This is like nothing else. Going there is like visiting an old friend--the experience is extremely…read morecausal, laid back, and organic. It's almost like Steven has created a start-up farm immersion experience. At Steven's request, we started considerably later than expected on the horses so they wouldn't be exposed to extreme heat--which would be a potential disaster for me as a super-busy, over-scheduled DC person, but Steven was very polite about it and neither my party or the couple we met there were in any hurry. We also had the opportunity to Kayak in the lake near the main house, which was fun and relaxing, and Steven entertained us with engaging conversation. The actual horse-back riding vastly exceeded my expectations for excitement and interest. The animals were glorious and had distinct and entertaining personalities and idiosyncrasies, all well known to Steven. If you like speed, Spirit is a great horse for you; others prefer to take it much slower. You will get involved in every aspect of the horse's care--if you'd like--from swatting horse flies, feeding them, taking down saddles, and giving them a bath with a bucket, and you will get the best pictures you've ever seen for free, thanks to Steven. If you have a free day or evening, and you want a taste of what it would be like to live on a farm and raise horses, just go. Unless you own your own horses, it will probably be the best horse experience of your life. It will inevitably be fun, unscripted, and pleasantly unexpected.

Seems like they're on Groupon all the time. Our horseback ride started about 1.5hours late. I…read morewasn't happy about this at all. Not simply because he was running late, but because the house (castle/waiting room/party room) was absolutely filthy. I was really taken aback by a business looking like this, even if it's a business that works w/ animals. When we got there, the owner and assistant were on a ride w/ another group. Then the group we were supposed to be riding with were an hour late, so we had to wait for them. It was just annoying, although Steven (owner) was friendly. When we walked into the empty house it looked like a construction space, a hen was walking around the inside and I even saw it poop IN THE KITCHEN! Things finally turned around when I hopped on Sherman (my white horse w/ black spots). He was a greedy little thing and ate up all the grass but he was a great horse. Steven immediately put ppl on the horses and taught us while we were riding. He was a straight to it teacher and I liked that. He definitely knows what he's doing when it comes to animals. He took a bunch of pictures and videos and sent them to everyone in the group. I'm thankful to have such awesome pictures that didn't cost us extra. I'm giving 4 stars despite the filth because Steven was friendly, welcoming, and I enjoyed the experience. Tip: -don't eat there if germs bug u -don't arrive early, there's no point -yes, you're in the right spot, even though it looks a little funky on the outside

Honestly, if you're still looking for a place to bring your kid(s) you can probably stop looking…read more.. Positively exceptional. The management and instructors are the best in this area. I have 3 kids and all have made a tremendous amount of progress in a short amount time. In a matter of months my kids can tack/untack themselves, walk/trot/canter, and are going to shows. They look out for my kids and are always re-evaluating their progress so they can arrange for the best "fit" so they continue to improve. I have no experience in this field and they are so patient with me. They (gently) push my kids to be their best. My kids also attended a 1 week summer camp that was outstanding. They are kind and professional. They treat us like family. I wouldn't go any place else. I would give them 10 stars if I could. Special thanks to Tami (management), Chris (management), and Alex P (instructor) for being awesome human beings.

Great instructors, healthy and loved horses. Love the welcome feeling here for my family. Watching…read morescouts come in and learn horsemanship. Great place I can't imagine going anywhere else.

Wow. Gentle horses and smiling kids, friendly staff and busy volunteers. All in an idyllic setting…read morein Clifton VA. What's not to love. The riders are kids with disabilities, recovering military riders, and at-risk youth. The therapists are the horses, and they are expert therapists. It's a mighty little program that relies heavily on volunteers and it has something for everyone. Check it out and bring a friend.

From the owner: NVTRP provides equine-assisted activities to kids and adults with disabilities, youth-at-risk, and…read morerecovering military service personnel.

Drove down here on the weekend, in the heart of the wintertime…read more Visiting the area around Bristow with my mom + sister, so figured this would be a good spot to walk the dog. Plus, this was technically on the way back, so it worked out nicely for us. Entrance to the park is a bit tricky -- just go straight at the traffic light at the end of the road. The road is narrow, and it's easy to miss it by heading left instead -- a mistake we almost made. The parking lot is not spacious but there were lot of free spots at the time we went. Thankfully it was not too busy. Only I got down, as it was rather cold weather. I walked our dog for a good half-hour. Trees everywhere, the scenery was nice. A bit muddy at parts, but not overly so. I recommend bringing a pair of hiking shoes just in case. Trail ran through the woods, with some interesting views. Saw all kinds of trees -- long and narrow ones, fallen ones, dead and decaying ones where the wood gave way when you stepped on them. The walk felt kind of lonely though -- I honestly didn't see another soul on the walk. I figured it might be the weather or something. My dog enjoyed it a lot. I did too for the most part. The views were nice and relaxing, very calming overall. I am a fan of the cold, so that helped too. Overall, cool spot. Nice wooded trail area for casual walks, and for bringing the dog on. Last visited: 1/7/23

Very nice state forest for a hike! It's woodsy and provides plenty of shade to hide from the sun…read more Different trail options available. Picnic tables available for a food break as well. Toddler approved ;)

We were here to have a private horse riding lesson for our daughter's birthday:) She had such a fun…read morespecial time.

I can't say enough about our experience at Battlefield Park Polo. My sons have been riding here…read morefor 7yrs and went from timid riders to well trained polo players. They've learned horsemanship as well as sportsmanship. They have learned to care for the animals they ride. They have to make sure the horses are fed, given water and stalls are cleaned before they leave. This happens on a daily basis. No barn is perfect but if there's one place to bring a child who wants to become a good rider and polo player then it's here.

My daughter has been riding for over 12 years now. She's been with Scattered Acres for over a year…read moreand we cannot imagine a better place for our horse boarding and eventing training! A+++

Summary: an Introduction to Horsemanship lesson for three of my grandkids; it was simply, superbly,…read moreexcellent! In early April l contacted Scattered Acres about getting an introduction to horses lesson for some of my grandkids. Autumn promptly returned my call, asked relevant questions (ages, sizes, personalities) and worked with both myself and the boy's mother to set up a time and plan. The lesson itself lasted over two hours and included both Autumn and Lisa from the farm to guide the boys through a load of great learning; horse safety, riding safety, care of the horse, getting them saddled, mounting, gentleness but presence (confidence); it was just excellent. I was also very impressed with the way Autumn and Lisa divided up the instruction. The youngest boy can be a bit timid and Lisa was great about encouraging him and helping him along while still making sure he was really doing what was needed. It was a great example of nurturing a student along but not just doing it for them. Despite the occasional rain, the time flew by and all 3 kids had a great time and kept talking about how "cool" it was and how nice Autumn and Lisa were. As it happened both the Vet and Farrier were there that day and as a group we also took time to observe what they were doing. I could not have asked for a better introduction to the world of equines than the kids had that day. Just as important, both the boy's mom and myself (who can be adventurous but always extremely safety conscious) felt that everyone (including the animals) were always being handled in a safe manner. Whenever even a potential safety issue was seen the boy(s) were called out and constructively corrected. I had contacted six farms in the area, quickly narrowed it to three, and honestly feel Autumn and Scattered Acres was the ideal choice and stood well above the others. I have no hesitation totally recommending the farm, Autumn and Lisa.

They care so much for their rescued farm animals. Everyone is so kind and obviously loves these…read moreanimals unlike commercial zoos that exploit them.

I don't often leave reviews, but VVS deserves 10 stars. Bill and his crew are fantastic horse…read morepeople and humans. I had recently moved to the area and needed to bring my horse (3 year old at the time) out of his prior training barn and into a facility I could work him at. Well, lets just say my 3 yr old need A LOT more training then I had time or confidence for. Bill was wiling to help train him and keep me posted with videos and pictures of his progress. The horse is now almost 5, and is an absolute star! If you have a young horse, a horse who needs some refresher training, maybe a kid who wants to learn to ride, or just a wonderful barn family....call Bill, like right now!

Bill Payne owner/trainer of VVSP is one of the top professionals in NOVA and just so great to work…read morewith. He presented my 2 year old in the FEH East Coast Championships and took reserve overall 2yo East Coast. Judges were commenting how they "Really appreciate how he stands up and presents the horses so it is easy for them to judge". This is exactly what you want! VVSP welcomed me with open arms when I moved to the east coast from the west coast. His guidance and education in the sport set me up for success and it shows. He not only bred the top scoring FEH East Coast Champion horse overall this year but his expert education in coaching/breeding/riding knowledge and presentation talent really impressed me. He also develops young horses with a calm patient method. I am very impressed in his program and if you want success in our sport, connect with Bill for all of your young horse needs.

Had the most incredible experience at Morningside stables today with a lesson for my toddler…read moredaughter. Could not have asked for a more patient and fun teacher than Tara. The property is huge, with tons of space for birthday parties, a playground, trampoline, and so, so many horses -- including ponies and a miniature. We also saw experienced riders practicing their hunter style riding -- they were gracious and incredibly kind. That says a lot about the teaching environment, and it's a makes me feel comfortable having my little one here. Can't wait to come back.

My daughter has been riding here for the past three years. It's a wonderful place where children…read moreare encouraged to learn at their own pace. The owners are truly dedicated to the kids. My daughter loves riding the different ponies, the fun and caring teachers, and the special trail rides. I highly recommend!