Five stars really for our guide, Cathy. Four stars for the overall experience. My friend booked a ride for her birthday. She'd never ridden before and I only have sporadically (summer camp outings a million years ago, vacations etc) so we were kind of nervous. Our ride got off to a rough start, the horses did not want to be ridden that day and were kind of difficult to handle as novices. My friend had Hagrid and I had Gracie and both were kind of dead set on doing their own thing. We understood as they are animals with their own minds and personalities. However we were kind of spooked starting off the ride. Cathy did a great job at keeping us calm and guiding us. I will say the horses my friend and I were riding apparently do not do well in close proximity with each other, and that was a disappointment because the whole reason my friend booked was so that we could do the experience together. We actually had to keep a distance most of the time because Gracie did not like Hagrid at all and she definitely let it be known lol. I really appreciate Cathy and Indian Summer Guide Service being so accommodating with us. We were coming from about 2 hours away and hit some unexpected traffic so we ended up late. Cathy still ensured we had a great ride with great views! read more

We booked a bachelorette weekend tour with Indian summer and it was the BEST trail ride any of us had ever been on. Most of us are beginners but the bride is a more advanced rider and she had an absolute blast. The horses were beautiful, well-behaved and absolutely full of personality (shout out to Electra). The pace was excellent and everyone felt included throughout the entire ride. Both Ashton + Devon were incredibly nice, communicative, and super flexible with us asking for dozens of pictures. If you can request a ride with them, definitely do it!! The merrie mill trail was also beautiful and a nice mix of open fields, forest trails, and spectacular vistas. This was the highlight of our trip! read more

See all

We started off with a little hiccup having to change winery locations the morning of the ride, but Ashton handled the situation so well and was so understanding and spent time making sure we were taken care of. The ride itself was so beautiful with such pretty views. The horses were well-trained, well-taken care of, and easy for beginners. We had an amazing experience and would definitely recommend/do it again! read more

See all

We scheduled a ride at Vertias Vineyards and once we arrived we received a text informing us they would be running late by about 15 minutes due to them having an event earlier. By the time we started it was about 30 minutes late but we weren't in a rush, so we were fine to wait. I requested a picture with the horses but was told since the company was running late we didn't have time, and they told us to take a picture at the mountain top. The guide was kind and the views from the mountain top were GORGEOUS. Although I wish we had been able to get the photo when requested as the lighting was better (you can't see our faces at all in the pic we took.) Beautiful views (a whole different look at the winery you wouldn't get otherwise.) However, there were some serious safety concerns. Although a horse may spook once (it happens) my horse, Pearl, spooked about 10-12 times, in which she began SPRINTING up and down steep mountain paths. I have about 2-3 years experience with horses from childhood (I identified as a beginner on the form) and was able to get the horse under control each time but the fact that the horse ran away multple times is dangerous. Including one time Pearl spooked, reared up, and the saddle shifted (not sure it was tight enough for that to have happened). I was holding onto the horse, riding sideways, trying to avoid the wires around the wine leaves. I fell off the horse but was able to land on my butt and avoid the horse's rear hooves. A less experienced rider may not have been able to react that quickly. My husband's horse, JJ, wasn't much better. He was constantly not following directions and ended up spooking 3 different times and running, including one time when it ran up the side of the hill, leaving a ledge between the path we were supposed to be on and where the horse was. After this, the horse refused to move from that hillside. At this point, we decided for our safety to ask to turn around. Our guide told us we had another hour left, but we asked to bail. By the time we returned we had 30 minutes of our intial ride left. The last time I rode was 3 years ago as part of trail riding through a different company. The horses on that ride were very different-they were gentle and slowly kept going forward on the trail path. I would encourage you to try another company read more

Amazing time horseback riding in the Keswick Vineyards. 100% transparency, I've never ridden a horse and actually have a fear of horses. But my wife loves them and for our 20th anniversary I decided to book us a ride and I'm glad I did. Nathan, our guide was absolutely phenomenal. From the horse selection, to the conversations, an all around good soul to be around. I know there's plenty of places to book horse rides with but I was lucky enough to find them and book a ride in a pinch. I'm glad we did this, we had a blast and the weather was beautiful, making it an epic 20th anniversary! Will be back for sure! read more

Ashton was an amazing guide! We had good conversation, he had recommendations for restaurants and breweries, and the ride was so much fun! We will definitely do another ride with him. Thank you!! read more

Indian Summer Guide Service - Horseback Riding Near Me

Best experience I could have asked for! I am an experienced rider and booked with my two beginner friends. The guide (another 5 stars for Nathan alone) was knowledgeable and helpful without being condescending to any of our riding levels. He clearly loves working with each and every horse and was happy to share about them, and to make sure the ride was well tailored to us. Every horse was extremely well behaved but had their own distinct personality, and they were all visibly healthy and happy. The horses were relaxed and got along well, meaning that the ride was just a hands-down nice time! The tack was in very good shape and comfortable, as well. Thank you to Nathan and Indian Summer Guide Service! read more

Indian Summer Guide Service - My friends and I on a winery trail ride with (Left to Right) Bart, Amber, and Orion. - Horseback Riding Near Me

We had a wonderful experience with Nathan and our equine friends, Lily and Hagrid! The ride was smooth, safe, and so much fun! The views from through the vineyard and at the very top cannot be beat. read more

Indian Summer Guide Service - Horseback Riding Near Me

See all

Superb place to go to ride horses enjoyed myself hope to go back as soon as it gets warmer outside friendly staff nice animals read more

See all

Took my dad for Father's Day to the Veritas horseback riding trails. Great trip! Very friendly, amazing horses, amazing views. You also get 20% off a bottle of wine if you tell them you did the horseback riding trip. Overall amazing. We will be back! read more

See all

This as a perfect activity for Mother's Day. We made a weekend event for our mom who wanted to ride a horse. The scenery was so beautiful and serene. The horses were so calm and patient with us. Out of the four of us only one had previously been on a horse. The guides were so kind and informative. They even gave a quick little lesson on how to get the horse move how you wanted. We left from Devils Backbone Brewery and once the ride was over they had a reservation for us at the restaurant. Everything was so timely and perfect. The best part was that they took pictures for us and sent them right ofter the ride was over. I definitely can't wait to return. read more

This was an amazing experience. Our instructor Sarah was very knowledgeable, friendly, and taught us a lot about our horses. Will definitely recommend and will do again. read more

Indian Summer Guide Service - Horseback Riding Near Me

We had a great trail ride with Ashton and Nathan! they were both super friendly and helpful. Clearly cared about our safety and comfort levels! Would HIGHLY recommend! read more

My wife and I booked a private horseback ride through the vineyards at Veritas. Nathan was a great guide and was extremely personable. The views were great and I'd definitely recommend Indian Summer Guide Service. read more

See all

These guys couldn't have been better! So much fun, so professional, they were great w our terrified riders. The horses were wonderful! Great communication leading up to it. It was EPIC!! read more

See all

Sarah made this excursion near Veritas such a pleasant ride for my wife and me! I got to ride Amber, who was a gentle but hungry horse, and my wife got Mack, who marched to the beat of his own drum (lagging behind, randomly neighing loudly, etc). I think Mack the horse generally needs some assertive guidance if you get him. Overall a great experience framed in the fall colors of the Blue Ridge and plenty of spots to hit in "alcohol alley" if you choose the Veritas ride. Fun time! read more

We had an amazing time with Nathan at Devil's Backbone. Directions were very easy to follow, horses were patient and great. You can tell instantly that Nathan, our guide, loves what he does. All around great experience. We also got free pints after the ride for telling them that we did the horseback riding. Will definitely be back read more

What a great way to enjoy the outdoors and see a beautiful local winery. Indian Summer Guide Service was spot on for service, location, price and fun. Our guide Emily was super knowledgeable about the winery and the area, she was also very patience with my husband who was a first-time rider. The scenery was gorgeous and the perfect way to cap off our week trip. Thank you! read more

Indian summer guide services are the absolute best! I have come back for the past three years to visit the mountains and to ride with Ashton, megan or Nathan. They are all wonderful and I look forward to next year. read more

Ashton and his horses are a total delight! A couple of first time riders in the party and were totally at ease...can say enough. This is my third time!! read more

Ashton and Theo guided us on our bachelorette trail ride through King Family Vineyards. It was the time of our lives!!!!! A group of "horse girls" we enjoyed hearing about the horses and chasing the storm in via horseback. The views were beautiful, the horses "handy" and quiet. We ended with a fabulous tasting and really enjoyed the Croze! Could not recommend Ashton and his team enough! We can't wait to come back and ride with them again!!! They also gave us recommendations for dinner and drinks for the rest of our weekend- and the recs were SPOT ON!!!!!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!! read more

A perfect way to explore the beautiful nature on horseback! I spent the weekend in Charlottesville with my girlfriend and we went on a 2 hr ride with Ashton and his wife up one of the ridges overlooking the beautiful valley. If you are looking for gorgeous nature, it doesn't get better than this. I had never ridden a horse before and they made it so easy that it didn't matter. I highly recommend it and I can't wait to go back! read more

A worthy excursion, even from as far as DC! We booked a trail ride with Indian Summer Guide Service which took place at the King Family Vineyard. The trail ride was intimate, exciting, and educational. Ashton provided a kick-ass experience, even though we are both novices. We were accompanied by Ashton's very energetic border collie which added an additional sense of adventure to the hour long trail ride. I highly recommend an excursion with Indian Summer and can't wait to go back again! read more

This was such as great experience! I booked a bachelorette party for nine girls who all had little to no riding experience and we all had a blast. Ashton and Nathan did a great job making sure everyone felt comfortable before leaving for our ride at Veritas vineyard. They took lots of pictures of our group for us, pointed out scenery, and gave lots of recommendations for things to do in the area. This will definitely be a day we will always remember. I can't recommend this tour and company enough! read more

Ashton was absolutely wonderful. During an anniversary trip to Charlottesville my boyfriend and I booked a vineyard tour with Ashton and are beyond grateful that we did. It was the highlight of both of our trips. Not only was the scenery of Keswick Vineyards breathtaking, Ashton's tour was phenomenal. He is incredibly accommodating and wonderful to work with, as well as patient (and quite talented!) to take photos. It was worth every penny and then some - certainly a memory that will last a lifetime. read more

Indian Summer Guide Service - Keswick Vineyards, photos compliments of Ashton - not only a fantastic guide, but photographer as well! - Horseback Riding Near Me

See all

Ashton was wonderful! He gave my boyfriend and I a tour of the King Family Vineyard. The views were amazing and he was very knowledge. He gave us great advice on things to do and places to eat in the area! We are definitely going to be returning!! read more

We had a fantastic time on our ride! Though a little on the cold side, we couldn't have asked for a better day! Our guide Emily was phenomenal, the whole ride I felt like I was chatting with an old friend! The horses were absolutely wonderful and it's obvious how well they are cared for. These are not your standard tourist trial riding burnt out horses. Each ones personality came through and they were all very even tempered. We couldn't have asked for a better experience, and we will definitely be riding with Indian Summer again in the future! Thank you for a wonderful time Emily and Ashton! read more

David and I had such an amazing time! Ashton was an excellent guide and very attentive and even gave us instructions on how to ride because we had never ridden!! The Veritas winery was beautiful ... his horses were excellent! I will recommend this venue to all of my friends for a great get away in amazing country!!! read more

Very late with this review and I'm sorry for that. Please don't let my procrastination deter you from booking ensure this wonderful business. We booked a ride at the King Family Vineyard (Excellent rose, btw). Knowledgeable guide & wonderful horses. read more

See all

Stop debating and book your ride with Indian Summer Guide Service NOW! My husband and I were lucky enough to ride with our guide, Ashton, yesterday through the vineyards and mountain tops of Veritas, and we still feel like we are living a dream. Ashton was extremely professional but also laid back, which coupled together, made for the perfect riding experience. Furthermore, he was flexible and willing to work with us to schedule our ride on a day when the weather was great lacking any cloud cover/fog that could've potentially inhibited us from seeing all of the stunning views. We aren't experienced riders, and we appreciated the time he took to help us and make us feel at ease and in control of the horses. During the ride, he provided some rich history of the property and surrounding areas. He also had lots of great recommendations on places to stay, eat, hike, etc. We couldn't be more appreciative of his time, professionalism, and expertise! The next time we're in town, we plan to book again! Thanks again Ashton! It was epic! read more

See all

This horseback ride outing was a gift from Nicole's parents, Rick & Dottie, for our 20th wedding anniversary. We chose King Family Vineyards because I had heard good things about the polo matches and Nicole taught one of their children at school. Ashton was a great guide and we loved his mild mannered horses, Bo and Murphy. The wine tasting afterward with Kim was also a treat. read more

Indian Summer Guide Service - Nicole and I at King Family Vineyards located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains for our 20th wedding anniversary. - Horseback Riding Near Me

I've done several rides with Indian Summer and Ashton and his crew are the best! I'm a horse person, but I always bring non-horse people with me because I know they'll have the best first experience with Ashton and his perfect horses. The rides are so cool because you get to explore areas you wouldn't ever get to if you weren't on horseback. The Veritas ride is amazing, as well as King Family. Definitely book a ride with Indian Summer! read more

My husband surprised me with a vineyard tour by horseback. Ashton was a wonderful tour guide. Very down to earth. He educated us on the different types of wines and how the wine is made. The 2hr tour was amazing and I highly recommend anyone to use his services! We will definitely use him again. Thanks again Ashton and the King family vineyard!! read more

See all

Our group had an absolutely amazing time on our ride with Ashton, Caleb, and Kim and all of the beautiful horses!! We had a lot of first time riders and Ashton and the crew did a great job of getting everyone comfortable. We all can't wait to do it again! Thanks for the great ride, views, and photos!! read more

Indian Summer Guide Service - Horseback Riding Near Me

Hailey was a great guide and the entire experience was fantastic! Our group thoroughly enjoyed the ride through the woods and the horses were beautiful and amazing to ride. read more

We had a great time thanks to friendly, experienced, and professional guides. The scenery was fantastic and so was the wine tasting at the end. Well worth it! read more

Wow, what an excellent time we had. Ashton was great! So friendly, knowledgable and he went out of his way to get great photos for us as well. We did the 1.5 hour King Family Vineyard tour and it was so beautiful. The horses are gorgeous and the property spectacular. One in our group was a beginner and they loved it. If you would like to horse back ride in Charlottesville look no further. You also get a wine tasting at the end of your ride included with your tour. We'll definitely be back! Maybe for a trail ride next time read more

See all

One of the BEST ways to enjoy what central VA has to offer. Ashton runs this operation like a professional. I have no doubt someone with any interest would enjoy every bit of this experience. My mother and I liked our guided tour of King Family Vineyard, and I don't doubt the other locations offered are just as pleasant. read more

I highly recommend this to anyone planning a romantic date, or just wanting to get away from urban life and absorb the scenery. I took my boyfriend on a date for a trail ride through the vineyards at the Veritas Farm just outside of Charlottesville and we both loved the experience. Our guide Emily was fantastic. She showed us the most breathtaking views and captured memorable photos while at it. Ashton is very hospitable and organized the entire excursion for us under such short notice. He is very accommodating and easy to communicate with. We will definitely be back soon! read more

We absolutely love this company and experience! If you are looking for a unique experience in the picturesque countryside of Charlottesville; look no further! We have done two horse back riding experiences with them and both have been some of the best memories we have. My fiancé surprised me with our first experience with Indian Summer Guide Service many years ago to celebrate a birthday of mine and it was so special! We recently camr back because our wedding was rescheduled because of covid 19 and it was such a fun and breathtaking ride. Ashton the owner is amazing and so personable! The whole experience is something you will not regret! They also offer custom event options to add on if you are in the market for a corporate retreat experience or wedding rehearsal dinner that is anything but standard! read more