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November 2023 by Sara Norman
Knowing my horse is healthy and happy with both his environment and those who work with him, is paramount to me. When these needs are met, the benefits are evident in my riding and our partnership. I moved my horse to Potomac Riverside earlier this fall and to say we are doing well is an understatement. We are thriving! The large grass fields with shelter for turnout give him the freedom he needs to be a horse while the well-maintained stalls (with proper wood shavings) offer him comfort and a safe haven to stretch out for a nap after running around with his new best friend. Before his arrival, we rarely had a ride without a spook. Since his arrival, he's barely glanced at things that would have unnerved him in the past. Even his vet and bodyworker have commented on how much more relaxed he feels physically.Yes, there was one highly critical review that was posted not that long ago but my experiences have been 100% positive. Still, I feel it's important to reiterate a key message shared in a more recent review. If someone has the desire and resources to do things right and is truthful about their shortcomings, they will seek input from the best people possible to fill those critical gaps. James and Rebekah found what they needed with the team behind Arleigh Sport Horses, Carlie Serif, a dressage silver medalist, and Charlie Campbell, a 3* eventer. Lucky for me, my horse and I have reaped the benefits of working with Carlie and Charlie for a long time. Each has their own style of training that complements the other beautifully. It’s their partnership in training that enables them to develop well-rounded horses and riders. They excel with riders of all ages and skill levels to bring out the best in each individual. (I’m an older rider and have to say that they demonstrated superhuman patience to help me successfully overcome fear issues, knowing exactly when and how far they should push my stubborn brain.) Their care and training of horses is equally as thoughtful and attentive. Speaking as the owner of a sensitive horse, I can vouch for the fact that they are highly ethical trainers and their integrity and dedication to their horses and students are first-rate. For example, they worked closely with my vet on a rehabilitation program after my horse sustained an injury and achieved 100% recovery, which was not guaranteed. Today, his strength is more balanced than ever. Everything they do is approached as an opportunity to listen to the horse's needs and learn their unique personality. Diets are carefully monitored. Horses are walked in-hand to and from turnout. Nothing is ignored.It’s clear that together, James, Rebekah, and Arleigh Sport Horses are committed to further developing a quality facility.If you have any doubts, the best thing you can do for yourself and your horse is to schedule a lesson with Carlie or Charlie, come to the farm, and experience what is happening for yourself. I’m already seeing rewards from our move to Potomac Riverside and feel confident that I made the absolute best choice for my horse's well-being and for me to grow as a rider.
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October 2023 by Susan Kozauer
The NEW Potomac RiversideI have read prior reviews, some of which are unflattering and accusatory. I recently brought my 4 sporthorses to Potomac Riverside, so here’s an update of how things are going, which may address some of the negatives noted by others.First, my street cred (as to why my review and opinions might be believed): I am the parent of 3 teenage and young adult children who ride competitively, and I can also ride (badly). I have owned and boarded horses for a decade, and my children have taken lessons and leased horses even longer. I currently keep retired and pasture ornament horses at my own farm, and board the horses that are “in work” and compete with their trainers (who are now at Potomac Riverside). With that out of the way, the following is my review of the people, property, and care of the horses.Potomac Riverside has new “ownership.” James are Rebekah are now in charge and make the decisions concerning the property and business. I first met them a few months ago when looking for a new boarding facility for my horses. Rebekah, with whom I have had the most contact, has been nothing but professional, friendly, and personally invested in making PR a successful place she and James can be proud to call their own. She has great communication and answers my questions promptly and clearly. They are not seasoned horse people, but (more importantly in my opinion) are people who are honest with themselves about their strengths and weaknesses and have the resources to address and resolve problems. As such, sometime after that last scathing review (I’m sure you’ve read it), they partnered with respected equine professionals at Arleigh Sporthorses.Arleigh Sporthorses is run by Carlie Serif and Charlie Campbell. Carlie is a silver medalist dressage trainer, and Charlie is a 3* eventer. I have known them for years and I trust them with my children and with my horses. Arleigh Sporthorses has collaborated well with Rebekah and James to revamp the processes and standards of everything concerning horse care, barn care, arenas, fields, etc. I was clear that I wanted top notch care, and that’s what my horses are getting. My horses have spotless, oversized stalls with ample clean, large flake softwood bedding, and lots of airflow for comfort and air quality. They are led out singly to HUGE semiprivate fields with high quality grass and each field has a large run-in for shelter (there are other kinds of turnout situations, this is just what I contracted for). Hay is grown on the farm, so you know exactly what is in it. Feed, medications, and supplements are meticulously given, and I have access to all of my preferred farriers, vets, etc. Arenas are dragged daily and regularly watered to keep down dust. Training is what I have always known from Carlie and Charlie – thoughtful, individualized to each student and horse, positive, and goal oriented. Their students (including my children) have qualified and competed in USDF regional championships and American Eventing Championships (AEC), among many other local and regional recognized and schooling shows.There are more things to say about PR: fun trails on property for hacking, clear and timely billing system with the ability to pay online(!), clean and comfortable clubhouse and restrooms, seating areas to watch riders indoors and outdoors, etc. But perhaps the takeaway message I’d like to convey is that my horses are healthy and happy, and I am confident that they have the high quality care and facilities that any owner would want for their equine partners.
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October 2023 by Danielle Field
5 star review! Excellent staff! Very friendly and hard-working. The horses are well loved and are properly cared for and the property is also kept in great condition. This is a great place to board your horses!
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September 2023 by Kathryn Zarish
As a horse owner and boarder, I feel like it's my responsibility to educate others in the horse community on how terrible this facility really is. I moved there originally because I needed a fast, short-term solution. However, in the short 3 months it was never ending care problems, stealing, lawsuits/scandals, and I learned that borders do not have a voice about their own horses.Recently, Potomac Riverside was taken over by new "management" and I use that term loosely. Rebekah and James's knowledge of horses and care is below zero - in the sense that boarders had to step up to teach them what a halter was, how to clean a stall, fill water buckets, feed grain, and lead horses. That does not even cover lameness or any medical issues. They wouldn't know what to look for if a horse were to colic or even know what colic is.A couple of other issues that I would like to also share. The first being that they ignorantly ordered oak shavings instead of pine. Oak shavings are toxic to all livestock and can cause colic, liver and kidney failure, and even death. When multiple boarders tried to educate them about this, they decided they were going to use the oak shavings anyway. Several vets had to be involved in order to correct this detrimental mistake.James and Rebekah also decided (without informing any horse owners) that they would be corralling the horses in from the fields instead of leading them. They refer to it as their “gate system”, but it's corralling. This was tried a couple of years ago, by the owner of the farm herself. A horse ended up breaking its leg because it was trying to run to keep up with the mixed heard. It was euthanized the next day. Again, when boarders voiced their concerns about this system being implemented, they were either kicked off the property or asked to move their horses.I would go every single day to see my horses to make sure they had enough food and water, to clean my own stalls, and bought my own shavings because I had to make sure they were safe. I also moved out two days early and never received my money back for those two extra days I paid. James and Rebekah are unethical in more ways than one.I am sure this barn will try marketing tactics such as rebranding, but do not let a new farm name, low-level trainers, and other tactics fool you.
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May 2022 by Laurie Dove
I had very good experiences there. I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. I would trailer my horse over for lessons with one of the instructors. Recently I contacted the stable to see if I could pay to use the indoor once a week. The instructor I had is no longer there. I was shocked and hurt when I was told because I was friends with that instructor I was not welcome at the stable?
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April 2022 by Denise Sweitzer
I met Anna many years ago. She was very sweet,cordial and informative. I took lessons there and I simply loved being there! I leased the most wonderful Mare named peaches...we used to rode along the C&0 canal. I remember one time,Peaches and I were crossing over a bridge and a mother Duck and her babies were crossing on the other end! Poor Peaches...it scared her to death. But after a little coaxing, just ran by them really quickly. Thank you for great memories.
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October 2021 by L Loethen
It took a long time to find a stable where we knew our horses would be well cared for AND a place where we felt welcomed. The owner went out of her way to ensure the best for us and even helped increase my confidence as a new horse owner. We loved it so much that we are now living our dream with horses at home. None of this would have been possible without learning at Potomac River Stables. Thank you all so very much!!I think the horses agree with our 5-star rating (see pictures of us with them in the pasture at Potomac River)!
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October 2021 by S MD
I moved my mare here about a year ago. My gelding will be coming here within the month. I can’t say enough good things about Anna and most people there.I’m always a little hesitant to change and moving from my mare staying at the same barn since before her purchase (she was there for about 15 years) was hard. But within the first meeting with Anna I felt welcome and knew this barn was were we would go. I noticed my previously dominant mare, who was picky on who she went out with, was happy with whoever because of the care and maintenance of the fields. She no longer feels like there’s competition for resources in the field. I got to see her even happier about her living situation. When she was injured (not anyone’s fault at all), the care and communication has been amazing and I know even on days I can’t make it out she’s safe in Anna’s hands. Anna has also been so incredibly flexible on allowing me to share one of her mares during my mare’s recovery. When she has time, I also have the pleasure of going on all speeds of trail rides with Anna which never fail to be enjoyable for both riders and the horses. There’s been an issue with one couple there, which Anna has helped handle in such a way that I can enjoy my mare (soon to be gelding too) and they are no longer an issue. My riding here has grown exponentially under a trainer Anna has as well, which I couldn’t be happier with
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October 2021 by Sara Victor
Riverside fits the needs of horse owners and those wanting to bring horses into their lives in a more concentrated way than a one-time experience like a guided trail ride. We moved our horse to here from a suburban barn with tiny fields and an awful lesson program. At Riverside there’s acres of turn-out fields, excellent grass, indoor/outdoor arenas, quarantine areas, and a variety of trails. The care our horse get and Anna’s stewardship of the property is first-rate. Thanks Anna!
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September 2021 by DEB F
We want to provide a review of Potomac Riverside Stables (PRS) to recognize PRS's Barn Manager named Ron. The Barn Manager was replaced some months ago and Ron was selected for the new Barn Manager job. This has been a huge improvement in client communications and better care of the many horses both barn and field board. When issues arise, clients contact Ron and he does his best to resolve the issue. Ron returns calls quickly, even when not on duty. Having an on-site Barn Manager is a big plus and gives confidence to the clients that Ron and his team will be there for their horses whatever the need!
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August 2021 by Sarbeth Barberena
Call to inquire about trail rides… was told that trail rides were only for members, and those taking lessons. Asked what a lesson consisted of since I’m ignorant to the terms use in “horse speaking”A LESSON IS A LESSON I was told rudely.How much is the lesson I asked… $69.00 she said.So i could book a lesson for $69 and rife the horses…?NO she saidA LESSON IS 10 SESSIONS! It’s $600.00 per lessonHmm. Either someone is on THAT day of the month or I am not Englishing right today.Perdón was “short and dry “ not pleasant to talk to.
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January 2021 by Greybull Reunion2010
A lovely horse boarding and riding facility. The owner, Anna, was the most gracious host. The stables were exceptionally maintained, horses were groomed and very happy in the stables. Plenty of nice riding trails, beautiful indoor arena as well as outdoor riding area which is lit up at night. She toured us around her stables and even lead us to the White Ferry and Potomac River dock on our way out. Just what this Wyoming country gal working in the city needed. I will be returning, guaranteed.
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January 2021 by Gilda Goldental
Anna took care of my horse for almost 3 years while we were boarded at Potomac Riverside Stables. She spent half of that time on field board and half of that time on stall board. With my busy work schedule, Anna would frequently keep me updated on my horse's health, often grooming her and giving her extra love at no extra charge. Anna was great at coordinating farrier and vet visits as needed, and always updating me if I was unable to be present. She is a wonderful communicator and extremely responsive! I knew I could always trust my horse would be looked after in my absence. She truly loves the horses she cares for and it shows in their health, as well as in the maintenance of the property. If it weren't for my moving for work, I would have stayed forever!
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January 2021 by Deborah Stevens
Beautiful farm. My horse was very happy there for the 2yrs. that I boarded him at Ana's Potomac Riverside Stables. Everyone who was riding there was friendly and helpful. The indoor and outdoor rings had good footing and trails were beautiful.
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September 2020 by Beatrice P.
My gelding was very happy here! We loved going out on the trails. Anna and her team took exceptional care of my horse. In addition to horse boarding there is an option to lease monthly or one time which is a great deal. You actually get to ride a variety of different horses. I really cannot recommend this place enough. Anna was so welcoming and helpful from the start. When we first met her she took us around to show us the beautiful trails and once we started boarding with her she would often go out with me on the trails. Even with field board if you are unable to attend vet or farrier appointments she or a member of her team will take care of it at no extra cost. If you are looking for an affordable, quality barn with great amenities look no further!
