Amazing! This family-run guided horseback tour was a great value (cost less for a half-day ride than the Homestead charges for a one hour ride)! My husband and I enjoyed our cool, sunny late September outing while vacationing and camping in the area. The Outfitters is run by a farming family; some of the trails go through the valleys of their farm. We had a small group of four riders so were able to load up the horses and drive to a wooded trail which was cool and pleasant. The horses were well behaved. The novice riders of the group were given gentler, "follower" horses which didn't cause much ruckus. I have a bit of riding experience (both English and Western, though this outfit is all Western-style) and was given a former "lead" horse named Mickey. Mickey was spirited but responded well to gentle guidance. They are training a new guide horse to lead, and Mickey resented not being the leader and would occasionally try to nip his rump or pass him to take the lead. The thing with horses are that they are not very sneaky, and I was able to tell from his body language when he was plotting a coup and head him off with literally reining him in. It was a blast. The guide was super friendly and professional and frequently checked to make sure we were having a good time and that everyone felt safe and in control of their horses. Before we set out for the morning, each rider received a brief private lesson and an assessment on how they handled their horse. The novice riders received longer instruction. Overall, this was a fun and scenic way to see the area. We felt quite safe and enjoyed the entire ride. read more

North Mountain Outfitter - A wooded trail on our late September half-day ride. That's Sundance in the lead with the outfitter owner and operator, and Mickey's head. - Guest Houses Near Me - Swoope, Virginia

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Extremely rude, disorganized, shocking experience. I really try not to leave bad reviews but I am shocked at how my dad and I were treated for horseback riding. I had purchased 3 gift certificates from Dwight last June. We weren't able to book last year and after winter I tried several times to get a hold of him to book the half day rides we had purchased. I eventually had to get in touch with them through Facebook messenger. We booked for April 25 at 8:45. We were about to head to the trail and another group drove up and they had also been booked for 9:30. Dwight had overbooked not remembering. They also had a wedding that evening. I understand mistakes are made and everyone is human. However, Dwight proceeded to be extremely rude telling us we had to wait over an hour for them to saddle up four more horses. We were expecting storms that afternoon, that Dwight had called me twice about concerned for the weather that day. We also had paid for 3 people which Dwight had initially said that would guarantee us our own time and private ride. He snapped out me saying no I was mistaken we would have paid $500 for a private ride. I asked him to not speak to me or my father that way and he yelled at me to get off his land and he would refund me. This was so shocking. He knew I had gotten this horseback riding trip for my dad because my mom passed away two years ago in April. I was extremely upset and he wrote me a check for a refund which ended up being $495. I would have paid the extra $5 if that would have actually gotten us a private ride. He was so unbelievably rude we couldn't believe it. I advise to never work with Dwight. The girls that were the trail guides were very nice. read more

This was the most miserable unorganized experience I've ever had! Dewight forgot that he had booked 2 groups at the same time. Instead of apologizing, he told us that he would refund our money and very rudely told us to get off his property Totally Bizarre! Bottom line was ,the other party had 4 riders and it was only my Daughter and me Maybe 4 paying guests against 2 paying riders? I have never been thrown out of any place in my life At 74 years ago, I was Shocked! read more

Found out about this place via Groupon and booked 2 trips! One down and another to go! Now I'm a pretty experienced horseback rider and I thought this was a fantastic half day ride! It's all walk and no trot or canter which could be kind of boring for those of us that like a real horseback ride. But there is something calming about being on a trail and embracing the QUIET and calmness of the Shenandoah. They are trail horses so it is a nose to tail type of a ride. They are very strict about staying in the original order that you started in. It's a very small group (no more than 10 riders). One trail lead and another Wrangler in the rear. This is a family owned operation so it is a very warm and friendly experience. The horses are very well cared for and almost pampered. They are VERY friendly and gentle and perfect for inexperienced riders. You might get a chance to feed an apple to your horse during lunch. I highly recommend taking back roads out to this place and see the countryside. It is worth the extra time! read more

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We had a great day! Nice people, very hospitable. The Bank house has interesting design and special atmosphere. Bewitching nature, especially during sunrise. The ride was just perfect, well behaved and funny horses. I would recommend it to everybody. We didn't have any problems or issues with anything. It was just perfect experience. We'll be defiantly back. read more

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This was probably the best horseback riding experience I've ever had (though I've only had maybe 2 or 3 other experiences -far from the seasoned horseback rider). Got a great deal for the half-day package, which is about a 3 hour ride, including the initial introductory riding lesson. The drive there was wonderful. The place itself is smack in the middle of beauty county - surrounded by mountains and clean, crisp air. When we got there, we filled out some forms/risk waivers, and waited for the rest of the crew to show up. After we were each assigned a horse, we spent some time practicing. The instructor taught us how to go, stop, turn right, left, and just ease into comfortable riding. I will say, some of the horses were quite the personality! They will listen to you for the most part, but sometimes they liked to nip other horses in the behind, and others, like mine, couldn't resist nibbling at the grass while riding. It was a fun time. Onto the mountain trail. The ride was generally easy-going, so we were able to enjoy and take in the lovely scenery. About halfway into the trail, we took a break, tied up the horses, and had a snack (granola bar, apple, candy/chocolate, etc.). The tour guide allowed us to feed some of the apple slices to the horses - that was a treat! :) My least favorite part was the ride back down the mountain. Because of the slope, the horses have a harder time, especially when the trail becomes narrow and rocky. I found myself slightly on edge the entire ride down, especially after the horse behind mine actually did slip and wavered. He also panicked and began attempting to turn around, right into the horse behind him. Thankfully, the rider was able to manage the horse and calm him back down. At the time, we all "pheww"ed and continued on, but looking back...that could have been a pretty disastrous event, had it ended differently... Fortunately, the trail eased and we all got back in one piece. Overall, I was very satisfied with the ride. The weather was perfect, the guide was good-natured, and the horses were sweet and gentle (for the most part). If I was the manager of this outfitter though, I would raise the age limit on this activity (currently it is 10), because it does have some potentially dangerous risks. However, the initial riding lesson was pretty thorough and we had ample time to become acquainted with riding. This experience is obviously not for the advanced rider, it's all pretty slow paced, but for those just seeking a nice relaxing day in the gorgeous open, doing something a bit different, this is a perfect choice. read more

I was looking forward to a couple of hours of relaxing horse riding in the Shenandoah Valley, and did enjoy myself for the first 30 minutes or so after we got on the trail. But after that, it turned into one of the most miserable experiences of my life. We had called the day before to inquire about the weather, and were assured the ride would still take place, rain or shine. We assumed the owners would make prudent plans for us in the case of rain - provide ponchos, for example - but no such luck. A little rain would have been okay, but when it begins pouring to the point that its running off your face and you are soaked to the underwear, that's when the owner should have turned us around and gotten us out of the weather. But no, he just joked "Not everyone gets to ride in the rain." Who would want to?!? Our horses were even getting disgusted with the downpour. My wife and I were shivering, disgusted with the whole experience and the attitude of the owners. Afterward, the owners did let us use the personal bathroom in their house to change into dry clothes - thankfully we were on our way back home and had our suitcases with us, otherwise we'd been stuck in dripping wet clothes. Just as they didn't provide ponchos, they had no public facilities or provisions to deal with this. It was an overall horrible experience, and I will never go back. It almost turned me off from horse riding altogether. read more

We go trail riding all over the country, in different climates and terrain, at big and small operations, ride well mannered horses and sometimes not so much. North Mountain Outfitter, Wayne and the horses were fantastic. We both learned things, and can't wait to come back again for an even longer ride and an overnight stay. The property is gorgeous, and your soul feels good just being there. It's that kind of place. read more

Had a wonderful girls weekend at North Mountain Outfitters! We bought the Groupon for a trail ride and a night's stay in the bunk house and it was basically the best deal ever. We did have some difficulties communicating with them in advance - we had some questions after we booked but never really got the questions answered. All that was made up for once we arrived. The trail ride was your basic trail ride - this isn't free roaming on a horse, it's a trail ride. Nose to tail horses on a path through the woods. The horses were well behaved and didn't even need guidance - they stop when the horse ahead of them stops and go when the horse ahead of them goes. I'm sure for experienced riders this is a let down, but for those of us with little horse confidence it was perfect. After about an hour and a half of riding, we stopped for lunch, which was provided and we had more than enough food. When we finished eating we headed back down the mountain and back to the camp. It was the perfect amount of time to be on the horse - a great relaxing ride, beautiful scenery, but we were ready to be done. After we came back, we headed up to the bunkhouse and it was perfect. The front porch has a great view, overlooking the riding ring and a pond with a campfire ring out front. Inside, the main living space is super comfortable and perfectly outfitted for a ranch. There is a hot tub as well though we never ended up using it. The rooms were clean and comfortable - nothing super fancy, but it's far from rustic. You are assigned a bedroom and a bathroom. I believe there are a total of three rooms, but each has multiple beds, so it holds up to 10 people. The only thing to note is that it is a bunkhouse, not a private cabin. Unless your group rents the entire place, you will likely end up sharing the living areas and front porch. Best of all, they provided dinner AND breakfast! Both meals were delicious and they really take care of you and get you whatever you need. We brought along some wine and enjoyed our dinner on the porch as the sun went down - perfect end to the day. The place is family run, and over the course of the weekend we met quite a few family members. All were super friendly and very intent on making sure we had an excellent visit. Great weekend and we'll definitely be back! read more

If you're looking for a relaxing break in your routine or an awesome place to go horseback riding in the woods, check out North Mountain Outfitters in Swoope! You will not be disappointed. Took a ride Sunday with Dwight, (Big D, to his grandkids) and had an amazing time getting back to my happy place. Dwight was the best guide and his horses are amazing, he has a gift of matching you with a horse that will take care of you. My friend and I are experienced riders and we had horses that were great. It was such a relaxing day and Dwight made it so much fun! Check their website for weekend events. Such a great place and so welcoming. If you want to ride a horse this is the place to go. read more

These guys are amazing! We just came back from a weekend trip here. We had bought the Groupon for a night in the bunk house and a morning of horseback riding. It's a family-run business in a very rural area. Dwight, Jennifer, and Jason were wonderful. They made us dinner and breakfast (delicious! Jason explained that he regularly participates in competitive cooking events, I can see why!) The beautiful bunk house has several bedrooms with individual bathrooms, a front porch, living space, and fire pit. They told us they built the house themselves! I should mention there was no air conditioning, but it wasn't an issue for us (even on a hot weekend in July! The ceiling fan in the room made it quite comfortable.) The ride was fantastic as well. Dwight was an excellent teacher for our group of novices. He took us on a trail appropriate for our skill level. Very exciting! I will admit, we were lucky with the weather; I can understand how riding in the pouring rain might not be fun. They also provided lunch on the trail. Highly recommended! read more

Went to North Mountain Outfitter last fall, Dwight was great! We'd never ridden horses before and Dwight does a good job teaching you. All around fun time, would definitely go back! read more

I just went yesterday and both my mother and I had a wonderful experience! We did the half day trail ride purchased as a groupon. The weather was perfect for riding - cool, but sunny. Prior to arriving, I had done my research and read on the company website that the rides do go on in rain or shine and that they also advise you to bring clothing in preparation for various weather changes. This ranch is the real deal. You drive out to a long winding gravel road with hills to the cabin and stalls where there are about 20 horses. These horses are taken such good care of. Their spirits have not been broken so they have various personalities and it is important that you follow directions and learn how to handle your horse. Dwight, the owner can come off a bit rough at first with his instruction, but once we were on the trail, it became understood why he was so firm and it seemed to come down to safety, for both us and the horses. Sarah was our other guide and she was fantastic! She was funny, energetic, and very knowledgeable. Due to the inexperience of the riders in our group, we did a very simple and easy trail. They put our horses on trailers and drove us about eight minutes down the road to a trail in the George Washington National Forest. We crossed streams but otherwise, the trail was pretty uneventful (which I found relaxing) and then around lunch time we stopped at a beautiful waterfall and took pictures. They provided us with a bagged lunch which was pretty good (except the sandwich could have used some mustard or something more for flavor) and then we rode back. At the end of our ride, I didn't want to go. I was sad to leave my horse, the scenery, and the relaxing calm of the ranch and surrounding area. If you can follow directions, aren't afraid to take control of a horse, can handle getting a little dirty, and exposure to various weather conditions, this is for you. If not, you're probably better off riding one of those pony's tied to a leash at your local fair. read more

We really enjoyed our first night at North Mountain Outfitters bunkhouse. Rustic and very comfortable. All the conveniences of home very well hosted by Jennifer! read more

My family and I went horseback ridding with this company this past weekend and had a great time! The owner, Dwight was incredible. Great personality. The horses were great (that is not always the case.) The trail was very picturesque with it running along side a good sized stream for perhaps half the trip. The only thing that could have made it better is if we had been able to go a bit faster. We went the same pace the entire time, though admittedly, the rock-covered path would have made going any faster difficult. In any event, we will definitely go back. We will just ask for a different route. But Dwight said he has access to 75 miles of trails, so variety should NOT be a problem! read more

Also did this for a Groupon last spring. What an amazing trip. I am an experienced rider but hubby is not. We were both happy. The horses are well taken care of, the trail was spectacular. The hospitality and food was such a nice break for us so nice to see a true family owned operation. We relaxed in front of the fire put playing frisbee with the owners dog, took a few hikes in the mountains and just had a wonderful relaxing time. read more

Wonderful Experience! My husband and I stayed last weekend. It was so pretty and peaceful. The whole family is so professional and friendly. The bunk house was beautiful, the food was amazing, the horseback ride was an awesome adventure! I didn't want to leave:) We will be back next year read more

Wow! What a great experience. This was the first time my husband and I had ever gone riding and it was awesome. Dwight, the owner, took us on a ride that was just perfect! The horses are well cared for and he matches up the horse with the rider. If you are in the area don't miss this opportunity. read more