We had a fabulous visit to the farm and facilities on August 23rd, 2015. The highlight was seeing…read moreGabriela Hoard exercise Jackpot and several other ponies and horse. There was also a guided ride from the stables earlier in the morning. It was a beautiful day at Epona.

If you are taking the time to read this review, it probably means that you either own a horse or…read morelove horses. In my case both are true. Virginia has more than 300,000 horses and, in part, as a result, countless places for you to board your horse, take lessons and compete. You can choose according to your budget, your discipline, the level of care, prestige, whether the stable offers lessons, what level of horse shows they compete in - you name it, there is something for everyone and everything. The "horse world" is often competitive, brutal and even dishonest, which is a shame given that owning, caring, and showing a horse is already an activity that is not for the financially weak of heart. However, there is one place that can check so many of the boxes that you need to consider when you are looking for boarding a horse, taking lessons and competing, and that place is Epona Farm, LLC. Located on Gordonsville Road in Keswick in the heart of one of the "horsiest" parts of Virginia, if you are within 1 hour of this location, then you are in luck. Owned by Rebecca West and her husband Marty Hoard, Epona Farm is a multi-discipline "A" level show barn. Epona Farm is managed by Jaime Andrews-Feola, a distinguished trainer and rider across disciplines. Whether you are interested in the Jumpers, EQ, or Hunters, Jaime is the trainer for you. She has competed at the national level to great success in all three disciplines. Sitting and chatting with Jaime quickly makes you understand that she was practically born in the saddle. Daughter of a renowned "Chef d'Equipe" and nationally recognized trainer, Becky Andrews, Jaime was raised to ride. Jaime's training was also shaped at an early age by the internationally recognized trainer, rider and master horseman, George Morris (http://www.equestriancoachworld.com/coach/?tid=1942). Jaime's long experience included being a trusted rider for many horses owned by Hyperion Stud, the internationally recognized breeder and sales operation for jumpers from Europe http://www.hyperionstud.com. Despite her many, many distinctions, Jaime remains down to earth and approachable. As a trainer, her depth and breadth of knowledge will identify and correct issues with your riding that you may have been grappling with for ages. She will equally identify problems that you did not even know you have. As a result, you will notice immediate improvements in your riding, and if you like to compete, and Jaime does and will encourage you to compete, the improvement will translate into accolades for you personally. And, it will be not be just you who will benefit from Jaime's attention. Your horse(s) will be cared for by a team that Jaime has personally selected, keeping in mind at all times the health and comfort of your horse. Your horse will benefit from the daily maintenance of impeccable stalls, appropriate food and water, excellent grooming, well grassed turn out, and a watchful eye. If life takes you away from your horses for whatever reason or whatever length of time, you can rest at ease knowing that they will be in excellent hands. I have two horses at Epona and neither they nor I could be happier or ask for more. Neither has taken a lame step since they have been there and both have never been more fit and healthy. This is due not only to the excellent care and healthful conditions at the barn, but also the quality and excellent footing of both the indoor and outdoor rings - an added bonus that allows you to ride comfortably year round and in any weather. Epona Farm's rates are competitive and fair especially since you are saving in health care and vet bills given the maintenance and upkeep of your horse. I have boarded horses at other places and by far Epona Farm not only offers the best services, but also offers the greatest opportunities for your horse and you as a rider. Moreover, and finally, the attitude and the friendliness of the staff, owners and other riders make it a pleasure to spend your time at the barn.

This is a sweet and relaxing little park near to Monticello. It is 89 acres and comes complete with…read morea nice hiking trail complex, a pond, some great paved and wooden walkways, an arboretum, a woodland theater, and even a "secluded farm." Walk off all the fried chicken at Michie's Tavern by coming here. It will totally make your visit to Charlottesville greener, healthier, and more refreshing. Also, you will meet lots of locals, their kids, and their dogs. This place has a lot to offer those who just need to stretch their legs, fill up the memory cards on their cameras, or really pound out the miles on the trails. Highly recommended to tourists and longer-term residents alike!

Park here and walk multiple trails up the mountain for lookouts or over a boardwalk to Monticello…read more(you can reach the new visitors center / gift shop and restrooms without an admission ticket). Beautiful area. Nice for running, although it was absolutely freezing the day we went. Monticello stop was a nice warm up before heading back to Kemper.

Took our two kids on a lovely ride at Star B. Abby our trail guide was incredible, the horses were…read morehappy sillies and the setting and trails are world class. Best day trip we took on our corona "staycation". You get more time than they promise, you cross a good sized creek, you ascend alongside truly breathtaking ravines and get blasted by the beautiful Virginia scenery. We're definitely coming back.....

The trail ride was great, we rode through fields, through two creeks and woods, very nice trails,…read morethe horses were good, it was most enjoyable and well worth it. You don't need any experience as a rider.

This place was incredible. It exceeded my expectations in every way…read more Ally's communication was clear and organized. When we arrived, she had competent helpers there with us, making sure that everyone had a safe, fun time. We had a group with adults, tweens, and young children. The staff and helpers were clear with rules, and very informative and safe. They were very patient with our littles, and adapted the activities to what we could handle. We did a lesson, and then went on a ride. I loved that my 12yo and I got to actually direct our horses with the reins (not typical with trail rides), and there was a person walking the pony that my 7yo was riding. We all had a fantastic experience. I would highly recommend this business to everyone!

Great paved path, well maintained, that runs along the river. Couple of notes that they have some…read moreoff leash areas for dogs and many owners allowed their dogs to approach our without recall. Additionally there are some homeless encampments along the path.

Fabulous trail! Quite busy even on Thanksgiving but we found parking quickly! The wonderful part is…read morethat it rained heavily the evening and morning for our hike. The trail is made of asphalt so easy assess for handicap and no muddy paws

Golf Shop is very nice, course getting ready for summer play. Weekend staff very good.read more

Wish I could've given this a zero. The fact they even charge to play here is rather hilarious. This…read morecourse has gone significantly down hill since my first time ever playing back in 2022. Super pretty area, doo doo course. Range is arguable worse, if that's even possible to do. Have fun putting on always punched greens that somehow manage to have more sand than grass. Spend your money elsewhere, maybe top golf.

I've been to many dirt tracks all over and East side is great! Friendly folk, good track burgers..I…read morereally can't complain! It reminds me of my favorite tracks back in PA where I grew up. I also like how they have drag racing and go karts. Gives everyone more to do and see.

On our visit to Virginia we were able to clean the plaques on the bells that my dad donated in…read morehonor of my mom. The staff loaned us a cart and were very kind. The golf course looked beautiful; I saw deer on 14 and 15. It was late afternoon. As I came to the eighteenth and saw Dad's house he had lived in, I thought what a wonderful world and community. Much gratitude.

Great golf course! Tree lined snd lush fairways! Wonderful greens. Interesting and challenging…read morelayout. Got around in under 4 hours. Multiple tee boxes for all skill levels. Pro shop staff were cordial and friendly. I am going to back to play it next week. Can't wait.