The Stables at Meadowood

04/21/2024

Most of you know that I have run a large lesson and boarding barn operation for the past 14 years. I love my job, my clients, my horses and the great staff that work to keep The Stables at Meadowood up and running. It's been a great business, but it's all a hard business and its getting harder. Farms are closing, staff is hard to find, lesson horses are expensive when you can find them-the industry is changing. The struggle has been so hard I've wanted to quit at times and I wondered if I was alone. Turns out I'm not. So, I started something--The National Association of Lesson and Boarding Barns. NALBB.org.
The mission is to support the lesson and boarding barn industry by providing our members a central place to network, obtain needed resources and promote thier individual businesses and our industry.
Hope you will spread the word to your horsesy friends and let everyoen know about us!
Thanks!!

01/08/2024

The Stables at Meadowood Summer Camp Dates are here:

Horse Back Riding Camps At Meadowood Stables-Lorton
2024
Nestled in the beautiful Mason Neck region of Southern Fairfax County, Meadowood Stables offers unique Horse Back Riding Camps. Combining the beauty of an 800-acre nature park and a 50- stall horse operation your child will experience the rich diversity of local nature along with learning to work with and ride horses. Part nature camp, part horse camp your child will learn to: handle horses safely, groom and tack, basic riding skills up to trotting, clean stalls, and general care of the horses. Camps usually includes visits from local horse veterinarians and farriers to discuss and show good health care for the horses. Throughout the week the kids enjoy nature walks, picnics, and talks from local outdoor experts. Crafts and other fun activities are included.
Beginner Camps Dates: June 24-28; July 8-12; July 15-19; Aug 5-9
Advanced Camp July 29-8/2
Advanced Camp riders must be able to groom, walk, trot and steer independently and be knowledgeable about handling horses. Riders, depending on their ability will be introduced to canter by the end of the camp. If students are not currently enrolled in the Meadowood lesson program we will require an evaluation ride to determine suitability for the camp.

Our camps run from 9:30-1:00 Monday -Friday and are perfect for ages 8 and up. Up to 10 kids per camp. Bring a lunch and water. $400 for the week with $200 down required for registration. Liability Waiver required. Call Allison Mills at 703-339-5813 or email [email protected] (email is best!) for more information and to reserve a spot.

No hour of life is wasted that is spent in a saddle. - Winston Churchill

12/24/2023

When the Meadowood Stables staff is taken down by Covid and the flu the Meadowood boarders step in and save the day! My heart is full! From our farm to yours, we wish a blessed and Happy Holiday Season!!!

10/16/2023

It was a great weekend for the Meadowood IEA team. A double header as well! Saturday the High School team won Champion and today the Middle Schoolers won Reserve Champion! Well done everyone and thanks to Susan Fischer for being a great coach!!

08/23/2023

One of our best lesson ponies, Takota, had a health scare last week and spent 4 days in the hospital. Thankfully she is okay but the vet bills are steep! Please consider donating for her expenses. Thank you meadowood family!

Hi Everyone, Recently our beloved lesson pony Takota needed emergency veterinarian and hospi… Allison Mills needs your support for Takota's Medical Bills

02/20/2023

Meadowood had a very busy weekend showing!

On Saturday, our NCAEL Team traveled to Prince George Equestrian Center for their finale show where they had great rides and took home great ribbons! They took our wonderful horses Beanie, Cash, Lulu, and Payton and had some awesome volunteers to help. Also on Saturday, Abby Mills competed in her last regular season IHSA show. She placed first on the flat qualifying her for regionals!

On Sunday, our IEA team traveled back to Prince George Equestrian Center for IEA Regionals. We had 8 qualified riders and they all were fantastic! Special shoutout to Elizabeth Gutkin and Helena Robertson for earning High Point Rider accolades in their respective divisions.

Another special shoutout to our amazing head coach of both teams, Susan Fischer! Your hard work and dedication to our programs does not go unnoticed!

Congratulations to all of our riders! Go Meadowood!

01/04/2023

Summer Camp Dates For 2023 are here!!!

Horse Back Riding Camps At Meadowood Stables-Lorton
2023
Nestled in the beautiful Mason Neck region of Southern Fairfax County, Meadowood Stables offers unique Horse Back Riding Camps. Combining the beauty of an 800-acre nature park and a 50- stall horse operation your child will experience the rich diversity of local nature along with learning to work with and ride horses. Part nature camp, part horse camp your child will learn to: handle horses safely, groom and tack, basic riding skills up to trotting, clean stalls, and general care of the horses. Camps usually includes visits from local horse veterinarians and farriers to discuss and show good health care for the horses. Throughout the week the kids enjoy nature walks, picnics, and talks from local outdoor experts. Crafts and other fun activities are included.
Beginner Camps Dates: June 19-23; June 26-3; July 17-21; August 7-11
Advanced Camp July 24-28
Advanced Camp riders must be able to groom, walk, trot and steer independently and be knowledgeable about handling horses. Riders, depending on their ability will be introduced to canter by the end of the camp. If students are not currently enrolled in the Meadowood lesson program we will require an evaluation ride to determine suitability for the camp.

Our camps run from 9:30-1:00 Monday -Friday and are perfect for ages 8 and up. Up to 10 kids per camp. Bring a lunch and water. $375 for the week with $200 down required for registration. Liability Waiver required. Call Allison Mills at 703-339-5813 or email [email protected] (email is best!) for more information and to reserve a spot.

03/30/2022

Time to Party,With Our Ponies!!!
Meadowood Stables is back to booking birthday parties on our gorgeous property! Call or email for questions ore to book your next party!
Pony Birthday Party
Package Pricing
2020
We are delighted you are interested in our fun, educational pony parties! Set in Lorton, VA on beautiful Meadowood Stables property its tree lined pastures and rolling hillside provides the perfect backdrop for your party. We have designed our packages so that any budget can afford a party with our ponies!
Complete Pony Party Package
These parties include: A Hands-On Education Class covering topics such as shelter, feed, feeding a treat, leading the pony; a Horse Related Craft, Hay Wagon ride and of course Pony Rides. Bring your cake and decorations and we’ll take care of the rest! Parties usually last 1 ½ to 2 hours depending on number of children.
$265.00 Up to 8 children $285.00 Up to 12 children
(Special pricing available for larger parties if needed-no more than 20 children though)
Pony Ride Package
These parties include: Hands on Horse Care Demonstration and Pony Rides. These parties usually last one hour.
$150.00 Up to 8 children
Contact:
Allison Mills
703-339-5813
[email protected]

11/02/2020

We all hope that you had a spook-tacular Halloween weekend, surely Cookie and the IEA show team did!! We were so happy to see everyone that came out Friday night for some trick or treating! Thank you to all the volunteers that helped & a big thanks to Eddie Amoros for all the spooky supplies! 🎃👻🐴

06/12/2020

Hi Everyone,
With so many activities closed for the kids this summer Meadowood Stables has put together special Rec Camps throughout July. While there will be a day dovoted to horses the rest of the camp days includes typical rec camp activities-nature hikes and talks, crafts, games and fun. Contact us for further information at 703-339-5813 or email at [email protected]

04/03/2020

Welcome to our newest lesson pony Takota! This video is of her enjoying her first night out with her new herd! Her joy is infectious!!!

02/06/2020

Horse Back Riding Camps At Meadowood Stables-Lorton, VA

Nestled in the beautiful Mason Neck region of Southern Fairfax County, Meadowood Stables offers a unique Horse Back Riding Camps. Combining the beauty of an 800-acre nature park and a 46 stall horse operation your child will experience the rich diversity of local nature along with learning to work with and ride horses. Part nature camp, part horse camp your child will learn to: handle horses safely, groom and tack, basic riding skills up to trotting, clean stalls, and general care of the horses. Camps usually includes visits from local horse veterinarians and farriers to discuss and show good health care for the horses. Throughout the week the kids enjoy nature walks and picnic and talks from local outdoor experts. Crafts and other fun activities are included.
Beginner Camps Dates: June 22-26; July 6-10; 13-17; August 3-7
Advanced Camps-Riders must be able to groom, walk, trot and steer independently and be knowledgeable about handling horses. Riders, depending on their ability will be introduced to canter by the end of the camp. If students are not currently enrolled in the Meadowood lesson program we will require an evaluation ride to determine suitability for the camp. We offer one Advanced Camp and that is the week of July 27-31
Our camps run from 9;30-1:00 Monday -Friday and are perfect for ages 8 and up. $350 for the week with 50% down with registration. Call Allison Mills at 703-339-5813 or email me [email protected] for more information and to reserve a spot.

01/17/2020

01/17/2020

Winter Getting You Down? Then think about Summer! Especially Summer Camps at Meadowood Stables!! Our dates are set:
Beginner Camps: June 22-26; July 6-10; 13-17; August 3-7.
Advanced Camp; July 27-31.
Call or email the office for more details. 703-339-5813; [email protected]

10/25/2019

Hi Everyone,
Meadowood Stables has job openings at our farm for general barn staff help. Duties include: feeding, turn in/out, cleaning stalls, blanketing, and all the other fun stuff needed to take great care of our equine friends. Applicant must be able to lift 50 pounds, know general information about horse care, work well with a team and work hard. The work isn't easy but we work hard TOGETHER and we've done a great job making the work as easy as possible. Horse knowledge is preferable, but for the right person we can teach. Hours generally are 8-5, but we have several split shifts available as well. $14 an hour. Folks should message me so I can get their resume. Thanks and please share! Winter is coming and we need some help!

04/03/2019

Doc says “Can you tell the students I don’t think this is correct?! Thanks, that would be great”.

03/12/2019

Horse Back Riding Camps At Meadowood Stables-Lorton

Nestled in the beautiful Mason Neck region of Southern Fairfax County, Meadowood Stables offers a unique Horse Back Riding Camps. Combining the beauty of an 800-acre nature park and a 46 stall horse operation your child will experience the rich diversity of local nature along with learning to work with and ride horses. Part nature camp, part horse camp your child will learn to: handle horses safely, groom and tack, basic riding skills up to trotting, clean stalls, and general care of the horses. Camps usually includes visits from local horse veterinarians and farriers to discuss and show good health care for the horses. Throughout the week the kids enjoy nature walks and picnic and talks from local outdoor experts. Crafts and other fun activities are included.

Beginner Camps Dates:
6/24-6/29; 7/8-7/12; 7/15-19 and 8/5-9.

Advanced Camps-Riders must be able to groom, walk, trot and steer independently and be knowledgeable about handling horses. Riders, depending on their ability will be introduced to canter by the end of the camp.

Advanced Camp Dates:
The week of 7/29-8/2.

Our camps are perfect for ages 8 and up. $350 for the week with 50% down with registration.

For more information and to reserve a spot call Allison Mills at 703-339-5813 or email at [email protected]

01/14/2019

Happy Snow Day! One of my awesome clients did her own version of our lovable gray pony Cookie!! LOVE IT... and Cookie!!

12/29/2018

Mack, our faithful barn cat is contemplating his version of Snow Angels. It would be a Sand Angel to be exact! Right in the middle of our indoor!

09/15/2018

We have the BEST barn family! We gathered to give our love and best wishes to our friend and staff mate Jeanne Hechmer as she embarks on her new career! While we hate to see her go we know she is off to do wonderful things. Plus, she’ll still be hanging riding with us! Love you Jeanne!!!

04/12/2018

Our lesson ponies at Meadowood Stables are AWESOME! Here is Missy teaching 8 year old Grace how to do posting trot! Great job!!

03/12/2018

We have the BEST family at Meadowood! These are pictures of our newly decorated bathroom! Thanks to Kevin, Diane and Rick! They even made the cabinets out of our old Barn wood! What an amazing job!!! Kevin Coffin!

02/15/2018

Summer Cam Dates for 2018- Hi Everyone! We have our summer camp dates set. Here is the information. Feel Free to share!

We offer 2 levels of 1/2 day general horsemanship camps. Both camps include basic riding elements along with caring for the horse, crafts, nature walks and general outdoor fun.

Beginner camps are for those who have had little interaction with horses. We teach children the basics of horse care including grooming, tacking, handling and basic riding skills.

Advanced camps are for those kids who can already groom, tack and can trot independently. The camps add to the riders basic horsemanship skills while encouraging their independence while working with the horses.

Both camps run from 9:30-1 pm. Participants are to pack a lunch. Snacks provided. $350.00 per week. Please call to reserve your spot!! 50% deposit required at sign up.
Dates: Beginner-JUNE 25-29; JULY 9-16; 30-3; August 6-10
Advanced-JULY 23-27
Call 703-339-5813 or email at [email protected]

12/12/2017

Hi Everyone,
Thank you to all who have already donated to our fund for the arena repair at Meadowood! We are getting ever closer to our goal but we still have a ways to go. I know during this time of year you may have al
ready committed to giving to other worthwhile requests, but if you can spare a few dollars to our fundraising campaign we sure would appreciate it. Thanks, Allison Mills

Dear Meadowood Family and Friends, As winter draws closer, the condition of our indoor arena is becoming more of a pressing concern. Winter weather will soon push us inside more and more. At the same time, the footing in our arena is becoming less optimal even ahead of this increased usage. Aft...

03/07/2017

Hi Everyone,
We have our dates for summer camps. Please check them out and feel free to pass this information along to others!

Summer Camps

We offer 2 levels of 1/2 day general horsemanship camps. Both camps include basic riding elements along with caring for the horse, crafts, nature walks and general outdoor fun.

Beginner camps are for those who have had little interaction with horses. We teach children the basics of horse care including grooming, tacking, handling and basic riding skills.

DATES: July 10-14
July 31-4 FULL

Advanced camps are for those kids who can handle a horse and can trot independently. The camps add to the riders basic horsemanship skills while encouraging their independence while working with the horses.

Both camps run from 9:30-1 pm. Kids must be 8 years of age. Participants are to pack a lunch. Snacks provided. $350.00 per week. Please call to reserve your spot!!

Dates: July 17-21
August 7-11

[email protected]
703-339-5813

08/13/2016

Hi Everyone! Say hello to the newest addition to our program--Sparrow! She is a 9 year old Snow Leopard Appalossa. We bought her from an auction. Otherwise she was destined for a miserable ending. She seems very happy to be at Meadowood! A very special thanks to Penny Parker who served as her surrogate mom while she was in quarantine.

08/10/2016

What a great evening--and perfect pictures

07/29/2016

We still have spaces open for both our beginner camp on August 8 and our advanced camp on August 15. Call the barn at 703-339-5813 or message us for more details!

03/30/2016

I wish I could go to one of these camps! To any of my friends with horse interested kids, this is an amazing program!

03/29/2016

Hi Everyone,
Many of you have asked about our summer camp program. We have finally set the dates so here they are! To sign up call 703-339-5813 or email me at [email protected]. For my local friends-feel free to share this information. Thanks so much!

Summer Camp at Meadowood

Beginner Level—Dates: July 18-22; August 8-12
This camp is for children ages 8 and up who have little to no experience with horses. Over the course of the week they will learn the basics of: grooming, tacking, horse handling, barn care and chores and basic riding skills. Camps will include crafts and nature events as well. Camps run from 9:30am -1pm Monday through Friday. Limit 6 kids per session. Cost is $350.00. Pack a lunch, snacks and water provided.


Intermediate Level—Dates July 11-15, Aug 15-19
This camp is for children ages 8 and up who have experience working with horses. They should be able to walk, trot, steer and sit properly in the saddle. Over the course of the week students will continue to improve their riding skills, horse care knowledge and have fun in our barn. Camps will include crafts and nature events as well. Camps run from 9:30am to 1pm Monday-Friday. Limit 6 kids per session. Cost is $350.00. Pack a lunch, snacks and water provided.