Virginia Horseback Trail Ride
For my fiance’s birthday, I surprised him with a horseback trail ride in Front Royal, Virginia! There are a lot of stables in the DC area, but I decided to book with a stable in Front Royal so we could enjoy the mountain views without driving all the way to the Shenandoah area. I looked at several different places before deciding on Double H Stables. There are a lot of great options and each have pretty affordable prices for hour or 90 minute rides. I mainly chose Double H for the convenient location off the highway and I thought the trails would offer great views.
I was nervous that the horseback trail ride might be boring for my fiance because he is an experienced rider. However, I am a complete newbie so the ride had to be okay for different skill levels! I figured the views from this stable would make it fun enough even if we went slowly on the trail. When I booked over the phone, the staff were really helpful. They ask about the skill level of all riders to ensure they match you with the right horse and that the guide can help you to have a great experience.
Before you start on the horseback trail ride, the guide teaches you how to go left/right, go, and stop (very important!). They take you on a brief walk in a fenced in area. This helps to get the hang of riding and steering! The trail is a combination of uphill, downhill, and flat terrain. Sometimes we were in the woods, other times we were in the open with stunning views. It was extra gorgeous with the changing leaves!
You can book private rides or ride in a group with others. We rode with several other couples and everyone was very friendly. I was happy that I booked the hour and a half ride because one hour passed so quickly! We got to trot and even canter! When we got to canter, I legitimately felt like a little kid – I started laughing so hard I cried! It was so much fun for both us – even with our drastically different skill level. I can’t wait to book another horseback trail ride!
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22 Comments
ellypaunoska
Yeah girl i got that feeling , i will never ride on horse, i scared so much.
traciedwardsphoto
I love doing trail rides anywhere I travel, so much fun!
Jimmy
the scenery looks great! you guys look like you had lots of fun!
myspiritualshenanigans
This looks like a friendly trail to horseback through, and your picture quality is great (much appreciated).
Crickette, The Things I Have to Say
I haven’t ridden a horse for years now. I was able to try it when I was really young but never, after that. Looks like you had a nice ride. The trail looks very nice… scenic and relaxing.
Viola
That looks like a lovely day for horse back riding!
ameliapollock147
I feel jealous of you. I always wanted to do that but never got a chance.
You, Me and Benny
wow this is gorgeous and looks so fun – I have never been horseback riding!
Sally Pederson
looks like a great day. I enjoy horse back riding; however, I don’t get to do it very often. The last time was in May in Italy, just oustide of Florence. It was beautiful. The time before that was a few years prior ago.
Stephanie
This looks like so much fun! I might just have to steal this idea and do this for my husbands birthday!
SiennyLovesDrawing
lovely horse riding story shared & personally enjoyed your lovely beautiful photos shared in here. cheers. siennylovesdrawing
Ann
Awwww, i love horses but I never got a chance to do horseback riding. I would love to try soon <3
Francisco
Looks like a wonderful adventure!
Sadia Munir
Even thou I’m scared of horse riding, I can say this looks like fun. 🙂
Cyndi Buchanan
This looks like so much fun. My kids would love to go horseback riding.
Mariah
Horseback riding is so fun! That’s such a fun activity on vacation.
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WanderlustBeautyDreams
Looks like a fun experience! The trail looks so picturesque.
Shoppers Gossip
Oh! Looks like a romantic horse riding 😉 This looks so fun. Enjoy!!
riannagalvez
Looks like a fun activity! Are kids allowed too? Would you mind sharing how much it cost you to do this with your fiance? I live in Maryland and I would love to do this with my husband and kids someday 🙂
Sanjota Purohit
Riding horse is my dream! Your post is making me envy on you 😀 Good to see you had fun.
Amber
I remember horseback riding when I was a teen. Almost grew up enjoying it.
Lulu
Horses are such beautiful animals. My daughter used to ride every chance she got.