Gerry Bateman (pictured on his beloved horse Ajax) first visited the New River Gorge in 1987 to go whitewater rafting.  After rafting, he decided to go horseback riding. He was destined to be that first paying guest of the first outfitter into the New River Gorge. After that first trip, Gerry fell in love with the NRG and trail riding. Now, after 28 years of professional horseback outfitting, Gerry Bateman and Equestrian Adventures have become the best that West Virginia and the Eastern United States have to offer in the horseback industry. Over the past 28 years, Gerry has developed special training techniques that make his horses some of the safest and most gentle that you will ever meet. Because of this, we can take children as young as 8 years old on their first horseback ride into the dense forested area of The New River Gorge area of West Virginia. Gerry personally hand picks his guides for their people skills and teaches them his specialized way of working with the horses. All of the guides at Equestrian Adventures have safety training and are well versed at providing guidance along the trail ride. Gerry’s experience as a National Ski Patrol member and an instructor of the ski patrol advanced emergency medical program contributes to the safety training his guides receive. Gerry is an instructor of CPR and basic first aid for the American Red Cross and also the American Heart Association.  Many Boy Scouts of America have received their horsemanship merit badges right here at Equestrian Adventures. So, for the safest and best horseback experience in West Virginia and the Eastern United States, come ride with Gerry and Equestrian Adventures, his experienced stable of trail horses, and his exceptional staff.