I've been riding at Full Moon Farm for almost 3 years now. I used to ride horses when I was a child…read moreand decided I really wanted to get back on (I'm in my 30's now). This place was perfect! The trainers are all very knowledgeable, helpful, and just fun to learn from. Everyone (children and adults) at the barn are friendly and always willing to help when you need a hand or just don't know how to do something. I highly recommend Full Moon Farm!

Great farm. i've been riding and moved up many levels. the horses here are cool. the trainers are…read morevery thoughtful and think about the rider and the horses. they do have everything you would need if your a beginner

Kat, Eden and everyone over at Urban Ridge Farm are the absolute best!! My daughter had her first…read more(and multiple thereafter) riding lesson with Urban Ridge Farm. She loved it. She learned a ton and looked like a pro pretty quickly. Excuse proud father - she's only 4. Simply cannot recommend this place enough. We'll be coming back for sure. Thanks!

From the owner: Urban Ridge Farm is a hunter jumper boarding facility. We offer full care boarding for your horse…read moreor pony with a large sand ring and 9 paddocks. Equestrians who ride at Urban Ridge compete in both local and rated horse shows throughout Maryland. We also have available horses for sale or an on farm lease.

We enjoyed our horseback riding experience here and would come back. The location is sprawling, and…read moreit was easy to find and check in. The staff were friendly and we were shown how to properly mount, ride, steer, and dismount. The group we were with were a fun bunch, and the lead was knowledgeable, helpful, and skilled. We felt comfortable, safe, and at ease. Definitely recommended!

Our Girl Scouts' horseback riding activity with Gina and her team at Misty Manor was a 10/10…read moreexperience. The girls and us troopleaders were outfitted with helmets, the led into the barn to learn about the neccessary grooming and steps there are to take prior to a successful ride. We lined up and met our horses, learning simple commands, and how to properly mount then ride our horses. We were then guided by Gina and joined by two of her staff on a 50-min trail ride - all the horses and girls in a single file line through the forest, up and down hills and through muddy patches. The whole experience was about 90-min with the grooming and safely measures taking up the rest of the time. I thoroughly enjoyed as did my Girl Scouts. This was an amazing experience for them and so happy they earned their Horseback Riding badge with a fun adventure.

Today was a beautiful day to visit this place. My husband found out they were opening up for their…read moreFall festival which included a petting zoo that included chickens, pigs/hogs, goats, Llamas, donkey, ponies, horses, rabbits, and turkies. The cost was not bad for the whole family, and kids under 2 are free. There were several various vendors, ice cream truck, taco food truck, and grilled food for sale. Parking was good and easy. My god-daughter enjoyed the pony ride. We definitely enjoyed the entire day here. My god-son fed and petted a few animals.

Took my kids horseback riding and it could have been a better experience. I'll start off by saying…read morethere's plenty of things to do at Hawks Hollow Farm. Plenty of beautiful horses, a petting area, a tree house & a park. We reserved time for the pony ride and petting zoo but it felt like we were rushed through our experience. The women who helped us immediately seemed frustrated because they overbooked 2 large parties along with our reservation, her vibe didn't feel welcoming because of their lack of organization. My kids did the pony ride literally 2 rounds (they wanted to keep going) then they had about 10 minutes in the petting zoo. That costs me around $60 & they do not take credit cards.

One of my favorite places I have boarded. Lovely rings, great training, and they host local horse…read moreshows in the summer. A really relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. Two large outdoors, indoor, riding field, trails, and a huge lounge. Lots of good memories!

The owner stole from me and my daughter. Pony was not taken care of at all. Ended up donating the…read morepony to Garrison Forest school where their trainer said she was the worst he had ever seen. Pony had to be put down because of how bad Pickwick stables took care of her. Do not trust this place.

This is a great barn, I ride here and I LOVE it! The lessons are great, I have learned a lot here!…read moreThe instructors are very understanding and teach me very well. I love riding here and love all the horses.

We have had a great experience with Wheaton Park Stables over the years. Our older daughter took…read morelessons several years ago and our younger daughter is in her 2nd year of lessons. We like her instructor, and think the staff are great. The classes are also very reasonably priced - other area schools are much more expensive. I like that there is a barn so that lessons can continue in less than perfect weather. Insofar as trail rides, we've also gone on rides as a family. I liked the trail ride in part because it wasn't your simple "walk along a dusty, long, flat path". I've been on a horse before, but it wasn't so challenging that a true beginner couldn't ride. I didn't find the guides to be harsh and if they raised their voices, it was only to let people know what kind of path was ahead/what they should do - and be heard along the entire line. I plan to go again. I had a great time.

It's been almost 1.5 years of riding here at Merkel, so I have finally have a well formed view of…read moreMerkel Farm. Stephanie (the owner) is, by far, the most caring, understanding, and helpful instructor I have EVER had. She understands each person's needs and can help each person grow not only in confidence, but in self-reliance. Stephanie always looks out for every person and makes sure they are getting the help they need, as well as being given the push to jump higher (sorry about the pun) as well. Her horses are all loved dearly, taken care of, and get to roam in spacious fields all day like horses should. No horse is forced to stand in a stall all day only to be ridden once, and returned. They get to stretch their legs and take in the serene backwoods Bowie scenery. Every lesson is formed around making each person better, with focuses in different areas. One day might be a balance day, strength day, cross country day, position day, ect. I never know what fun experiences lay for me on the other side of the white fenced arena. The grounds are well groomed, with several large paddocks full of happy horses. There is a spacious outdoor ring, covered indoor ring, and a host of cross country fences around the property. There are several friendly furry friends roaming around the grounds, including Brandy the ever present Goldendoodle, and Pepper, the most friendly cat in the world. I will continue to make Merkel my home and hope that everyone sees the beauty in this lovely farm tucked back on a piece of paradise.

This place is like therapy for my daughter. Great kids riding program that teaches them how to…read moreboth care for and ride the horses. Can't wait for summer camp!

Sandy and Willow are both wonderful! It has been a pleasure learning and growing here…read more If you're looking for lessons you'll have a wonderful experience here. They understand all levels of learners, the in betweenness, and those returning to riding later in life. The facility is ROBUST. Especially in comparison to some other places in the Northern Baltimore County area. On most days you have the option of indoor ring or outdoor riding. Both of which are important. I am definitely going to miss this place when we move.

From the owner: Horse boarding and lessons. read more

One of the best barn out there! Instructors are understanding,firm, and kind. They take such good…read morecare of their horses. So much land, so many opportunities and such a fun barn for shows! Always supporting each other! If your looking for a kid-friendly (and adult) barn this is the place!

Excellent barn that can take riders from a weekly lesson program through horse ownership. Great…read moreplace to get started in our sport and not have the need to immediately outgrow the program. Thumbs up. Good people.

This business is awesome. They have events for kids and adults to join in to. They are very…read morewelcoming. You will make great new friends. All the instructors are very kind. All the barn staff will help you with whatever you need.

This is a fantastic place to ride for kids and adults of any level. The staff/instructors are very…read moreknowledgeable and friendly! They have numerous programs for kids and even for adults who want to work with the barn staff and learn more about horses and their care. I give four stars only because the building itself needs updating, but the horses are beautifully cared for by people who have ridden and worked there for years. The land is lovely and riders can enjoy a terrific trail through the adjacent woods, as well. Lesson prices are commensurate with other local stables, and in my opinion, worth every penny! The atmosphere is laid back and friendly. If you've been intimidated by stable experiences, as I was in the past, this is the place for you! I've made new friends and really look forward to my visits to the Woodland!