THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Saddle up for a scenic horseback journey across Charlottesville’s farms and vineyards with Back Country Rides. Learn how local guides create a safe, immersive countryside experience suitable for riders 12 and up.
Saddle up for a scenic horseback journey across Charlottesville’s farms and vineyards with Back Country Rides. Learn how local guides create a safe, immersive countryside experience suitable for riders 12 and up.
Book with Indian Summer Guide Service
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Indian Summer Guide Service · Charlottesville, Virginia
Just south of Charlottesville, Virginia, Back Country Rides offers a one-of-a-kind horseback adventure through the area’s rolling farms and vineyards. Located at 7371 Scottsville Rd in Scottsville, this operation invites riders 12 and up to experience the region’s pastoral charm from the saddle, guided by local experts. Charlottesville’s countryside reveals a blend of agricultural tradition and natural beauty—fields stretch wide, dotted with historic barns, while vine-laden slopes hint at the thriving wine culture here. Riders traverse peaceful pastures and winding trails, encountering the quiet rhythm of rural life away from the city’s bustle.
Back Country Rides stands out as a gateway to Virginia’s scenic farmland and equestrian heritage. The guides bring deep knowledge of the surroundings and horsemanship, ensuring safety and connection with the horses. This is no rushed trail ride; it’s a deliberate immersion into the landscape where riders move at a comfortable pace, soaking in views of the Blue Ridge foothills on the horizon.
What makes this trip special is the combination of accessibility and authenticity—perfect for beginners and seasoned horse lovers alike. Whether moving through open fields or shaded wood edges, the terrain offers a gentle variety that keeps each ride engaging. The vineyards add color and scent to the ride, tying together agriculture and recreation in a uniquely Virginian way.
Back Country Rides embodies the local character of Scottsville and Charlottesville’s rural edges, providing an outdoor experience few others can match in the region. It’s a destination for those who want to slow down, engage with nature, and connect with horses amid quietly stunning countryside.
moderate.
1.5–2 hours.
Basic fitness required to sit and ride steadily for up to two hours; no advanced skills needed.
Riders must be at least 12 years old to join the guided horseback rides.
No prior experience is necessary, but basic riding skills help you enjoy the excursion fully.
Yes, helmets are typically provided, though guests can bring personal helmets for comfort or fit.
Rides generally last between 1.5 and 2 hours, including safety briefings and trail time.
We recommend long pants, closed-toe shoes, and layered clothing suited to the weather.
Absolutely. The guides tailor the rides based on experience levels to ensure safety and enjoyment.
The area around Scottsville includes historic farms dating back to the 18th century, reflecting Virginia’s agricultural roots.
Back Country Rides emphasizes responsible trail use to minimize impact, supporting local farmland preservation efforts.
Indian Summer Guide Service leads guided horseback rides across Charlottesville-area farms, vineyards, and ciderworks. Operating family-friendly and private experiences, the guide service pairs calm, well-trained horses with knowledgeable guides who prioritize safety, clear instruction, and an enjoyable pace for riders of varying experience. The seasonal Santa's Chuckwagon in Roseland creates holiday memories: riders meet Santa, warm by a fire with hot cocoa, receive decorate-your-own cookie kits, and take professional photos beside gentle horses. Other public and private rides explore Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard, Keswick, Chiswell Farm, Pollak Vineyards, Veritas Vineyard & Winery, Cunningham Creek Winery, and Albemarle Ciderworks, each finishing with a tasting or light fare at a rustic tasting room or family-owned winery. Programs accommodate families, children, adults, and private groups; some rides require riders aged 12 and up while select vineyard rides are 21+. Routes traverse pasture, creekside paths, strawberry fields, and vineyard rows, offering Blue Ridge views and a relaxed countryside pace suited to beginners through experienced riders. Indian Summer Guide Service focuses on curated, small-group outings that combine outdoor adventure with local flavors — wine flights, cider tastings, and intimate tasting-room experiences. Reservations are recommended for private vineyard or winery pairings and the popular holiday Santa's Chuckwagon. Contact information and booking details are available online; advance reservations help secure preferred dates and private experiences. All skill levels welcome.
Book with Indian Summer Guide Service