Woodland Horse Center

The friendliest barn around!

For more than 40 years, Woodland Horse Center has been sharing the art, sport, and joy of riding through lessons, camps, clinics, and more.

Located just 8 miles north of the Beltway, we offer access to a 25-acre estate with lighted indoor and outdoor rings, paddocks, stables, fields, and riding trails. It’s a perfect place to learn to ride, improve your equestrian skills, expand your horsemanship, or just have fun in the saddle.

And with our onsite tack shop—Anytime Tack—available to meet all of your riding needs, we are a full-service facility!

Now Enrolling All Camps!

  • Five children with light skin and various hair colors posing next to a large brown horse in a stable. The children are making funny faces and gestures, some with their tongues out, some raising their hands, and one is holding a rope attached to the horse.

    Pony Pals Summer Camp

    For ages 5 to 7

    Week-long camp experience for our youngest riders. Learn English-style riding with a focus on safety and fun as they build confidence and skill.

    More about Pony Pals Summer Camp
  • Five children riding horses in a line on a sandy outdoor riding area with green trees in the background, all wearing helmets.

    Horsemanship Summer Camp

    For ages 8 to 16

    Week-long camp experience for riders at all levels. We group campers based on riding ability. All will learn horsemanship skills, teach how to care for horses and equestrian equipment, and introduce horse behavior and training—while helping campers make friends and bond with their equine partners.

    More About Horsemanship Summer Camp
  • A young girl riding a palomino horse inside an indoor riding arena. The girl is wearing a helmet, glasses, a white hoodie with blue graphics, and light-colored pants. There are other riders in the background.

    Spring Fling Camp

    For ages 5-16

    What a great time to be at the barn!
    Spring Fling Pony Pals and Horsemanship Campers enjoy a 1-hour lesson every day. And out of the ring, campers learn all aspects of horse care.

    More About Spring Fling Camp
  • Children riding horses in a line on a dirt path surrounded by green trees, wearing helmets.

    Mini Day Camps

    Open to all kids ages 8 and up

    Mini-Day Camp campers enjoy a 1-hour lesson every day.
    And out of the ring, campers learn all aspects of horse care. It’s just like an individual day of summer camp!

    More About Mini Day Camps

Lessons for Everyone

  • A young boy in a blue helmet riding a brown and white horse, guided by a girl with long hair in a black shirt.

    Pony Pals Lessons

    For children age 5 to 7

    We teach our youngest students English-style riding with a focus on safety and fun. As the parent, you’ll participate too! We’ll ask you to walk beside your child’s horse or pony to offer support and encouragement as they confidence and build new riding skills.

    More about Pony Pals Lessons
  • A young woman riding a brown horse with a white face, wearing a black helmet, black gloves, a white shirt, and black pants, during a horseback riding activity outdoors. The horse's reins are blue, and they are passing through a white wooden gate with a blue rope. The background features lush green trees and grass.

    Children's Lessons

    For children ages 8 to 16

    We divide classes based on riding ability. The core skills of children’s lessons are English-style riding focused on balance, control, and confidence at the walk, trot, and canter, plus learning the basics of jumping, dressage, and general equitation and horsemanship.

    More About Children's Lessons
  • Four people on horseback, wearing helmets, sitting on an open field with a wooden fence and trees in the background.

    Adult Lessons

    For Ages 17 & Up

    Our instructors teach adult riders English-style riding by combining safety with a sense of humor. We offer adult lessons for beginners, those returning to riding after a period of time, and current riders who want to improve their skills.

    More About Adult Lessons
  • A young girl wearing a pink shirt and a helmet riding a horse, with two women on either side guiding and supporting her in an outdoor riding arena.

    Introductory Lesson

    For all ages

    Come meet our wonderful horses, staff and instructors! Have a riding lesson to see how you or your child likes it. We are happy to answer all your questions.

    More about introductory lesson

Woodland Testimonials

  • Woodland truly cares

    “Of all the barns at which I've ridden, Woodland has the nicest, most caring staff and volunteers. They truly care about the horses and it shows in the temperament of the horses.”

    — Susan C.

  • We love the horses and the instructors

    “My daughter has been riding weekly at Woodland for 2 1/2 years and there has never been a day that we were not excited to go - even in the coldest and hottest weather. We love the horses, the instructors with their friendly approach, and the open space where kids can play.”

    — Sarah S.

  • Jordan loved summer camp at Woodland

    “As always, Jordan loved summer camp at Woodland, and as always, we parents did, too! It was great fun, great physical activity, great learning about responsibility. The staff are completely low key and flexible to our family's needs. It's such a pleasure to be there!”

    — Joey R.

  • A great place to learn

    “I have been riding at Woodland for 20 years. It is a great place to learn the proper way to ride.”

    — Peter F.

  • Definitely for the whole family

    “The instructors are top notch and are great with children. This place is definitely for the whole family. They offer lessons for adults, teenagers, and even the little ones in Pony Pals. I've been riding there for 17 years and my daughter has grown up at the barn. They provide more than just the experience of riding. They also teach respect and responsibility of the horses.”

    — Patti B.

  • So many great memories

    “One summer I went to camp and I haven't left since then. My friends and great instructors keep me coming back. I have so many great memories here.”

    — Therese C.

  • Thank you Saddle Club!

    “My daughter Sophia loves taking care of the Woodland horses. She knows a lot about horses, thanks to the Saddle Club. Thank you Saddle Club!”

    — Johnna J.

  • My daughter’s happy place

    “My daughter calls Woodland her ‘happy place.’ The animals always look clean and healthy, surrounded by people who truly love, understand and appreciate them. Woodland offers so many exciting opportunities for all levels and ages that the only challenge is finding the time to participate in all the activities. My favorite part as a parent, though, is the supportive and caring staff: I have the peace of mind knowing that my child is always taken care of in the most warm and nurturing way.”

    — Masha M.

  • My 5-year old daughter will be a horse lover forever

    “My 5-year old daughter participated in Pony Pals Camp for 2 weeks. I was impressed with how much she learned in such a short time. Our family enjoyed the information she shared about horses every evening. She had a wonderful time and misses the horses dearly. After this experience, she will be a horse lover for ever. She has already asked if she can come back next year. The staff is wonderful, friendly and helpful. The program is well run and organized. I highly recommend it. Thanks for a great 2 weeks!”

    — Meredith W.

Location

16301 New Hampshire Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20905

Woodland Horse Center is located 8 miles north of the Capital Beltway, easily accessible from Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George's Counties.

Hours

Mon – Fri • 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sat - Sun • 9:00 am - 6:00 pm