About

"A huge thank you to you and Ms. Sue. Syd loves riding at your farm and she told me she already feels like a better rider because she is not afraid of making mistakes for fear of being yelled at. Thank you for creating a positive environment! I am so thankful that we found Stonelea."

- Natalie, October 2022

I just wanted to say thank you for giving my daughter such a wonderful week at camp! Brenna loved attending every day and really loved the counselors and their help. Every day we heard about the horses and their personalities in addition to the skills she learned. We appreciate your hard work! Be sure to thank the counselors for us as well.

- Amy L., July 2021

My ten year old has wanted to get serious about horses for a while and we're finally in the states long enough for her to do so. I wish I had found Ms. Lucia and Stonelea Farm sooner! We tried a different farm for about a month which I found to be highly disorganized, unprofessional, and lacking good instructors. This is completely the opposite of Ms. Lucia and Stonelea. Ms. Lucia got right back to me to try to schedule my daughter (no small feat with all of our other commitments) and she worked around my schedule as best as she could. After the first day, I knew we were at the right place--my daughter even told me she felt so much more comfortable there. Ms. Lucia is nurturing, but also gives great direction and expects her riders to learn how to tack up and keep the barn in order. Her organization is impressive. She even labeled my daughter's gloves when she forgot them. She even explained that my daughter was wearing her helmet incorrectly--the same one she had worn for a month at the other place! I love that Ms. Lucia is right out on the ring with the girls, and even though there are different levels at times, she manages them all and gives them direct instruction. I can't say enough about this farm. The girls that go to the farm are so helpful and have helped my daughter every time without making her feel bad for still learning the ropes. Clearly this type of ethos and attitude at the farm is a direct result of the management and instructor. Highly recommend. Not fussy, just friendly, competent, organized horseback riding. Love it!

- T.R. (10/2015)

With one special needs child and a younger sibling who wanted to ride, we couldn't have been in kinder, more capable hands. Fabulous experience! I recommend Stonelea Farm highly.

- T.B. (6/2015)

Miss Lucia is a talented, positive, enthusiastic instructor who provides a thorough knowledge of horsemanship -- not just how to ride -- in a fun way. Her teacher training combined with extensive equestrian knowledge puts her skills above others. She is always aware of the needs and activities of each student and each horse, regardless of whether they are riding or working on barn activities. In addition, she generously gives of her time and talents, rescues horses and gives them new life and purpose, and has taken on students with challenging disabilities. Lucia assures that each student is thoroughly trained in safety requirements and correct care of horses, so that when they become horse owners themselves, her students know how to properly care for their horse, not just how to ride, something that is not often taught elsewhere. You can't ask for a more caring instructor.

- J.P. (9/2014)

Lucia is an excellent teacher, realizing and understanding the different styles of learning which has greatly benefited our son. We highly recommend her!

- K.B.

Lucia is a wonderful instructor. My daughter has been at Stonelea Farm from age 6, and she is now 14. She just loves riding at Stonelea.

- D.H.

My 5 1/2 year old has been begging for horseback riding lessons, but I hesitated to sign her up because I didn't think she was quite old/strong enough to control a horse. I signed her up for a One-day Horsemanship Camp, which was a 3 hour class that taught the basics about horseback riding and horses. The instructor, Lucia, carefully and repeatedly instructed the children on how to be safe on and around horses. I was very impressed with the emphasis on safety. We will be taking lessons here again.

- Cindy L.

Stonelea is the best kept secret in Aldie for riding! My child has learned self-confidence as well as true horsemanship. Very nurturing and safe environment!

- M.B. (4/30/2012)

I started taking weekly lessons with Lucia as an adult beginner about a year ago. I have had the chance to meet some amazing horses and people of all ages and ability. I am so very thankful to have found Stonelea Farm!

- K.M. (5/2012)

We have really appreciated your style of teaching her lessons, the patience and flexibility along with your easy way of instruction is a complete opposite to her last instructor. I think that she has learned more from you this year than she has in all the previous years of lessons combined.

- Pamela (5/2012)

Wonderful training barn for adults or child beginners. 9 yr old granddaughter became a confident and proud rider. Thank you Lucia! Highly recommend.

- P.G. (4/2013)

Stonelea is the best! Lucia has always been a wonderful instructor. My daughter has been riding there for 4 years and loves it! She has learned so much over that time. I definitely recommend her!

- K.E. (9/2013)

My girls go to Stonelea for Spring Break and love it. They love riding but also caring for the horses. Lessons are adapted to what is going on at the farm, so they always learn something new. Miss Lucia is the best!

- B.Z. (4/2014)

Thank you again for two fabulous days of lessons for Audrey. You have her hooked! As a retired teacher myself, I see all of the great teaching practices you use in your lessons. You share your love for horses along with all of the techniques necessary to develop good riding habits. Thanks for giving her your special time in what was already a very busy day for you.

- S.H. (6/2014)

We needed a refresher before a riding trip, and this was wonderful. The horses were great, the instruction was on point for each of our skill levels, and Lucia was great about working around our busy work schedules. 100% recommendation!

- J&J (8/2014)