National Riding Stables
National Riding Stables
5
About
At the National Riding Stables in Gettysburg, we offer an unparalleled way to experience this American history icon: a horseback tour of our country's most famous battlefield with experienced Licensed Battlefield Guides who make it all come alive for you; a comfortable and enjoyable ride on one of our gentle, well-trained horses; and superb customer service before, during and after your ride.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
306 reviews
Excellent
287
Very good
8
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
7
Stephen F
1 contribution
Jun 2021
We went on a 8am Saturday tour with a group of 3, including our 8 year old nephew who has never been on a horse. It was a hot day so we were glad to have booked the earlier tour. There were only 4 riders and at least as many staff helping us, so it seemed like a VIP experience compared to some of the larger group tours we've seen elsewhere. Everyone was terrific, including the horses! Terry was very knowledgable about the battlefields and made sure all of our questions were answered. The tour was very well organized and you could tell that the staff loved the animals. It was great to learn about the quirks and history of our horses, many of whom were rescued from near-death circumstances. It was a great experience and we were happy to support such a meaningful organization. Highly recommend!
Written June 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lon J
Erie, PA4 contributions
Aug 2020
What a unique way to see the Battlefield - on horseback. Especially moving was the ride down the original farm lane between the Weikert and Trostle farms. We could easily imagine it was 1863. Terry and her team made every part of the experience pleasant: introducing the horses, offering guidance to the novice riders, describing in moving detail the events of the battle. We hope to repeat this ride each time we return to Gettysburg.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R M
Manteno, IL21 contributions
Jul 2020
Terry does a great job of explaining the battle as you tour the 6000 acres on horseback. The group explains how to handle the horses but honestly the horses know what they are doing and require almost no handling. They are extremely well taken care of by the wranglers. You are assigned your horse, I had Sebastian, he was such a sweetheart and so funny. They walk the trail and some wranglers walk beside you as required. They tell you wonderful stories about the horses as you move from site to site. This is a MUST DO and gives a great perspective of what it must have felt like to be at the battle on a horse.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn Greto
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
Enthusiastic & experienced guide Terri, enthralls riders with a brief detailed history of the battle of Gettysburg. Rescued horses, lovingly brought back from the brink, enjoy working on the trail. Two hours is the Perfect amount of time to get acquainted with these animals, & learn about a pivotal civil war battle. Great for all ages (we had teens, and 30&50-60-somethings.) The stable expertly paired the horses with the rider. Adequate instruction provided, enables the rider to easily follow the directions for a comfortable ride.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine S
2 contributions
Aug 2022
The thing that makes taking a horseback riding tour of Gettysburg Battlefield with National Riding Stables different from the others, is that a good portion of the fee is a tax deductible donation for the care of rescue horses. This made our choice really easy. The great feeling we had contributing to a good cause was the start of a great experience!
Terry and her team were wonderful; extremely patient, and great communicators. They go above and beyond to make sure all riders (including novices) are completely comfortable with their horses before heading out. And throughout the entire ride they pay attention to the riders and horses so its a completely relaxing, enjoyable and highly informative experience.
What comes across loud and clear is that the team at National Riding Stables love their horses, love what they do, and really care about making a positive connection with their guests. A highly recommended experience.
Terry and her team were wonderful; extremely patient, and great communicators. They go above and beyond to make sure all riders (including novices) are completely comfortable with their horses before heading out. And throughout the entire ride they pay attention to the riders and horses so its a completely relaxing, enjoyable and highly informative experience.
What comes across loud and clear is that the team at National Riding Stables love their horses, love what they do, and really care about making a positive connection with their guests. A highly recommended experience.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawnt192
South Plainfield, NJ17 contributions
Aug 2023
Wow!! This was our last day in Gettysburg, and the highlight was this place. Terri came to meet the people who had signed up for a guided tour through the battlegrounds on horseback. Terri is registered with the National Park, so she was very informative on the battle grounds. One of the best parts was the 1/2 hour before the ride. We had to sign in and as a group she explained what to do on the trail as we ride, what to expect from certain horses that like to try to grab grass when stopped, what to do and not do. She is very gentle with all of these horses. They even make their own horse fly spray that is safe for humans and horses. We were told our horses name and something about each one before they were brought to us. These are all rescue horses with different stories. It had brought tears to my eyes both for these animals who were mistreated, and for the kindness that they are shown now. All the trail horses were nursed back to health. I had Sebastian who is 1/2 Tennessee Walker and maybe Quarter horse. Such a love!! Found out he was an entertainment horse. He showed one aspect of this by trying to take a water bottle out of Terri's daughters pocket who was walking by us on the trail. I rode him without a bit on his bridle.( that amazed me) My husband rode Simon who was made the lead horse. From what we were told Simon usually does not lead, but so loved doing it today. The horses know the route, even know where the stops are so Terri can explain the different parts we were at in the battlefield. Her daughter walked along side the horses to make sure everything was good, and to keep horse flies off the animals when needed. She was very personal, and made it a fun time. A staff member was always at the street crossings to stop traffic so we can cross safely with our horses. Sebastian started to limp when we were almost back to the stables I told Terri's daughter and she immediately checked his hoof, brushed out what she could, and said she will check him out fully when we are back. It was probably a stone in there, which she seemed to get out. But seeing how they address any issues right away, makes me want to come back again to this stable. Don't hesitate to take this tour with these beautiful animals, and wonderful hard working staff who seem to love what they do.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunnylatte
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Friends
Getting a tour on horseback is a memorable way to see and hear about the battlefield. Terry is a dynamic speaker and is gives an informative talk!
Clearly the horses are well cared for and loved. When you are assigned your horse you get to hear how each horse was rescued. It adds another dimension to the ride.
I appreciated the staff being conscientious of precautions limiting exposure to COVID, ie wearing masks, having hand sanitizer on hand. Speaking of safety, the staff explains how to handle the horses, so even the greenest rider feels safe.
Clearly the horses are well cared for and loved. When you are assigned your horse you get to hear how each horse was rescued. It adds another dimension to the ride.
I appreciated the staff being conscientious of precautions limiting exposure to COVID, ie wearing masks, having hand sanitizer on hand. Speaking of safety, the staff explains how to handle the horses, so even the greenest rider feels safe.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laura h
6 contributions
May 2021
Amazing, knowledgeable, inviting, and engaging staff. Terry our historical ranger vividly painted the battlefield with her interesting descriptions of Gettysburg. You felt immersed in history riding through the battlefield. I loved how you were introduced to your horse and learned their background as well. The horses are even more interesting than the staff. On our trail ride we had Duke a handsome rodeo horse, Sebastian a blonde Tennessee Walker who was a character, and two gentle giant Belgians Ted and Gus. These horses are well behaved and it’s truly a special moment to take these survivors out for a ride. Can’t wait to return to meet the whole herd. Thank You for a wonderful day.
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucky M
1 contribution
Jul 2022
There are several outfits that offer trail rides, however National Riding Stables is the best. It is a true immersive horse experience in the backdrop of history. They put the horse first and ensure each rider has the best match of rider for an unparalled trek. If you've never ridden a draft, ask for Gus- he's a gentle giant that loves cuddles and peppermints. All the staff is kind and helpful. Once in their care, the horses have a home for life, unlike other outfits.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberta C
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Horses! I've ride on tours before, but this tour I was encouraged to bond with my mount! Each horse has a story of abuse and recovery, just like most people. As soon as I bonded with my horse we began making connections to the real people of Gettysburg. We learned the story of the battles from a l9cal perspective. We didn't just l earn facts, we learned the individual stories of the battles and the area. Miss Terry and her staff do a wonderful job of caring for these specially horses and making g history come alive for me and my friends. I highly recommend this dedicated group of ladies for a battlefield tour.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you allow people to bring their own horses in to ride with your guides? Do you have over night stabling for visiting horses?
Written April 6, 2018
Hi
I do know they have facilities to bring your own horse & board in barn next to theirs. I’m sure if you call them directly they would be able to give you more info. They are really good at returning calls. Enjoy!
Written April 7, 2018
ypical questions asked:
Will you pick up and drop off at my hotel?
I have a family of 7. Can your tour accommodate all of us together?
How should I dress for this tour?
Written September 3, 2015
LBG228
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Hello! Thank you for contacting our stables. Yes, we can accommodate a group of 7, provided your choice of tour time is still available. Proper and comfortable attire will depend on the time of year you book your tour. We do not offer a shuttle service at this time. Please call to reserve your tour and to discuss any further questions: 717-334-5100. Happy trails!
Written September 4, 2015
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