Guided & instructed rides only
Every trail ride is led by an experienced instructor who guides and instructs you throughout the ride. We do not offer unsupervised horse rentals.
How Horseback Riding Lessons Work in Harwood, MD
Your First Ride, Step by Friendly Step
Booking your first horseback riding lesson in Harwood, MD is simple, and we have laid out every step below so you know exactly what to expect from your very first message to your very first trot.
The journey
Five easy steps to the saddle
1
Reach out and say hello
Send a booking request. Share the rider's age and whether they have ridden before — there are no wrong answers.
2
We plan the visit together
We will recommend the right first lesson or trail ride, talk through any questions, and find a day and time that fits your family's schedule.
3
Get ready for the day
Pull on long pants and closed-toe shoes, pack a water bottle, and bring a riding helmet. We will help with sizing and everything else.
4
Meet your instructor and horse
Arrive ten minutes early, follow the lane to the barn, and meet the calm horse chosen just for you. We will cover safety and the basics before you mount up.
5
Ride, learn and come back
Enjoy a patient, encouraging lesson or trail ride, finish with a clear next step, and — if you are anything like our riders — start counting down to the next one.
On the day
What a first visit feels like
Plan to arrive about ten minutes early. You will turn off the main road and follow a quiet gravel lane — give yourself a moment to enjoy it.
Your instructor will greet you, introduce your horse, and walk you through grooming and tacking up if there is time. Then it is into the sand ring for the basics: how to sit, how to hold the reins, how to ask your horse to walk on.
Nothing is rushed. We end every first lesson on a confident note, with a clear picture of what comes next.
Come prepared
A short, friendly checklist
What to wear
- Long pants — leggings or jeans are perfect
- Closed-toe shoes or boots with a small heel
- A properly fitted riding helmet (ask us about sizing)
- Layers you can adjust with the weather
What to bring
- A water bottle
- Sun protection in the warmer months
- Any questions on your mind — ask freely
- A relaxed, curious attitude
Good to know
Before you ride
To keep the experience safe and enjoyable for both our guests and our horses, please review the following before booking your guided, instructor-led ride.
No experience required
Beginners are welcome. Before departing, all riders receive safety and riding instruction from your instructor, and must be able to demonstrate that they can safely control their horse.
Age requirements
Guided trail rides are available for riders ages 15 and older. Younger riders may be accommodated if they can demonstrate at least 1–2 years of previous riding experience and are comfortable riding independently.
Weight & physical readiness
For the well-being of our horses, riders must weigh 250 pounds or less. You should be able to mount and dismount independently using a mounting block and maintain control of your horse throughout the ride.
Required attire
Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Please dress appropriately for the weather and outdoor conditions.
Helmets
ASTM/SEI-certified riding helmets are required for all riders. Bring your own or we will gladly provide one. Long hair should be secured so a helmet fits properly.
Reservations required
All rides must be booked in advance. We are unable to accommodate walk-ins or same-day bookings.
Weather policy
Your safety and our horses' safety come first. Rides may be canceled or rescheduled for severe weather or unsafe trail conditions, and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Arrival time
Please arrive 10–15 minutes before your ride to complete any paperwork and receive your riding orientation. Late arrivals may mean a shortened ride or the need to reschedule.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, honest answers to the questions we hear most.
Booking your first lesson at Solitude Stables takes just a quick message. Use the booking form on our contact page, and tell us the rider's age and any past experience. We will recommend the right first lesson and find a day and time that works for you.
Please plan to arrive about ten minutes early. That gives you time to find the farm down our quiet lane, meet your instructor and horse, and start the lesson relaxed rather than rushed.
Light weather is usually no problem, and we ride in our sand ring in many conditions. If the weather is genuinely unsafe, we will contact you to reschedule for the next convenient time, at no extra cost.
Most new riders progress nicely with one lesson a week, which builds skill and muscle memory without feeling overwhelming. That said, there is no requirement — we will happily work with whatever rhythm suits your family and schedule.
Yes. For lessons and trail rides we provide a suitable, gentle horse and all the tack and equipment you need. You only need to bring appropriate clothing and a riding helmet, and we can guide you on helmet sizing.
Ready for step one?
Step one is the easiest part — just say hello. Send us a quick note and we will take care of the rest, walking you gently through how horseback riding lessons work in Harwood, MD.
Have a question first? Email us at [email protected].