We welcome visitors walk around the property and observe horses in our outdoor spaces. To visit with our horses inside the barn please sign up for one of our barn tours. Sign up here.

Generally speaking, our weight limit is 160 lbs, but we can not guarantee that we can accommodate that weight at all times. Horses, just like people, come in all shapes and sizes. Our weight limit is sometimes determined by which horses are available for certain activities. To give an example, we may have two horses available who can carry 160 lbs, but we may not have more than that. On some days, we may not have any horses who can carry that weight. If we are unable to accommodate your weight, we reserve the right to cancel any scheduled ride.

Yes, but you need a reservation. Reservations are made online and rides may have restrictions, including age minimums. Please carefully read the pony, summer camp, or lesson section before making your reservation.

Our rides are very popular and often book out many weeks (sometimes months) into the future. When rides are reserved, the calendar will list the date as ‘no online availability’. The calendar displays in real-time, so your view is accurate. Any newly-released spaces will immediately become visible, so checking back later may yield new results.

Barn tours and Pony Rides

Your appointment is very important to our staff and is reserved especially for you. We understand that schedule adjustments are sometimes necessary; therefore, we respectfully request advance notice if you cannot make your appointment so we can make the slot available to others who are waiting for one of these coveted rides.

You can cancel/reschedule the reservation up to 48 hours in advance by contacting the front office at 202-362-0117 or emailing [email protected].  Note that processing fees from your online reservation are non-refundable.

If notification is not given by 11 am the day before your appointment, you will be charged full-price for the missed appointment.

Group and private lesson program

There are no refunds for group or private lesson. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis for documented medical or immediate family emergencies. There are no refunds given for unused credits. For questions please reach out to the Front desk at 202-362-0117 or [email protected]

Barn days, spring/winter break camps, clinics

Special programs will be refunded less twenty (20) percent process and handling fee if requested at least two weeks in advance of the scheduled program. No refund will be provided for cancellations made within two weeks of the scheduled program.

Summer camp

Summer Camp registration is partially refundable for any reason if made within 30 days of registration (e.g, by March 1 if registration is made on February 1). However, no refunds will be made for any registration made after April 30. except medical refunds. A 20% administrative fee will be charged for each session from which a camper withdraws. No credits will be given for future classes at RCPHC.

Medical refunds must be requested at least two weeks in advance of the camp session in which you are registered. A 20% administrative fee will be charged for each camp session from which you withdraw. Immediate family emergencies will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. No credits will be given for future classes at RCPHC.

Registrations are not transferable. Registrations made by one person cannot be sold or traded. We will work to accommodate transfers to a different session if space permits. There is no charge for a transfer. Please see the Summer Camp section of our webiste and Covid policies for more informaiton.

Horse rental (unsupervised riding) is not offered at our barn.

No.

We do not. All of our trail rides are led by an experienced guide and the horse moves at the gait of walking.

Please do (pun intended!) A favorite of gardeners and composters, our manure is fresh (non-composted) and is mixed in with hay, non-chemically treated pine shavings, and elements of grain/other horse feeds. Bring your own trash bags/containers and you are welcome to borrow a shovel, as well as a wheel barrow to take the manure to your car. We are able to load truck beds; please call ahead to schedule a pick-up. You must have special permission to drive down our driveway (obtained day-of, in person) and our speed limit is FIVE MPH. Due to the busy nature of our facility, it is not always possible to drive down our driveway. Manure is available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 8 am-11 am.

Birthday parties coming later this spring. Please contact the front desk at [email protected] or 202-362-0117 for more details. 

Pony riders should be at least 2 ¹/₂ years old and 30” tall. Pony riders need to be able to sit up on their own and focus for 15-20 minutes on a wooded trail going up and down hilly terrain.

We gear our rides toward beginners. It is important that you are able to sit up and balance for a full hour on a wooded trail going up and down hilly terrain. If you are unsure of your physical ability to go on a trail ride, please consult with your doctor. All riders must be at least 12 years old.

No. Equestrian helmets are designed specifically for this activity. Riders may borrow one of our helmets or bring their own ASTM/SEI certified helmet, which should be no more than five years old.

We have many families who ride at Rock Creek, but our lessons are grouped based on age and level.

We do! We hope you will get in touch and let us know what you have in mind.

5100 Glover Road, NW, Washington, DC 20017. See Directions & Hours

At this time we offer programs for girl scout badges. If interested please email the front desk at [email protected]

Rock Creek Park Horse Center is operated by Guest Services, Inc., a Concessionaire under contract with the U.S. Government and administered by the National Park Service.

53-0164700