Waredaca

I just began riding lessons a few weeks ago here at Waredaca after beginning to ride for the first time earlier this year.
I enrolled in an Intermediate 1 class after feeling that I was in an odd spot at my other barn where I was the lowest student in the class and struggling with basic form and not able to keep up with instructions. Waredaca enrolls students in terms, so students begin at the same time and learn progressively.
There’s a lot of pluses at Waredaca: for starters, I really like the instructor Helen — she’s very positive and engaging and keeps the class moving along so that there’s not a lot of time sitting around listening to instruction — saddle time! The facilities are great, especially the indoor ring which is large and covered with non-​dirt material so that you’re not literally inhaling dirt or covered in it by end of class which is often the case at other barns (indoor and outdoor). We also ride out in the open sometimes. Finally, in the winter they ensure that there are not many classes running at once so that the indoor ring doesn’tw need to be shared.
I’ve only ridden a few horses so far but the horses here don’t seem to suffer as badly from pokey horse syndrome or other issues, thank goodness. A difficult horse can be the best teacher — but sometimes you just want to focus on the lesson being taught.
I just started out here so I’ll update my rating and experience here at a later date. The drive is a bit farther for me here but worth it.

Waredaca has a great lesson program for kids and adults. The best part about Waredaca is the 200 acres of fields, lake and woods surrounding the barn. In addition to the structured lessons offered in their indoor and outdoor arenas for beginners-​advanced, they have specific programs for riding out and about. It’s a beautiful place to learn to ride!

Coming back to the area as an adult, it was difficult to find suitable stables to get back into riding. I grew up at Woodland Horse Center and it’s an amazing place for kids. I have previously tried Reddemeade’s Equishare program but it was incredibly intimidating for me (to simply show up and ride on my own without being familiar with the facilities there) and I didn’t make good use of the program.
Waredaca has an amazing space for riding! Which is really the deciding factor in choosing this place. Because, let’s be honest, winters here are pretty awful. Thankfully this place has a huge indoor arena (great for rainy days as well). They also have breathtaking trails, and in general, just loads of space. The horses were all quality (loved Jasper and Grace) and the instructors were fantastic! Their class selection was so varying and awesome — cross country! trail riding! compared to most traditional riding centers.
The only issue I had was that it was hard for me to get started here — there wasn’t someone to take you around and get your situated and comfortable with how the stable is run and what is expected of you as a student. Like, after my first lesson, I had no idea where to take the horse to hose him down, poor guy! So I cooled him down and then finally found someone to ask. That would definitely be a great improvement to consider.
If you’re anywhere near the area, go here! I moved away but will be back when I move back to Maryland!

I can’t comment on their camp program, but as an adult this is one of the best stables in the DC area. Their instructors and school horses are top notch and they host one of the biggest horse trials within easy driving distance. The property is beautiful and everyone who works/​rides there is friendly and relaxed. Can’t say enough good things about it.