Question 1

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Willow Mist Riding School is located in Poolesville, MD.  We are less than 20 minutes from Potomac, or Gaithersburg, and Germantown and 35 minutes from Washington, DC.

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Our "Willow Mist" sign is at the base of a paved driveway, next to an unpaved driveway.

Our farm is approximately 0.5 miles off the road and surrounded by the Agricultural Reserve with Epic riding trails.  Signs will lead you to the main barn.

Question 2

Do you ride year-round?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have both an 90'x100' outdoor arena and a 75'x200' indoor arena for comfortable riding all year round.  During a heat or weather advisory that may negatively affect riding, our instructors may choose to run an unmounted lesson.

Question 3

What if I already have riding experience and I am not a beginner? Do you have classes for more advanced riders?

Accepted Answer

We are a beginner to advanced beginner farm with private lessons focusing on flatwork and limited jumping in groups.  If you fill out our "New Student Form", with your previous riding experience, we can determine if our riding school may be a good fit.

Question 4

Do lessons include grooming and tacking?  How much riding time?

Accepted Answer

Our philosophy is that true horsemanship involves much more than just riding. We believe in teaching all aspects of horse care and partnership, which is why our lessons are designed to be comprehensive and include the full experience of working with horses.

This means that besides mounted riding time, your lessons will also involve:
 • Grooming: Building a connection with your horse and preparing them for work.
 • Tacking: Learning how to properly fit and prepare the saddle and bridle.
 • Warming Up: Preparing your horse's muscles and mind for the lesson.
 • Cooling Down: Ensuring your horse recovers properly after exercise.
 • Untacking: Safely removing and caring for the equipment as well as preparing your horse for turnout (a little more grooming around the girth)

Typically, for our 60 minute private and semi-private lessons, students spend about 15-20 minutes grooming and tacking their horse, followed by around 30 minutes of mounted riding. The lesson concludes with approximately 10-15 minutes for cooling down and untacking.  Some students also enjoy retrieving their horses from the field and turning out after the lessons.

For our beginners, we often allocate more time to grooming and tacking initially, until they become more accomplished and confident in preparing their horse.  With changes in weather, we also may need to shorten riding time on days of extreme heat/cold or incorporate extra time to cool down the horse with the hose.

This holistic approach not only ensures the well-being of our horses but also helps you develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for equestrianism, building skills that extend beyond just being in the saddle.

If you are looking for more mounted riding time, there is an option of an extended lesson at an additional cost. Please let me know if you would like more information on this.

Question 5

Do you offer trail riding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our farm is connected to the Epic Trails, which provide several miles of trail riding.  This opportunity is available to students who have demonstrated proficiency with horse communication, balance, and the control required for riding on the trails.  We currently offer 60 and 90 minute trail rides.