w/ another group. Then the group we were supposed to be riding with were an hour late, so we had to wait for them. It was just annoying, although Steven (owner) was friendly. When we walked into the empty house it looked like a construction space, a hen was walking around the inside and I even saw it poop IN THE KITCHEN! Things finally turned around when I hopped on Sherman (my white horse w/ black spots). He was a greedy little thing and ate up all the grass but he was a great horse. Steven immediately put ppl on the horses and taught us while we were riding. He was a straight to it teacher and I liked that. He definitely knows what he's doing when it comes to animals. He took a bunch of pictures and videos and sent them to everyone in the group. I'm thankful to have such awesome pictures that didn't cost us extra. I'm giving 4 stars despite the filth because Steven was friendly, welcoming, and I enjoyed the experience. Tip: -don't eat there if germs bug u -don't arrive early, there's no point -yes, you're in the right spot, even though it looks a little funky on the outside read more

See all

It's funny this guy is trying to say we never went when we did - I'd love to see what evidence he has considering during our entire time there he never once asked for our names or checked that we even had a reservation. He also never redeemed our Groupon. He has repeatedly messaged me and begged me to remove this review and has even reported it to Yelp to try to get it removed. Not only do I stand by my review but this Steven Strasburg owner has proved himself to not only be completely unprofessional but also desperate and dishonest. My advice: TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY for your business instead of accusing people of posting fake reviews or saying "it must've been another place". This is the ONLY time where an owner has not only not apologized but tried to say I'm posting for the wrong Castle Strasburg. How many Castle Strasburg horseriding places are there in Midland, VA? SHAME ON YOU! read more

This is such a special place. Not only you can have a great time riding horses, the owner makes you feel welcome, it's more like visiting a friend's place and spending the day riding horses, fishing, kayaking etc. My son and I spent the afternoon doing these and enjoying cotton candy and getting eggs from the coop. He even got a fishing lesson from Steven! Horse riding was easy enough for beginners with some galloping that was quite exciting! The horses were all very well behaved! I didn't have to worry about taking pictures or videos because Steven took them and sent them afterwards! Will definitely go back! read more

Castle Strasburg - Horseback Riding Near Me - Midland, Virginia

See all

It's not open and there is no one there anymore. Gate is shut and the place is abandoned.

This is the most horrifying video and pictures of a riding facility that I have ever seen! I normally would never say anything about another business but being a professional horsewomen for 50 plus years, with a degree in Equestrian Studies, with emphasis on instruction, showing, breeding and driving, this is the most dangerous example of horsemenship I have every witnessed. Wow, is all I have to say. No hardhats, riding with halters, and allowing people to canter horses with no contact or knowledge of steering a horse. Letting people with no riding experience ride in a field with loose horses. Unexperience riders riding in mud, with loose debri everywhere and riding double with no saddle, are you wishing a law suit on yourself? This type of irresponsible horsemanship with no consideration for the safety of customers is unbelievable. This is why professional and respectable horse related business are running into difficulty getting liability insurance. Because some sloppy unprofessional facility like yours provides high risk activities to individuals who know no better and don't realize what danger they are putting themselves in. Ride at your own risk, is what I would say! Horseback riding is more dangerous than motorcycle riding. Meaning there are over 100,000 horse riding-related accidents in the U.S. each year. 83.4% of accidents happen after the rider falls off the horse. This includes fell off horse, bucked off, knocked down, horse fell on rider, horse fell with rider, and dragged. At the same time, being kicked or stepped on by a horse happens approximately 19.5% of the time. All beginner riders should wear a helment. A 2016 study by the journal Neurological Focus found that horse-related accidents cause the most traumatic brain injuries in the U.S. 74.83% of equestrian deaths were caused by head and neck injuries. The very least you should be doing is requiring your customers to wear a helmet! A approved horseback riding helmet! read more

Super duper fun experience and I was able to take my pre teens kids. This will become an annual adventure for us.

This is like nothing else. Going there is like visiting an old friend--the experience is extremely causal, laid back, and organic. It's almost like Steven has created a start-up farm immersion experience. At Steven's request, we started considerably later than expected on the horses so they wouldn't be exposed to extreme heat--which would be a potential disaster for me as a super-busy, over-scheduled DC person, but Steven was very polite about it and neither my party or the couple we met there were in any hurry. We also had the opportunity to Kayak in the lake near the main house, which was fun and relaxing, and Steven entertained us with engaging conversation. The actual horse-back riding vastly exceeded my expectations for excitement and interest. The animals were glorious and had distinct and entertaining personalities and idiosyncrasies, all well known to Steven. If you like speed, Spirit is a great horse for you; others prefer to take it much slower. You will get involved in every aspect of the horse's care--if you'd like--from swatting horse flies, feeding them, taking down saddles, and giving them a bath with a bucket, and you will get the best pictures you've ever seen for free, thanks to Steven. If you have a free day or evening, and you want a taste of what it would be like to live on a farm and raise horses, just go. Unless you own your own horses, it will probably be the best horse experience of your life. It will inevitably be fun, unscripted, and pleasantly unexpected. read more

I brought my daughter here for her 6 year old bday along with my husband. None of us have ever been horseback riding before. The owner took great care of us. Very accommodating. My daughter was super scared at first but he gave her a super safe, calm horse. Cappuccino. She had a blast! She didn't want to leave and now loves horses. The owner is very knowledgeable about the horses and will make sure you're safe the whole time. We made cotton candy and went to the chicken coop and pulled out eggs, which we got to take home. He was very nice to all of us and welcoming. I would strongly recommend coming here. A great experience! Thank you! read more

My girlfriend and I went today and had an amazing experience. It was both of our first times and Steve and his assistant were very kind and helpful. My girlfriend was a bit apprehensive about it at first, but after picking out Cappuccino, the calm 'don't wanna die horse', she felt totally at ease. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking to try horseback riding. The ride is about an hour long, and there are fun sections where you can go a bit faster and test your limits if you've never done it before. After the ride Steve provided us with pictures and videos on Facebook to share with our friends, and had some lemonade for us in the clubhouse. Thanks everyone and definitely coming back! read more

This was exactly the experience we were looking for! We spent lots of time with the horses, giving them love and carrots. The ride was a fun experience unlike another. Almost like an obstacle course. Steven has rescued all his horses and trained them using the "horse whisperer" technique. You ride with just a halter. He has been a one man show for the most part and what he has done in the short time he has owned this place is fabulous, don't take offense to appearances. Arrive with patience and enjoy the experience of bonding with very special animals :) read more

I took my four-year-old daughter and mother here for my birthday. My daughter had only ridden ponies, so she rode with me. My mom hadn't ridden for decades. We bought the Groupon for only two riders but the owner said my daughter could ride along for free. We rode with another group that had a little girl riding with her mother and the owner made sure everyone was comfortable on their horses and the pace. If a rider had an issue, he was right there helping them. Not only was he the perfect guide, but he was funny and good with the kids. At the end of the ride, the girls got to fish in the lake (catch and release). There was lemonade and popsicles waiting for us. We could have stayed all day if I didn't have my birthday dinner that night since he said he liked to have campfires and smores later in the day. I recommend Castle Strasburgh to anyone, no matter what level of rider, from those who have never ridden to experts. The owner is hilarious and makes you feel like family immediately. It was the best birthday I've had. Thank you for the wonderful day! read more

Absolutely a fantastic time, my wife and I had out on Steve's great land. Yes there is a lot of rebuild and makeover going on the buildings at this place, but all that aside, if you are there for the horses and the man with great knowledge, love and respect for these, you are going to the right place. Steve's horses are really well taken care off and kind. As several already wrote, Steve matches the rider with a horse and he was spot on, for all of us there. This can only be highly recommended, for a great time with Steve and his lovely horses, cat, duck, hens and all the other animals roaming this great place. Thanks for a great time Steve ! read more

We had fun riding the horses. The facility is still a "work in progress" but the owner has some neat ideas for the former golf course/country club. read more

This place is awesome! My friend and I were expecting a basic trail walk but our ride was so much more than that. I called ahead to book our ride a week in advance and Steven was very responsive over phone and text. He also explained that we can come early or stay later and bring our swimsuits and go fishing or kayaking. When we arrived Steven was very friendly and welcoming. He introduced us to the horses, they looked healthy and happy. Steven gave us carrots to feed to the horses and get acquainted with them, something I have never experienced at other riding places. This lets the riders and the horses get more comfortable around each other. He also watches to see what horse best suits each rider, based on their personality and skill level. He paired up my friend with a calmer horse which was perfect for her because she was a little nervous at first. When we finally departed the horses all seemed to know their regular path and Steven led the way. We got to run(canter/gallop?) on the horses and we had so much fun when they went into the little lake there. We got to walk around on horseback in water! That was the highlight for me. The horses all know when to stop and wait for everyone to catch up. At the end of our trail ride we got to feed the horses apples as a "thank you". Then we went inside for some cotton candy, which we got to make ourselves! This place rocks! Steven is great, he has stories for days and can find something in common with anyone. Can't wait to come back soon :) read more

11/4/2017 - We rode the trail and had a great time. Mr. Strasburgh (a really nice guy) chose our horse "match" based upon our riding experience level and it worked out very well. He also loaded up the pictures that he took onto Facebook quickly and at no additional charge. The value for the cost ratio on this experience was excellent. Yes, as stated in other reviews, the inside of the "castle" (which is pretty cool facade) was in disarray and needs to be tidied up to be more businesslike. Also, the "scheduled" rides aren't exactly run like a train station, they're more like approximations. But this is in the country - - stop thinking like city folk, relax and chill out a bit! Also, the noisy guinea hens were a hoot! read more

Stephen was extremely awesome handling my family horseback riding for their first time. I was not able to attend for I had to be at work, however he was very organized and cordial throughout the whole set up process of our scheduled appointment. Stephen also made accommodations for our tardiness. Excellent customer service beyond expectations! read more

I'm an experienced rider, and I was nervous at first making sure my group was safe, but Steven was amazing! He knows his horses and walked the entire trail with us. Whether or not that was apart of it, he kept us company and definitely made sure everyone had fun and was safe. He took pictures the entire time ( which was amazing) so now we have great shots that reflect the adventure. All his horses are rescues and there is even a baby calf!! His dog, named Dog, is adorable too. She'll want you to play if you visit. I would definitely go again, or recommend to anyone visiting. read more

If you're a first time rider or experienced rider you'll have a great time! Steven was awesome & the horses were very sweet!

My daughters and I visited Castle Strasburg today and had the best time! Steven was so great and sent us the best pictures he had taken of us during our ride. He picked horses out that we would be comfortable on since we are beginning riders. We also got to enjoy the many animals besides the horses. It's hard to find something that a 16 year old and 11 year old will both enjoy and think is super cool and this was a winner. We will definitely be back! read more

With 6 kids to entertain at a reasonable cost this summer, I booked a Wednesday appointment at Castle Strasburg in Midland, VA. I figured my daughters would enjoy the experience but little did I know my boys would enjoy learning about the horses, riding them, helping to care for them, and a bonus fishing lesson on the Castle grounds! Mr. Strasburg is AMAZING with kids and adults alike, unbelievably patient, and thoughtful! We will Definitely be returning! read more