Went for a trail ride at Mechum's View Farm this morning. It was great fun! The hour flew by, and I wished I could have stayed out longer. On a beautiful 500+ acre farm, we rode through pastures and hayfields, some fairly deep woods, and across small streams and the Mechum's River. My horse ("Jet") was well-behaved and responsive. The Western-style saddle was very comfortable and expertly adjusted to my 6' 2", 200 lb.frame. But most importantly, our trail guide Mike was absolutely great. He provided continuous useful instruction - essential for an inexperienced rider such as myself - without ever being overbearing, while offering interesting background on the farm and his many years of trail guiding experience, previously on the Outer Banks beaches in North Carolina, and more recently here in Albemarle County, VA. My girlfriend, who had never been on a horse in her life, said she was never nervous or apprehensive and had a wonderful, fun experience, which she also attributed to Mike's calm, relaxed guidance and his expert selection of the appropriate horse and the proper setup of her saddle.
The one-hour ride (actually a bit longer) costs $65/person, which seemed quite fair given all that is involved in maintaining the horses and equipment. Whether you are looking for a easy and comfortable introduction to horseback riding, or are a more experienced rider who just wants to see some of our lovely Albemarle County countryside, Mechum's View Stables offers a really fun equestrian experience at a reasonable price. read more
