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

Camp Letts Equestrian Center is built on the belief that riders should excel in sportsmanship and horsemanship as well as riding. We believe that winning is the result of good riding, good horsemanship and faultless sportsmanship! All of our instructors are CHA certified instructors and our horses and riders compete at both the schooling and rated levels. Our Director has over 30 years of experience with Hunters, Equitation and Jumpers at all skill levels. Combining our belief and experience along with the YMCA allows all riders the chance to ride and compete at an affordable price. You don’t have to own a horse to be a great rider…you just need dedication! Kelly McCarley is the Director at Camp Letts Equestrian Center with Assistant Trainer Dawn Connell. Kelly and Dawn have over 30 years of experience in hunters/jumpers/equitation teaching, breaking and training, sales, showing at all levels (Local and Rated, judging and providing clinics. We offer group lessons with no more than 6 riders per group at a rate of $30 per hr and private 1/2 hr lessons at a rate of $35. We also offer summer residential camps, day camps, school break camps, Girl Scout badge programs, horse showing (2 traveling teams, horse leasing (for clients only), Junior Volunteers and much, much more! We are a fully licensed and insured stable and offer a family atmosphere with a loyal client following even after they go to college!! We teach beginner through advanced, ages 5-Adult on safe, reliable and show quality horses. Our horses are used in all of our programs whether it be lessons, camps, horseshowing, clinics or anything else we do with each horse only working 2-3 hours in the morning and/or two hours per evening and all of them receive a minimum of 2 days off per week along with a two week vacation each year - oh yeah...it's great to belong to our herd!! While we own quite a few of our horses, we also have rescued racehorses and slaughter house horses that we bring in, retrain and they become our show horse stars of tomorrow!! There's no need for any rider to own a horse...we have plenty and the best riders are those who ride many different types. Our riders and horses receive many Champion awards annually at the circuit year-end banquets we attend. So whether you are a serious show rider or a recreational rider, we have the program for you all in a family, fun-filled environment where there is no "Top Rider" only fellow riders! Sound interesting? Call today and come visit us...we offer evaluation rides at no cost to you...we just want to make sure we get you in the right skill group! Call today and get ready for the ride of your life! You can reach us at . We are located 5 miles south of Annapolis and 5 miles from Davidsonville/Harwood just past the intersections of Rt. 214 and Rt. 2 South. You won't find better instruction, better horses or better barnmates anywhere!... See More

Victory Equine Centre in Frederick, MD, has closed, effective March 1, 2013. We have tack and barn supplies for sale until the end of May. Please e-mail for information. Our instructor is available to teach privately on your horse at your stable; please contact Karlen 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

Situated in an idyllic spot in Lusby, MD, Hi-Tail It Stables have sponsored HCC Riding School on-site to provide a lesson program. A stable of beautiful, happy horses reside on its grounds.

HCC Riding School is not only about riding lessons, we concentrate on the entire package. We provide an overall education in horsemanship including riding, grooming, clipping and veterinary skills. We teach what it takes to take care of a horse (Stable Management). We cover basic first aid and preventative care, nutrition, etc.. We even teach history, biology and anatomy of the horse.

We try to give an appreciation of equestrian-related industries. To that end we study different horse breeds, horse racing and horse husbandry. To further this goal, we go on field trips to horse facilities, breeding and training farms and equine hospitals.... 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

With over 50 years experience teaching and training driving and dressage, Lynne takes an individual approach to each horse and rider combination focusing on their strengths and weaknesses to bring out the best of each pair whether on your horse or one of her many well trained horses. Elizabeth has over twenty years teaching and training hunters, equitation, dressage and eventing focuses the team, making the horse and rider bring out the best in each other. Both Elizabeth and Lynne have a passion for creating great equine and rider teams. Please visit us at www.statesmanfarm.com to see what we are all about!... See More

The goal of our riding program is to teach novice students how to ride, handle and groom horses safely and to help more experienced riders achieve success and confidence riding in a variety of disciplines including dressage, hunters/jumpers, eventing, Western, pleasure riding, basic horsemanship, and trail skills. We accept students from 4 to 104!

Our school horses are carefully chosen for their quiet temperament, good manners and their abilities to help students learn the fundamentals of riding from the beginner to the intermediate /advanced level. We have horses and ponies that school both English and Western and are available for lessons and showing.

Our trainer, Aurelie has many years of riding experience. Aurelie started her riding career in France in the famous military institution “CSEM Centre Sportif d’Equitation Militaire” in Fontainebleau. She graduated “Galop 7”, the highest level in the French federal certification. She was ready to become a horse owner and she spent her time competing in local jump shows and events. She competed in the French national championship in 2004 and 2005 and was selected for 1 star 3-day eventing competitions. She moved in United States in 2016 where she imported her young French event mare. She currently competes at training/preliminary level and plan to compete at an international level. Aurelie’s focus is on creativity to keep the exercises interesting and exciting for students and horses. She will listen to your goals and expectations, and will help you reach and exceed those goals.

We also accept trailer ins for lessons if you wish to train on your own horse. Our beautiful indoor arena has Surefoot Equestrian Footing, the most shock absorbent, anti-concussive footing in the area! We also have a lighted outdoor sand ring as well as obstacle areas and a 9 jump cross country trail. We have a variety of wonderful jumps including many fun verticals, roll tops, walls, flower boxes, and more.

If you are looking for a structured activity that will provide your child with physical activity, fun, and teach responsibility throughout the year, lessons at Westbrook Horse Farm is the answer!

Our experienced instructor will work with you to increase your skill level and reach your goals whether you are a beginner who is just learning about horses or you are an advanced rider looking for a competitive edge!

* Private and Semi-Private Lessons Available
* English or Western
* Basic Skills Training, Dressage, Hunt Seat, Jumping & Eventing
* We provide our own lesson horses or you can trailer in to train with your own horse
* Novice riders will learn basic horsemanship skills, good riding mechanics, increase their confidence and skill level
* Intermediate and Advanced Riders will be able to work with our instructor on specific goals and performance training.

Our lessons are custom tailored to each rider and is perfect for anyone who simply wants to enjoy an occasional trail ride or a rider who is ready to compete in the show ring. Riders of all ages can achieve their goals with the assurance that they are being taught by an experienced instructor on the best lesson horses in the area. Westbrook Horse Farm prides itself on the diversity of our lesson program and our ability to make all levels of riders feel at home.

Unlike many farms who say "Whoa!" to their lesson program during winter months, at Westbrook Farm, we keep going strong in our beautiful indoor arena with Surefoot Equestrian Footing - the most shock absorbent, anti-concussive footing in the area! We also have cross country trails and obstacle areas to work in!

For more info or to schedule a lesson, please email or call

We also offer individual pony rides by appointment for children under the age of 12.

LESSON RATES
1 Hour lesson (boarded horse or farm’s school horse) $50
1 Hour lesson (trailer in to ride your own horse) $65
Pony Ride (lead line) $40... 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