This was a wonderful equine facility that had fallen into disrepair but is now under new, young…read moreowners. Repairs so far made significant improvement in its' facilities safety and appearance. More work is presently underway. The current crew are very knowledgeable and hard working. We feel that both our horses and ourselves are well cared for here. We originally boarded here for 3 1/2 years and enjoyed riding over its' ample trails and using the formal arenas. We have happily come back to ride here once again. This is a complete equestrian center no matter what type of riding you do.

As a horse owner and boarder, I feel like it's my responsibility to educate others in the horse…read morecommunity on how terrible this facility really is. I moved there originally because I needed a fast, short-term solution. However, in the short 3 months it was never ending care problems, stealing, lawsuits/scandals, and I learned that borders do not have a voice about their own horses. Recently, Potomac Riverside was taken over by new "management" and I use that term loosely. Rebekah and James's knowledge of horses and care is below zero - in the sense that boarders had to step up to teach them what a halter was, how to clean a stall, fill water buckets, feed grain, and lead horses. That does not even cover lameness or any medical issues. They wouldn't know what to look for if a horse were to colic or even know what colic is. A couple of other issues that I would like to also share. The first being that they ignorantly ordered oak shavings instead of pine. Oak shavings are toxic to all livestock and can cause colic, liver and kidney failure, and even death. When multiple boarders tried to educate them about this, they decided they were going to use the oak shavings anyway. Several vets had to be involved in order to correct this detrimental mistake. James and Rebekah also decided (without informing any horse owners) that they would be corralling the horses in from the fields instead of leading them. They refer to it as their "gate system", but it's corralling. This was tried a couple of years ago, by the owner of the farm herself. A horses ended up breaking its leg because it was trying to run to keep up with the mixed heard. It was euthanized the next day. Again, when boarders voiced their concerns about this system being implemented, they were either kicked off the property or asked to move their horses. I would go every single day to see my horses to make sure they had enough food and water, to clean my own stalls, and bought my own shavings because I had to make sure they were safe. I also moved out two days early and never received my money back for those two extra days I paid. James and Rebekah are unethical in more ways than one. I am sure this barn will try marketing tactics such as rebranding, but do not let a new farm name, low-level trainers, and other tactics fool you.

The staff are so professional, and one of them named August was especially kind. Last month a Knine…read moreRescue puppy adoption was at Woodland, so I parked up the hill to see puppies. Id brought apples n carrots for the horses, and tried walking down to the stables...until my darn arthritis flared up. August saw me, & gave me a quick ride to my car so I could park it at the stables! She really made my day! The horses are well-kept and the property looks wonderful!! Still a really nice stable, plus a tack room, etc. Highly recommend

This business is awesome. They have events for kids and adults to join in to. They are very…read morewelcoming. You will make great new friends. All the instructors are very kind. All the barn staff will help you with whatever you need.

My favorite barn! Erin is a great trainer and gives the best advice on how to improve your form and…read morealways helps with groundwork! She has amazing horses, some small and slower for the little ones, and some big and energetic for those with more experience. Highly Reccomend for anyone who wants to ride.

We took our 4 kids to an introductory class this past weekend. The kids ages ranged from 5 to 15…read more None if the kids have ever been near a horse. Tammy and Erin did a fabulous job catering to their needs and levels of understanding. We all enjoyed our time at Fitzgerald Stables. The stable was immaculate. Their horses were very calm and patient around the kids. Overall we had a fabulous time and we look forward to our next visit with them.

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!

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.

We are so happy to have found Cadence! It is an English-style barn and the perfect mix of skilled…read moretraining, great horse care, and a easy going and fun group of riders! Diane is an accomplished equestrian herself and an excellent instructor. I have ridden at amateur barns throughout the country and really appreciate her skill. She has tips about technique that I have not seen before and really work for me. She is a good instructor for everything from pure pleasure riding to competing in rated shows. The focus is on eventing at this barn but there are opportunities for pure dressage to combined training to eventing at every level. Hunters and jumpers are also welcomed. As important as the instructor are the horses. The horses are happy here. There is plenty of space for them to graze and they are cared for by loving people. Finally, and most importantly, the social vibe is fun and supportive. There is a vibrant group of adult amateurs, and ages span from just under 16 to over 60. Even when competing, the focus is on fun rather than on ribbons. Cadence stables is an all-around-great place to ride. We considered more than 20 barns before landing here.

Cadence is one of those special stables that truly values what's important - top notch horse care,…read morecultivating a positive and welcoming community, and providing great coaching. Diane is an accomplished rider and trainer and very collaborative. She not only helps me progress with my riding, but is also generous with her time providing knowledge and advice on horse care. I've become a more informed and educated rider and horse caretaker under her guidance. The people at this barn are dedicated and friendly, and ultimately the horses come first. There's an indoor, and outdoor, and ample outdoor space and grass to ride on. I also used to be intimidated by shows to the point where they weren't fun for me, and Diane and the community here have provided the encouragement I needed to make competing fun. Whether you're just starting out or taking your horse to the next level; looking to enjoy the outdoors or want to compete; want a lesson horse or are looking to board your own; Cadence is a wonderful place to ride.

Misty Brae Farm is a very special Place. Both of my…read moredaughters learned to ride there and will forever have a connection to horses thanks to the amazing barn. It is a place the empowers the children and allows them to be themselves and learn to ride from a beginner to very high level. We also loved the camps !!!!

I am an adult beginner who came to Misty Brae after having a very negative experience at Twin Oaks…read moreRiding Academy. After five lessons at Twin Oaks, I was very discouraged and nervous about riding, but I wanted to give it one more shot before quitting completely. Thankfully, I found Misty Brae! Not only is my instructor (Katie) a wonderful and patient teacher, but the entire atmosphere at the farm is pleasant and enjoyable. The horses are clearly well taken care of, and Katie encourages other riders to assist each other which provides a real sense of community. At Twin Oaks, my experience was to learn as quickly as possible but not well. However, during my lessons at Misty Brae, the focus has been to build muscle memory and establish a strong foundation while gradually working towards new skills. I plan to continue lessons at Misty Brae and would highly recommend this farm to beginners of all ages.

Beware, their legal terms and conditions state that it is the parent's responsibility to make sure…read morethe child's helmet stays on. That takes the liability away from the camp for that. If they don't feel that they are ultimately responsible for that, then the parent shall be present in a position where she can see and communicate with the child. In trying to enroll my child for their camp, I had emailed Mackenzie, who claimed to be the owner, if I would be in a position where I could see and communicate with my child during the riding time. My child is indeed within the age range specified for her camp. She responded by telling me the following: I believe we may not be able to provide the experience you are looking for. I suggest perhaps waiting a year or two until your daughter is more able to be independent .... If she is not able to provide accomodations along the lines of her own legal terms and condition, she should say so (or talk to her lawyer to change what she had referred to as "legal stuff", as if that's beyond her responsibility), rather than hide behind my child, suggesting that she is not independent or mature enough for her age. Mind you, she has never met my child. I expected more professionalism. Additionally, unless you sign up on-line, she asks for payment first before providing the terms and conditions and the forms. I had wanted to write a check instead of using the website. Her focus was mainly the money and just wanted me to mail the check, which I found to be shady. I had to actually ask her how she would get the info for the registrant. She mentioned she'd provide forms only after she received the check, but beware, there are no refunds after payment, so the whole process didn't make any sense to me. She also would not allow me to come by the camp to drop off the check and bring my child to see if she might be comfortable with the horses. Rather, she suggested I sign up for a shorter camp. I understand that's her perrogative, but it's a strange way to run a business, especially one that involves horses, which do carry some innate risks, and children. I'd want to see the place before dropping my child off. I had spoken to her on the phone before I had emailed her about the above, and I did not have a good impression. I could not finish a single sentence. She kept interrupting and talking over me halfway through every. single. sentence. She sounded young and immature though she might have been older. I wasn't surprised when I received her email response basically refusing a good customer.

While the summer camp program offers variety with horse-related crafts, riding, grooming and…read morechores, it was our impression that the program was more about generating income than providing a positive experience for the children. Right from the start, Mackenzie discouraged parents from observing the camp's activities, reducing any accountability between staff and students. Throughout the week, children received discouraging remarks from her, orders were barked out to them, dousing and souring their experience on numerous occasions. Largely, this was a joy-quenching experience.