Horseback Riding in Bethesda, Maryland (Montgomery County)

Lessons for all Ages
Children and Adults
IEA Equestrian Teams Middle and High School
Showing - Leases - Boarding Available
A-rated horses available for lessons
and/or shows
Family atmosphere and 15 minutes D.C.Hunt Seat, Lesson Horses, Hunter/Jumper, Showing, Young Riders, Group Lessons, Private Lessons, Boarding, Haul-Ins, Weekend Lessons, Beginning Riders, Adults, Horse Leasing, Family Oriented, Coaching.
In operation for 47 years with an impeccable reputation.... See More

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

Butler Equestrian is a hunter/jumper/equitation farm located on 20 acres of rolling hills. Our Equestrian Director and Trainer, Jennie Garraffa is a certified trainer with the United States Equestrian Federation. We have access to miles of trails on Seneca Park and an indoor and an outdoor riding ring. We are relaxed and focused on having fun. We teach ages 6 through adult, this includes some Mom and Children teams! We not only teach riding skills to all ages but also horsemanship skills and focus on the partnership between horse and rider. We offer lessons, partial leases and attend local horseshows.... See More

CARRIAGE DRIVING LESSONS! Learn how to drive with my horse here . Teach your horse to drive with instruction. Consulting in vehicle & equipment needs & fit. Driving is a ton of fun but less forgiving that riding. Learn safely & avoid expensive mistakes from an experienced & Certified driver. Beginners welcome. Adults & Juniors. Consults, lessons, clinics.... See More

Hunt View Farm is convenient to DC, Bethesda, Rockville, and Potomac, Hunt View Farm is located on 1000 acres of privately owned fields and woods next to the C&O Canal towpath and McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area with direct access to miles of fabulous trails.

Our farm is located in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve and owned by a member of EPIC. Hunt View Farm was established in 2003 and is operated by Dr. Carlos Torres, a veterinary professional with extensive experience in horse management. We also have an outstanding training program that works with beginning youth and adult riders, hunter/jumpers, and dressage - we welcome riders of all ages, level of experience, those who wish to show and those who simply want to enjoy a pleasant and safe ride on the trail in English or Western style riding. Our training horses are simply spectacular and we do offer guided trail rides for individuals or groups.... See More

Qualified Instructor that will travel to you or you can ride at my facility using the school horses provided in the Poolesville/Montgomery County MD area. I specialize in finding your perfect seat for a comfortable and correct ride. My background is in hunt seat equitation on the flat and over fences, as well as training level dressage. I have been a rider most of my life, attended and graduated from Southern Seminary College in VA and rode on the intercollegiate open equestrian team under JT Tallon - courses included stable management, hunt seat equitation, equine biology. Currently, I personally ride only dressage but continue to teach hunt seat and training level dressage. I am 44 years old and have a lot of experience to help you feel comfortable with your horse on the ground and under tack. I believe in building a solid relationship with your horse and teaching horse care as well as horseback riding. I teach private lessons for $60 per hour and semi private lessons for $50 per hour. If you struggle with finding a secure seat and developing a positive relationship with your horse, I am here to help!... See More

Merkel Farm is a family owned and operated equestrian center run by Stephanie Serenati-Merkel. Merkel Farm is nestled between Bowie State University and the Patuxent Wildlife Preserve in Bowie, MD and is within easy reach from the Washington D.C., Annapolis and Baltimore metro areas. Merkel Farm has miles of trails, a lighted indoor and outdoor ring, which allows for riding horses and horseback riding lessons to be conducted year round. We have two barns and separately fenced fields for turnout. The outdoor and indoor rings are dragged throughout the year to maintain optimal footing for horses. We have a small cross country course and a full set of jumps in each ring.... See More

Holly Stello competed for many years on the AA Circuit, also judging, training, and managing a show stable with a team of riders of all ages. She competed in many finals, including the USEF Medal Finals in 2004 and 2005, was Zone II Large Jr Hunter Champion with The Professor in 2004, and earned top ribbons in the indoors and at The Devon Horse Show. Now, she focusing on teaching horse and rider to work as a team in preparation for the show ring in hunters, equitation, or jumpers.... See More

Aisling Stables provides horseback riding lessons to students year round. Students vary of all ages, disciplines, and levels. Well-trained school horses are provided for lessons. Private lessons offer one on one instruction and are 45 minutes in length. Semi-privates consist of 2-3 riders per lesson and are 1 hr. Lead-line lessons are also available and include parent involvement with 15 minutes of horsemanship and 30 minutes of ride time. Package deals (four lessons) are available for students who wish to ride on a consistent basis. Lessons are discounted 10% and to be scheduled on the same day and time for each week, with packages to be used within five weeks time of purchase. Lessons have a minimum of a 24-hr cancellation policy.... 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.

"The mission of LeCheval Stable is to educate the community about therapeutic horseback riding, provide counseling and equine-facilitated support services for the purposes of recreation, exercise, sport and rehabilitative therapy in an inclusive setting.”
LeCheval Stable, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, provides an opportunity for individuals and families to explore the equestrian experience. Riders ages 5 to adult learn basic standards necessary for safe riding. Lessons are geared to the strengths and needs of the rider after an initial evaluation. Horsemanship, skill progression and equitation are taught using the guidelines of the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and Maryland 4H Horsemanship Program. Beginning and intermediate riders work towards independence to build equestrian knowledge to support the ongoing process of skill progression. Riders learn to use the natural aids of voice, seat, hands and legs to influence and communicate with their horse.

Therapeutic riding instruction is provided by certified instructors through Professional Association Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International. Hippotherapy and consultation with occupational, physical or speech language therapists is available. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) scheduled by appointment.

Director and lead instructor is also state examiner for 4H Levels 1-4... See More

SVE is a riding program that focuses on developing each riders innate ability at their own pace, fosters teamwork and horsemanship skills, offers private and group lessons for students wishing to ride two or more days per week or who are interested in leasing. All lease clients have the privilege of attending local and rated shows.... See More

Lecheval stable l, 501 c 3 Jon profit organization. provides private and semi private sessions for riders of all ages as well as unmounted equine handling and learning sessions. Therapeutic riding program with opportunity to participate in horse shows.
Equine facilitated psychotherapy supporting individuals and families.... 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

Several trainers for you to chose from. They are of several different disciplines: Dressage, Hunter jumper , eventing Horsemanship, Problem solving. To list the regular trainers who train at our facility Hilary Moore - Dressage and Eventing + Jessica McTaggart - Dressage and Hunter Jumper + Bob Ciri - certified John Lyons Horsemanship Trainer and Problem solving horse training + Sally Wisniewski - Hunter Jumper and Problem Solving horse training + Lauren Kimmel - Eventing and Dressage and Hunter Jumper + Jinna LaCroix - Dressage.... See More