I had an excellent experience at Secret Passage Ranch! We arrived at Secret Passage Ranch around 8 am, and I'm glad we did because by the time we ended, it was already picking up, which tells you something about how popular this place is in the area. Even so, everything felt calm and well-organized. Our guide, Nate, was knowledgeable and patient, but what set him apart the most was that he let the visitors experience the ride on their own, too; he didn't rush us or keep us on a tight leash the way some guides do. He made the ride enjoyable for everyone regardless of experience level (even as a beginner, I felt very comfortable), all while staying attentive the whole time. The ranch has a family-run feel, and the staff clearly cares about the experience, not just the transaction. That came through when I realized I'd lost my phone on the trail; Nate spent about a half hour helping us retrace our steps to find it. The horses were calm, well-trained, and well looked after. The scenery was also beautiful! The cost was about $90/hour. I'd recommend Secret Passage Ranch without hesitation. We'll be back! read more

Secret Passage Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Fort Valley, Virginia

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Went for a trail ride this past weekend. I found their horses to be healthy and well trained. I found the introductory how to session to be the most thorough I've ever had for a trail ride. Having said that, it took longer, but made me very comfortable/confident. I would highly recommend this place as an opportunity to experience a first horseback ride. The trail was pretty, beautiful mountain views. read more

Very friendly guy helped my kids (6 and 4) get comfortable around horses, and my 6 year old actually rode a horse a bit. They're very good with horses and have a ton of them! There weee two digs hanging around and the paperwork was fairly straightforward. The scenery was gorgeous. We weren't blown away, but had a good experience. read more

As I was looking for places to take my wife horseback riding for her birthday, I stumbled across Secret Passage Ranch in my findings. Upon emailing, I followed up with a phone call to ensure I was able to schedule in a timely matter. After speaking with Anita over the phone, I was sure I wanted to go here. She and the rest of the staff were professional and friendly. When we were there at the ranch, my wife and I were partnered with horses that fit us. As I have very little experience and my wife had none of riding horses, we were trained and informed on how to properly control our horses. Once we were finished with the off-horse rein training, we hopped on our horses and rode them in a training corral for practicing. All of their horses were very well behaved. After a little bit of practice, we rode the horses out with the guide who was very friendly and talkative the entire ride. We ended up going past our time and they worked with us on the price. All-in-all I give this place a 10/10 and a must do. Go visit this place and give them a try, you definitely get more than what you pay!! We will definitely be making plans to come back again. read more

Secret Passage Ranch - Horseback Riding Near Me - Fort Valley, Virginia

My 73 yo wife loves this place. She has a little dementia, so she needs some special care. They were very accommodating and tailored their care and her ride to her needs and ability. They also invited us back any time, even if it was just to be with the horses. Talking with Don, the owner, he's raised all of his riding horses himself, and loves using them in a therapeutic way. read more

My wife and I went there as part of our anniversary adventure. We're both experienced riders but not experts. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The owner went over some basics, which at first seemed over the top. However, he is looking out for the well being of the horse and the rider. He comes across a little rough but he knows what he's talking about. Always nice to learn something more than just get on a horse and fall in line. The facility was clean and well maintained and the horses were great. The only negative was the trail guide. Very nice person and experienced rider, however her communication could have been better. She had a tendency to ride well ahead and not pay much attention to the riders. Overall it was a great experience and we will be going back. read more

If I could give this ranch a ZERO, I would! The owner is extremely rude and feels like he needs to prove something to the world. We were actually a little frightened ...think ex-military, PTSD REDNECK! He speaks so low of English riders and how they know nothing and hurt their horses. My daughter has been riding English for 6 years, show level, and we wanted to just go on a nice little trail ride. He wanted her to prove herself first (fine, safe, I respected that) , but he purposefully put her on the most stubborn horse to teach her some sort of lesson. He had a helper in the ring that seemed like a young girl, that was maybe Autistic, and actually seemed a little afraid of him as well. He kept yelling at her. He sat back up near the barn, and made me stay with him, told me I wasn't allowed to be near her, that parents need to learn how to raise their children better, told me that she didn't know anything about riding!! He kept quizzing me, and her as soon as we got there ...silly things to see if we knew anything. Of course we knew, but he kept wanting to find something to argue about, English vs Western...like who cares!! We were just there to relax and enjoy the day together. He kept taking phone calls and was so rude to everyone, just arguing, telling them his life story. It was strange. Told me he could change our government in one day if they would give him a chance, told me all these yuppies come from DC wanting to ride and they don't known shit (duh, this is for tourists!!!!), he told me about a "cockey" English rider that was coming tomorrow to ride who said he knew how to, but he was going to put him on the jerkiest horse he had to teach that guy a lesson....said he was going to videotape it and sit back and laugh. Why does this man even have a tourist horseback riding business if he hates people?!?! Then, after an hour of my daughter being in the ring and now getting mad, she wanted to move along to do our ride or leave ...I don't blame her!!! He told her that if she didn't master that horse that she wouldn't be able to ride ...mind you she was CANTERING on this horse with ease!!! He just kept pushing her yelling at her to do more. He wouldn't let her get off!! ...he also wouldn't allow me to be by her in the ring, like some domineering tough man. I was finally livid!!! And went down there and told her to get off and we were leaving and she was so happy. She started crying as soon as we got in the car. I'm not sure what kind of outfit this guy is running here but it's not ok! We are super nice people looking for a nice quality time together. Scary!!!! read more

It's located in a beautiful setting with mountains all around. They were able to accommodate last minute extra guests and were really good with letting our 2.5 year old sit and ride on the horse. While she didn't want to get on at first at the end she didnt want to get off. I wish we would have gone for a longer ride though as it seemed really short. Would love to come back and stop at Shenandoah park and George Washington park. read more

My son and I had an excellent time horseback riding at the ranch, though it was our first time ever riding on a horse! We had wonderful conversation with the ranch owner, and the trainers allowed us to practice riding in a rounded track first, after which our horses were led through trails on their open acres to beautiful scenic views and hilly land. Though the horses at times wanted to stop or move another way, they were mindful of the riders and responded to simple suggestions. Thank you for a wonderful time!! read more