Woodland Horse Center

I spent my childhood here and only have the best memories. Everyone was super nice here, from the staff to the students to the horse owners.
I worked in their student program and learned every part of running a horse stable. These are skills I will cherish for the rest of my life, especially those sweet moments bonding with the amazing equines.
Horsemanship-​wise I was given so much room to grow and learn and I’m grateful for all my teachers. I went on to compete in college on the women’s equestrian team and even the polo team too.
Thank you woodland!

I have been riding at Woodland for a year now and I love it! The people are amazing and I have met so many new friends. I live in Alexandria, Va but it is worth the drive because I feel right at home when I go out
there. I am an adult returning to riding after many years away and I love that the have such an amazing adult community at all different skill levels. If you love horses and want to ride come on out. We would love to have you.

Things smelled pretty clean, actually. I think the yuckiest odor zone was in the office where we signed waiver forms and combed through boxes of riding helmets. I wore ankle-​supportive sneakers and jeans, and admired other riders’ riding pants and boots. After one visit with LWL to refresh barely used childhood skills, I already prefer Western saddle over English. Evidently this site can offer Western style riding, but emphasizes the history and teaching of English.
Verbal lesson was nice, Socks was a good demonstration choice because of temperament. We were informed of the available programs, the range of experience of the riders who used the center, and safety basics. Enslaved teenagers is a hilariously accurate phrase, but Alicia was a very engaging speaker to adults and kids alike in showing us how to mount and ride. Interesting historical tidbits here and there as well. I still don’t feel like I’m posting the trot properly, but it was still fun, and I felt safe the entire time since we were accompanied by handlers.
Derby was one of the most restless equines participating in the lesson, and nipped me lightly on the leg as I was walking him back to the stable. I didn’t hold it against him though, since 1) I seem to habitually attract biters (when it comes to pets), and 2) I shouldn’t have let him shake the reins free of my closer hand. He totally didn’t deserve the two carrots I fed him, haha. I still enjoyed getting my souvenir photo of him, though. I’d be willing to come back, even if insurance costs prohibited trail rides to be sponsored here. Hopefully I won’t wait another decade before I go horseback riding again!

Came out for a horseback riding lesson and had a great time. The place is huge and gorgeous, well-​maintained by enslaved teenagers. Some weathered adults are here as well, cracking the whip quietly from behind the scenes (read: in the office). They have oodles of classes of various skill levels from newbie to high jumper. There are kids’ classes and adults’ classes at each level. (I think)
After our class, we were allowed to go feed the horses some carrots… and we were not required (this time) to hose down any horses or to clean any tack… Yay!
Note: Bringing carrots to just one horse makes other neighboring horses jealous and they kick stalls… so bring enough for everyone!