Horseback Riding in Maryland

Update for 2024: Heart of Riding is going strong, thanks to my fabulous students and horses!

My new project, Nickers for Clickers Training Academy Horse Camp for Kids is now launched, and will be a whole summer of horse training FUN!

To sign up for the camp, use your favorite search engine to look for Heart of Riding Nickers for Clickers Camp - here are some details:

Youth ages 9 to 15 welcome ~ bring lunch with you ~ no more than 8 campers per week
Relaxed, peaceful atmosphere: most of our time will be focused on the basics of reward-based training for horses, inviting horses to participate at their discretion
Building a foundation that will last a lifetime: we’ll dive into horse behavior, horse care, and horse body language to better understand horses
Lots of horse time: campers will have opportunities to train horses every day, always under supervision
Dream big! Everyone will be encouraged to pick one behavior they want to train by the end of the week
Planning for contingencies: we’ll make shaping plans, measure progress toward goals and learn what to do when the training doesn’t go as expected
Learning should be fun: We’ll play games in which kids can take turns being the learner and the teacher, and discuss the differences between learning and teaching a new skill
Emphasis on safety: we’ll prioritize safety in all interactions with horses, demonstrating how to handle horses responsibly and with care
Life skills building in progress: campers will be guided toward learning patience, empathy, and communication skills
Fun without riding: many kids understand that riding is not the only way to appreciate these magnificent animals. Now they have a whole camp dedicated to all the other amazing things horses bring to the table!
Experts in charge: Emily Osborne Petrichor, owner and sole operator of Heart of Riding, LLC will be running the camp every day. Only select helpers who are knowledgeable and skilled in reward based training will be assisting. Emily has a long history of working with kids and horses in a horse camp setting as well as numerous certifications in teaching methodologies. Feel free to ask about Emily’s range and depth of expertise!
Campers will be asked to bring water, sunscreen and bug repellent, as well as a bag lunch. Clothing recommendations: light clothing similar to hiking gear would be best. Long sleeve shirts and pants made of very light material help keep bugs away and reduce the need to reapply sunscreen, while keeping us cool. A broad brimmed hat will keep the sun off the face and neck. Closed-toe shoes are standard around horses for safety reasons, ideally they would be somewhat waterproof in case we have rain/mud, but that isn't essential.
Campers will be provided with a clicker, a treat pouch, and plenty of reinforcers to carry out the training with the horses each day. They will also receive a pen and small notebook to record data / take notes if they choose to do so. We will be referencing several textbooks, but campers will not need to purchase those unless they would like to have their own copy at home. I can provide links to booksellers with that information at any time.

For rider biomechanics riding lessons, Heart of Riding school horses are now solely located in Highland, MD but if you have your own horse, I'm still able to travel to you.... See More

Leslie Deering has been training and teaching for over 30 years. She herself trained with an Olympic gold medalist. Leslie specializes in teaching classical principles while building security and confidence, especially while jumping. Leslie's students have become A pony clubbers and Advanced level three day event riders. In addition to events, the stable attends hunter/jumper and dressage shows. Training horses and riders for foxhunting is another of Leslie's strengths. She's hunted in MD, VA and Ky for over 20 years. Since having her own children she has also found a real joy in developing young riders and ponies and introducing beginners to the pleasure of safe riding across country. Quality horses are often available for lease.

Glendevon Stables offers 115 acres of natural beauty, with an active working farm full of fun critters including Clydesdale driving horses, goats and chickens. It is a safe and fun place to ride, learn and make like minded friends. *Please VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.GlendevonStables.com to learn more "about us!" *PLEASE CALL * to discuss your needs. We look forward to getting to know you!... See More

High Standards Equestrian Center offers private or small group lessons. With one of the largest indoor arenas and 3 outdoor ring, there's always plenty of places to ride. We offer lessons in dressage, jumping, and even western riding with a balanced seat approach. Whether you want to just enjoy yourself for a hobby, build confidence from a traumatic experience, or prep for competition, we can work with whichever direction you wish to go in! Ages 5 - Adult. Send an email or give me a call. Convenient to VA/DC/Surrounding areas. Just 20 minutes from Alexandria, VA.
or April @ ... See More

INDOOR ARENA for riding in all weather!
Teaching Beginners through advanced, all ages, your horse or ours. For pleasure or competition. Instruction by International three-day event rider Monica Fiss. We have a 100x200 stone dust arena with lots of stadium jumps and cross country jumps and 40 acres of trails. Lessons taught all day Mondays-Saturdays. Safety is our number one concern in advancing the horse and rider team to their maximum potential. Extensive competition program available in Eventing, dressage and Hunter Jumper... See More

Semi-retired trainer and lesson program manager, now taking limited amount of students in an effort to "fill the gap" for those who own their own horse(s) and want a trainer to come to their home barn or public facility that doesn't have a needed resident trainer. Please note that at this time I am a TRAVELING horse professional, preferring to work with individual horse owners who desire to form a knowledgeable, safe, intimate, and confident relationship with their own horse for either pleasure or show. Owners can haul-in to take lessons with me at Cremona (Mechanicsville, MD), if you do not have a suitable arena on your property. Can also take a few beginners without their own horse at this time.

I am a fully experienced English Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunter/Jumper, and Western Stock Seat Instructor/Trainer with many years teaching experience and former showing history in A, B & C rated English shows (medal & hunter/jumper), and AQHA Western shows (reining & gymkhana). I am therefore seeking opportunities to work with horse owners who wish to upgrade their skills and knowledge while boosting performance level, or who are experiencing difficulties in control, obedience, and maintaining a confident seat in the saddle. I use multi-frame photography as a teaching aid so that students may see and evaluate their riding and jumping at every phase of a gait or jump, as well as flying changes and making halts with quiet and virtually imperceptible aids; the mark of a truly advanced rider. Understanding how and why horses react the way they do will increase your communication and effectiveness as a rider no matter what disciplines you undertake; and, will help to correct any scenario which has advanced to the point where the horse too often seems to call the shots" and you come away from a ride frustrated and feeling like you gave in.

I also have a good deal of experience working with clients who struggle with fear issues (love to ride & jump, but are nervous, or had a traumatic spill); horses with formerly learned negative behavior problems that interfere with steady rider progress; and, I am a former certified equestrian therapies instructor, and Special Olympics coach. (I can provide quality therapeutic riding to you or a family member on your own horse.) Finally, I do what is most basic and necessary to the newer horse owner: give instruction on how to safely and successfully handle, ground train, house, groom, feed, and bathe their horses, as well as manage sanitation and pasturing techniques (to prevent health problems), at their private residences (or at barns that accept outside trainers).

IF YOU HAVE NOT YET FOUND THE RIGHT HORSE FOR YOU: my expertise at choosing safe, sound, and appropriate horses for my former riding programs can help you navigate the current sales market. Using your price range and riding level as a guide, we can ride and evaluate potential horses together, eliminating common first-buyer mistakes and horses with undesirable conformation faults that can signal unsuitability and/or early breakdown of the essential bony columns of the legs. Negotiating price and terms of sale is included in the percentage based finder's fee.

A New York Native where I began riding at the age of 7, my work in the Southern Maryland area includes teaching, training, and Program Management positions at Greenwell State Park (Able & Disabled Foundation Program Director), Holly Point Equestrian Center (Lesson Program Manager), and Serenity Cove Stables (where I taught 80% of the clientele and founded a secondary NARHA/PATH certified therapeutic riding program before retiring due to physical burnout in 2011. Clients are limited to the St. Mary's County area. No green horse/green rider combos, please; it rarely has a safe outcome. Child riders must be at least 7 years old, with the age appropriate height and musculature to physically control the horse they are mated with. For price quote and consultation, please call or email me direct: or ... See More

Let us welcome you to Thunder Plains Flame and Glory Farm! First I would like to say that I have 14 year experience in most disciplines and recently have been Certified through Riding instructors of America. Check out our photos and then come and enjoy the fun and relaxation of being around one of the most beautiful creatures God could have made. Thunder Plains Farm is a family riding school-we are not fancy(-but extremely safe, low cost and fun to work with. Now, down to the riding business-for your riding lesson you will have a single horse to master-we teach Western and English basics and advanced-most younger riders start in a Western saddle for balance and safety. I offer western, English, beginner and low level jumping, trail and just safe riding techniques. Leasing programs are available on several horses to show and ride. Lessons are all year round-the weather permitting. Beginners will learn care for the horse ,tacking up and safety first. I am very supported and will assist until not needed. Most lessons are 1 hour sessions for ages 8 and up. I offer a 30 minute lesson for 5-7 year olds. You pay for a month upfront and receive a discount if you have 3 family members or friends riding. If you would like to just ride once here and there I can work with you and your financial needs.
My technique is based on safety, natural horsemanship and dressage.
Trailering to trail rides and horse shows are an option at additional fees. I also start young horses under saddle from ground work to riding in the saddle. I have several horses I've trained that I can show. Please feel free to call me at or E-mail me directly at ... See More

Here at Free Spirit Stables Horse & Pony Sponsorship enables an adult, child or numerous children to sponsor a horse or pony. Each person will be paired with his/her horse or pony and our farm will dedicate time and effort to teaching how to ride and care for the horse or pony properly.

Monthly Sponsorships includes a weekly Two-Hour session where our farm teaches FULL HORSE CARE which includes grooming, tacking, riding and feeding the horse or pony. We accept students from age three (3) through adult into the Program.

We have two horse shows at our farm each year, we also participate in other schooling shows. If your family or child dreams of having a horse or pony but in our back yard this is the place.

We are a 501(c)(3)so you will be giving back to these wonderful rescue horses and ponies. Trail Rides, Summer Camps, Girl Scout Programs, Homeschooler, Extra Practice Times. Easter/Halloween/Christmas Parties. Pick-up at many schools. We offer a family fun place!... See More

Feelgood Farm is a friendly “A” circuit equestrian facility located in Frederick County, Maryland specializing in Hunter/Jumper training. We offer sales, boarding, leasing, training, instruction and career management to all ages and abilities. We also launched a breeding program in 2013. We would love to meet anyone interested in our program and would be thrilled to discuss any goals you may have that we can help you to accomplish.

Feelgood Farm is conveniently located in Frederick County, Maryland, within driving distance of Washington, Baltimore, and Middleburg, VA.

Two large indoor and outdoor rings with clinics, shows and off farm events.... See More

Riding lessons for children and adults, Beginner through advanced. Full service program available on our 100 acre farm in Monkton.

Happy on Hooves welcomes you to join us for a horseback trail ride through the winding trails of our ranch! You don't need any experience to get involved - we are here to show you the ropes.

Guided horseback trail riding is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature while learning a new sport. To learn about the many benefits of trail riding please visit out blog at http://www.happyonhooves.com.

We look forward to sharing our passion of welcoming and guiding new riders on the trail with you. Giddy up!... See More

Our horse farm is just minutes from Salisbury and Ocean City MD. Trail ride through majestic pines and towering cypress trees. Lessons for children and/or adults. Inside and outdoor arena. English and/or Western. Horses of all sizes. Holly Ridge is a serene equestrian center in Worcester County. We are dedicated to the sport of riding for education and fun! Our emphasis is on safety for both rider and horse. We have several levels in a series of riding programs. Each of our riding courses addresses a different aspect of riding including non-riding seminars and instructional grooming sessions. Each course is designed to teach students through theory, practical, demonstrations, written and lecture. All instructors are CHA certified. The stable is state licensed and meets all current nutrient management laws. Please call in advance to make a reservation. Family owned and operated.... See More

Forest View Farms (FVF) offers riding lessons for ages 6 - adult in a fun, safe, relaxed atmosphere on loving, dependable, and talented lesson horses and ponies. With a program focused on teaching students from "the ground up" each individual will learn how to handle and work around horses including basic grooming, tacking and horse management skills, and plenty of quality time spent in the saddle. Kerri Broch, the head instructor, is certified through the ARIA and offers both english and western lessons to beginner through advanced students with a friendly, and welcoming attitude. FVF also employs other patient and attentive instructors who focus on beginner/new rider lessons for all ages. FVF offers high quality lessons at reasonable rates with new-student discount available. FVF features a large, lighted indoor arena as well as an outdoor arena and on-site trails. Lessons are taught year-round at the farm and are available in group, semi-private, or private settings. The confidence building, goal oreniented lessons incoorporate many equine skills beyond just the basics and offer a fun-filled time for all. Whether you are interested in riding for pleasure, leisure, or show/competition FVF has a spot for you in our program. We enjoy trail riding, overnight camping, gaming, and showing in a variety of English disciplines including H/J, Dressage and Eventing. We also attend occasional western pleasure and gaming shows. Contact us today for all we have to offer!... See More

Lessons & Showing - Hunters, Equitation, Pleasure
Lesson Rates: Group $30/hr Private $35/30 min
Trail Riding, Adopt-A-Horse, Barn Sleepovers, Summer Day and Residential Camp, Junior Volunteer Program, 4-H

Hidden Haven Farm currently provides a permanent home to 14 special needs equines from our work with various local rescue organizations. Our horses are utilized in our education and outreach programs which seek to introduce horses to our community. We offer private english lessons, pony play dates, birthday parties, show teams, volunteer and working student programs and various other educational and outreach programs. We are a family owned and operated business since 1991 and we pride ourselves on our individualized instruction, attention to detail, supervision and support of our students and volunteers.... See More

We are a Family Oriented Barn, our main focus is to make you a better rider by finding your confidence and balance while riding.