Tamarack Stables — Local services in Lorton

Everyone here: trainers, people, kids, owners, are all very rude. It is impossible to get a response unless you go there directly, so don’t even try. The owners are so very rude. The horses are worked 3 times a day every day and given poor turn out in muddy areas. Harsh bits are used in the hands of beginner lesson students who have not learned how to have soft hands. Lesson students are jumping+cantering before learning the basics of riding. This is unsafe for horses and riders. One time, the horse my daughter was riding refused a jump. She is older know and has learned that it was her fault for not sending clear signals. The trainer had her halt the horse in front of the jump and whack it with a crop. These horses were practically abused for not responding to rider error. How are you going to punish a horse for not being a mind reader and doing exactly what you want, before you tell the rider how to communicate with them? Awful business and people. My daughter had never been more uncomfortable to the point where she was scarred to ride. If you ever didn’t feel comfortable with a horse or a jump height, they would force you to do it anyways with little to no assistance. My daughter was once in a stall with a horse called Rusty, who kicked and tried to bite her. This was so very dangerous and no one tried to tell her or help her before she almost got kicked, so she had to go get someone. How can you give a beginner rider a dangerous horse with no warning that they might kick you while tacking up? Do not...

My daughter and I have been taking lessons at Tamarack and we love it.

My daughter is only six years old, and they have done a great job meeting her at her level, teaching her how to handle and care for the horse, and making sure she has a great time doing both. I particularly appreciate Courtney's responsiveness and flexibility with the timing of our lessons. My schedule is constantly changing, and Courtney is always quick in responding and accommodating of our schedule.

Amanda is also terrific. She has taught both me and my daughter so much in such a short time, and has done a great job differentiating instruction for me and my daughter during our lessons together.

Since Amanda left for college, we now have a new teacher, JoAnne, who has been terrific as well. She points out details of how we can improve, but without overwhelming us.

Today, my daughter had an amazing birthday party at Tamarack. It was very well staffed - there were as many staff people there as there were children with horses. Tyler and his team were outstanding with the children. I wish I could recall all of the staff's names -- there were so many of them; each child received individualized attention. The kids went on a trail ride and played games while riding the horses. I'm sure this is a birthday party that my daughter will remember for quite some time.

I highly recommend Tamarack for a great...

Went here Easter weekend for an hour trail ride. It was nice since we were in the woods and the weather was great. There were no views of the Potomac or bodies of water etc as described on their website. They also do not have scout troop discounts as my nieces were girl scouts. They werent very responsive to the requests made online as I was recommended to do so online by them. Direct Email correspondence worked faster than phone or their website forms. The place was a bit hard to find for some. Kendal the little tour guide was very adorable and helpful with the kids. It was fun for a first timer. I only gave three stars as Tim (the owner) looked as if he was preoccupied I guess with Easter to prep for and was like a grumpy trail guide. They did accommodate us for a later appointment. I was expecting more engagement for the kids as it was a pretty quiet trail ride. I wouldn't recommend this place for kids, as a more enthusiastic horse riding experience would be better. I wish Tamarak Stables would have rescheduled me if they had other priorities. The horses were beautiful. The ponies Chester and one other one were great with the kids. Overall great experience as we didn't have to travel far. I would probably check out other locations for lessons for my kids...