Loftmar Stables

I noticed that someone else wondered if they take calls — you have to email them to make reservations as they are out giving lessons and don’t stay in the office to answer calls.
The email is

Do they take phone calls? I called three times today, but no response… How to make reservations for the riding class?

Meh. not impressed. I’ve been riding for 10 years and I tried lessons here. There weren’t a lot of options for more advanced adult riders (they only offer 2 group classes and that’s it…). I fell off during only my 2^nd lesson… I actually took a pretty bad fall and hit my head because my horse stopped at a jump. I had explicitly stated that I wanted to «start off slow» since I had taken a break from riding, but the instructor did not tailor the lesson to fit my needs and I felt unsafe. Safety is my #1 priority, and if I feel that lessons are unsafe, that’s a deal breaker for me. I will also mention that their lessons are expensive, and their make-​up/​other policies are very strict. It’s like dealing with a large corporation rather than a small, family-​friendly barn. Group lessons are primarily focused upon jumping, and it seems to be a competitive atmosphere. It’s just not what I’m looking for…
In comparison, at the last barn I rode at, I only fell off ONCE in the course of an entire year with lessons once per week. And I fell off because the horse slipped…
I gave 2 stars because they have very nice lesson horses, and a clean, well-​kept barn. I also like the indoor arena.

My girls had taken private lessons here so I thought a week of summer camp here would be awesome. I was wrong and I regret my decision. My daughters are still talking about this experience – and not in a good way. There appears to be a mean culture there that may trickle down from the owner (based on another review I read). My kids have attended many camps (6 different ones this summer) and I have never heard them talk about a camp like this. In fact, that’s what sparked me to write the review. They felt that the counselors were mean, barely spoke to them, and did not help them. Some of the other campers were mean to them as well, questioning why my youngest was even there and commenting on how much money it must have cost for her to be there. The counselors barely opened their mouths when I dropped them off and picked them up, so I completely believe this. And it appears that the bad attitude trickled down to the kids. There was obvious favoritism toward certain kids in the camp, which was even evident at the final show. I don’t know if these people are racist or assholes or a little bit of both but I was not impressed and will not send my girls there again. The best thing about the camp was Valerie Ormond, who has always been sweet and did a great job of sharing her books and helping the girls write their own stories. I had recommended this place to others but I will definitely rescind those recommendations. If you don’t have time, energy, or interest in ensuring MY kids have a great experience, you will not see any of my money again.

I have been riding here for almost 8 years now, and the experience has been fantastic. I gained so much knowledge from riding here with the different coaches I’ve had and I’ve even been able to be selected to be on their short-​stirrup team. They have well-​trained horses and ponies of all sizes to accommodate almost all ages. The camps are fantastic and I’ve been to at least four of them. The stalls are clean and the indoor ring is large and spacious. This staff cares a lot about your needs and how and have the knowledge of how to make you a much better writer. They also have CHA lessons to further your horsemanship knowledge. One of the best barns I’ve ever ridden at is Loftmar Stables.

I really liked this place and felt like it had a lot to offer. Karen was VERY sweet and knowledgeable about the horses. We got to feed them, mount and ride them, and help place their saddles. Although I didn’t ride w/​Chris, he always had a smile on his face and was very enthusiastic and courteous. Jan, who I believe is the owner, was also clearly very well versed in everything horse related, however she was very pushy and even rude to her workers WITH customers around, which seemed to make everyone uncomfortable. While I feel like I could learn LOTS about riding w/​her, I’m not sure I would want to, because it’s hard to feel relaxed with a 1500 lb animal under you, while someone is barking a million instructions and orders at you
I’ll probably take more lessons in the future. It was an overall rewarding experience, but since they aren’t cheap, I think I’ll hold off until I starting making a little more money lol.

Horseback riding is my passion. I’ve been riding for 20 years and have been a horse owner for 17. I found my way to Loftmar when my confidence took a beating after some bad rides/​wrecks. I had all but given up on the sport– fear is a powerful thing. I decided to give it one more go by enrolling in a lesson program. It was the best thing I ever could have done. I no longer get that sick feeling in my stomach when I am faced with riding an unfamiliar horse.
Amanda has rebuilt my confidence, one step at a time. I started out with half hour private lessons and then moved on to the hour long group lessons. She challenged me when I needed it and reassured me when I was doubting my abilities but never let me settle for less. I have complete confidence in her abilities as an instructor.
The stable is a real gem, tucked back off the road in Bowie. The barn layout allows for lessons year round in the indoor arena. They also have a good sized outdoor ring. The stalls are wonderfully kept. They have lesson horses for all abilities and I have never felt uncomfortable with the mounts chosen for me. Students groom and tack up their own horses so you get a well rounded view/​intro to horseback riding.
I highly recommend them and can’t wait to join their Adult Show team!