I love RCP Horse Center because you can just stroll around the stables and visit the horses. I…read morebring my kids here almost weekly to see what's new. The trail right by the horse barn is also a blast, leading down to Rock Creek. Along the way you can stop to visit the Capitol Stones, stones that were removed from the US Capitol during a major renovation in the 1950's (holy cow, we're not that far from being 100 years removed from that!) The horse stable offers rides, a great idea for a date or just a relaxing weekend. The rides are highly instructional and very fun. They have great holiday rides featuring Santa Claus and ponies wearing costumes. These holiday rides are wonderful for kids! If you are lucky you can see our US Park Police riding around the trails as well. The stables house two types of horses. One type is owned by people, and the others are publicly owned and range from ponies to larger horses who I think are retired race horses. Our current favorite horse is Andrew because, despite drooling a lot, is super friendly. You can't pet most of the horses much to the dismay of my kids. Almost every horse stall has a sign that warns that the animal bites. This is an absolute blast to visit and I look forward to coming here all the time. However I must comment that the people who work here, the authority figures, are generally a bit ornery and I try to avoid them. They fuss at me every single time I'm here, for making too much noise, getting too close to something, walking in the wrong spot. Just be mentally prepared to say, "Thanks, won't happen again!" It gets old real fast, but I still love the stables. It's worth commenting that I think these people believe they have our best interests at heart, but that their fussy pants attitude is so common is just frustrating and is reflected in the (universally) teenage girls who ride here, who are extremely quiet and seem scared to make a wrong move. Yes horses are extremely dangerous animals, but wow the fussing is out of control. I know this is the longest part of my review and it really bothers me, but I try to look past it and suggest you do as well. Anyways, I have to also mention that there's a big barn where they ride around and do dressage. I've watched a few dressage shows--or parts of them, I should say--and they are like silent dances in a circle with one person directing the riders what to do next. There is almost no crowd for these performances, just family of the riders.

They have not offered trail rides since the pandemic, yet appear as they do. Great facility but…read moreinaccurate information.

The indoor riding arena is great, the horses are generally well cared for, stalls are fairly clean…read moreand the instructors are nice, but there's a lack of timeliness and supervision that was not ok. The morning crew often showed up very late to bring horses in and feed them which meant we couldn't start tacking on time. In order to avoid this, it was suggested on numerous occasions to send my young child to the field (which is MASSIVE), unsupervised, to catch their horse. I understand this is part of the riding experience, but they were scared, and they said that on multiple occasions, and it was rare that anybody was available to go with them to help. I'm not very familiar with horses so I could only do so much, but it would have made everyone more comfortable if there had been someone on site to help out. Every time I mentioned it, I was met with "your child has to learn to catch their horse." Ok. I agree, but my child also needed help and none was offered. The instructor was very friendly but disorganized and lessons didn't flow well. It felt like there was no plan and the lesson was made up on the fly, with no continuity from one week to the next. When my child was fearful, the instructor was very calm and patient, but eventually that patience turned to anger and we no longer felt welcome. My child rode here for just over a year, but I would not recommend it. There is a lack of safety and supervision that makes me concerned for the young beginner riders. Maybe it's a better fit for older, more experienced boarders, but for a first time riding barn, this was not a good fit. Also, several of the yelp reviews for this barn are written by staff. So, keep that in mind...

A great friendly barn. Has field and stall board. Very large turn out fields with plenty of grass…read more A really nice mix of boarders of all ages. Very kid friendly, from lessons, horse shows and summer camps, there's something for everyone.

I'm an anxious, advanced intermediate rider working through my anxiety around cantering and jumping…read moreafter a year of mostly walk/trot flatwork. I was looking for a barn closer to my house that would help rebuild my confidence. I met and talked to Maddie and Sydney, and they were super understanding, and took everything at my pace. Only three weeks in, I've gained my confidence back cantering independently, started jumping cross-poles again, and felt comfortable enough to accept an offer to go to my first show. I'm so happy with how far I've come, this wouldn't have been possible without their guidance. Highly recommend riding here :)

I have had a few lessons with Kelsey and am already seeing progress (I am a beginner). Kelsey is…read morevery knowledgeable and can relay that knowledge in ways that are easy to understand. She is patient and encouraging. The facility is beautiful and well-maintained as are all the horses. If you *really* want to learn to ride, including biomechanics and all the hows and the whys, then you should consider Willow Mist.

Our family has had about a dozen sessions with Invicta for archery, and we've had a great…read moreexperience. The instructor Anton and his colleagues are very patient and friendly, especially with our 7 year old and other kids we've seen there. The beginner lesson/safety instruction on your first visit takes about half of your first hour, so expect that, and could take longer if you come in a large party and don't show up on time.

Archery instructor was super nice and informative. Equipment has definite wear and tear but still…read morenice. Recommend bringing your own equipment. Reservations highly encouraged due to limited lanes.

First time goat hiker. It won't be my last. Goat'N Around far exceeded my expectations from…read morescheduling flexibility, providing terrific driving directions, and making sure my girlfriend and I had an epic experience. Can't wait to come back!

I found Lucia Farm through Fairfax Parktakes. I always loved horseback riding (trail riding), and…read morehave been doing it on and off for a few years so I decided to get serious. I was looking everywhere for low prices, and for knowledgeable instructors in the area. Everywhere I looked the cost for lessons were extremely high. I looked through my Fairfax Parktakes account, and found lessons that were affordable. They are scheduled on the weekends. I have Sunday classes. I love my experience so much that I plan to continue taking horseback riding lessons here! Here is a picture of my riding horse for training.

Great farm, great owner, great horses. As a "green" rider, I decided to take lessons here to get…read morefamiliar and learn everything my little brain could soak up. My first lesson was with the owner herself, Dru. You couldn't find a nicer person, let alone owner, to give you a private, first lesson. My following lessons were in a group setting with another instructor and were just as helpful and great. I would share her name but I'm afraid everyone will call and steal her from me as she only gives lessons one day of the week! (I know, so not the way of Yelp...shoot me) Not only do they give the attention needed to give proper lessons, but they really reinforce the care, time and attention that's needed to properly care for and bond with a horse. You literally start your lesson by grooming your horse (to bond), tacking your horse (with guidance, of course), and doing a little ground work. Lessons aren't rushed and the instructor always ensures that your safety and comfort level are top priority. Oh, and they teach English riding, not Western! I plan to continue private lessons to advance my skills and overall knowledge of horses and maybe eventually do some more group lessons. If you are interested in horseback riding lessons, I'd say go here. Also, for the work and level of guidance, the prices here are hard to beat. From my understanding, the farm offers additional services but I'm not sure what exactly they are. It is a bit far if you're coming from the city and its surrounding areas but it's totally worth it-- if not just for the lessons then to also get a fresh breath of rural air and to take in the amazing scenery.

Fantastic horseback riding experience! Top notch operation at reasonable prices. My daughter and…read moreI bought a 1-hour group horse back riding lesson for $25 each from Living Social. Setting the lesson up was a breeze. Owner Kerry is more than accommodating. Facility is beautiful with indoor and outdoor arenas. Everything was clean and organized. Teacher Catie was phenomenal. Had us trotting, cantering and jumping in no time (we both have previous experience, but hadn't ridden in a while). Horses were docile and easy to ride. Tack was very well kept. Really amazing place. Will be setting up regular lessons in the future.

By far best eventing barn you can go to, Kerry and Kate are phenomenal and ensure that the horses…read moreand riders are always happy, healthy and safe. Kerry's extensive upper level experience allows her to teach students of every level, and no detail is being overlooked at MAF! Facility is gorgeous, and the convenience to top notch loch moy is unbeatable. A very friendly, family-like vibe that allows you to feel at home from the second you enter. Whether you want instruction, experience or want a qualified person to help train your horse, miles ahead is the way to go!