Not at this time. We earnestly look forward to announcing visitation hours. Until then, thank you for understanding that our Covid restrictions can not accomodate visitors at this time.

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, trail, 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 ‘unavailable’. 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.

Trail Rides, Pony Rides, & One-Time Private Lessons

Your appointment is very important to our staff and volunteer team; it 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 online up to 48 hours in advance. For more last minute cancellations/reschedules, please call us at 202-362-0117 by 11:00 a.m. on the day prior to your scheduled appointment to notify us of your cancellation. (You may also email [email protected] if this is more convenient.) Note that the $5  nonrefundable fee per each registration participant will not be refunded.

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

Group lesson program

The full tuition for the entire group term (13-15 weeks) is due at the time of registration. Full tuition, less a twenty (20) percent processing and handling fee, will be refunded if registration is cancelled before the first scheduled lesson of the term. Fifty (50) percent of the full tuition will be refunded if registration is cancelled before the second scheduled lesson of the term. There will be no refunds for group term lessons after the second scheduled lesson.

Recurring private lesson

Payment is due for the full month at the start of each month. Full tuition, less a twenty (20) percent processing and handling fee, will be refunded if registration is cancelled before the first scheduled lesson of the month. Fifty (50) percent of the full tuition will be refunded if registration is cancelled before the second scheduled lesson. There will be no refunds after the second scheduled lesson.

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 September-May: Mon-Fri, 8 am-11 am; and June-August: Mon-Fri 7:30 am-8:30 am.

We do not. Many families will alternatively reserve multiple pony ride slots, and bring snacks and cake to enjoy on our picnic benches. It is important to note that each rider will need an Acknowledgement of Risk form signed by a parent or guardian, noise levels must remain low, and balloons and other objects that may scare horses are strictly forbidden.

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.

In some cases, when the schedule allows, we are able to do so with siblings of similar age and skill level, or separately with parents. We do not offer ‘Parent and Child’ lessons. Please check the private lesson schedule and, if something there works with your schedule, inquire if we are able to add another rider.

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

It depends on the requirements of the badges, as well as our schedule availability. Please email us with badge information as well as the age and number of scouts. We will let you know if we are able to accommodate your troop.

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