I highly recommend anyone that enjoys horses to give them a try. I took my granddaughter who is hard to impress. She's been riding for a few years now, and she raved about the experience. The horses are well fed and taken care of. The owner is very engaged and instructed us the whole way through. Her assistants were also very knowledgeable and instructed us the whole way through. Thanks for sharing your horses and knowledge with us. A once in a lifetime. Unless you go back. One woman and her family had been there several times before, if that tells you anything. Once again thanks!

April was fantastic! We came as a group while on vacation and I wanted to take my 3 yr old horseback riding for the first time (for both of us!). April gave us excellent guidance on how to ride with her in the saddle with me and I didn’t have any worry or anything while we started our ride. Jessie was so sweet and just knew to take the downhills a little slower with the young one on her back. She was awesome and my daughter loved her!
Aside from the young boys in the other group who didn’t show much respect for direction or the horses, our ride was amazing and a memorable experience that my daughter still talks about even a month later after our ride.
April- Thank you so much for this experience. You have beautiful horses, such friendly dogs, and incredible patience and selflessness for providing these rides. We enjoyed getting to know you, your life with the thousands of horses you’ve cared for, and to meet the four-legged family you share with the world. Give Jessie an extra cookie from Amelia and I!

My daughter and nephews (8,10,12) are going on their third year of horse camp with April, it's something they look forward to every summer! April is patient and great with teaching, the kids love her! The horses are gorgeous, the scenery is beautiful, it's everything you could want with in a horse camp or for trail riding. Thanks for all you do, we'll see you soon!!

My friend group spent Labor Day weekend at Smith Mountain Lake and we were thrilled to come across Slocum's Appaloosa Ranch. April was incredibly friendly and we loved her property, horses, and friendly dogs. Despite an overall large group, April and her assistant, Joy, were super vigilant and helpful encouraging experienced riders, first-timers, children, and older adults alike. April was a master at managing the horses' dynamics, pairing them with their "friends" and informing riders of each of their quirks and habits. She is truly a great guide and we felt incredibly comfortable with her and can't wait to visit again!

A wonderful way to spend time.
We took visiting relatives a group of 5 from 11 to 59... everyone enjoyed themselves.
April Slocum is friendly, talkative and informative. The horses are friendly and compliant. April and her trail hands know these horses thoroughly, so they tell each rider up front what to expect.
The trails were shady, up and down and April is giving instruction along the way. “ hands down, heels down, butt down”, “up in the stirrups, weight forward, grab a handful on mane”, “hands down, let your horse pick his steps”!!!!
Oh yeah, bring lots of carrot!!

I brought my 2 young grandsons (4 and 7yrs) for their first horseback ride. The 7 yr old was admittedly nervous but April put him right at ease with her clear directions. The 4 yr old rode with his Dad and again April made sure they were comfortable with the horse. The trail goes through woods with a stream and also open fields so even on a hot day there is a break in the shade. She will even take pictures if you have a camera--I didn't know this so did not have mine with me. The 2 young ladies (Madison and ?) were helpful guides as well. The boys and the rest of us enjoyed the ride and feeding all the horses carrots and biscuits afterwards. This was a very professional and friendly group--I definitely recommend them.

April and her team of gals are wonderful! My daughter and I will definitely go back again! The horses are just beautiful and well cared for! We loved feeding them carrots after the ride. Thank you!

We had an excellent experience with April and her crew. Even in challenging (really rainy and muddy) conditions, April was attentive to safety issues and have gave great instructions. We will definitely return!!!

Ms. April is one of my role models! I love her! She has taught me so much and riding horses are one of my favorite things to do in the whole world. I highly recommend Slocum's Appaloosa Ranch, I f you would like an experience that you will never forget.



A life lesson:

Keep Calm and LOVE Horses

I am a fairly new rider, this is the second place I have taken lessons, and I love how April teaches. She is good at explaining concepts. I am amazed at how much more confident I feel after only a few months of lessons. I love all the horses I have met - they love attention! The trail ride is scenic and fun. If I had the time I would spend every day at Slocum's!