Sports and Recreation Tour: Washington Riding Academy (1888-1936): The Washington Riding Academy opened in 1888 and was located just outside of Rock Creek Park.

The Washington Riding Academy opened in 1888 and was located just outside of Rock Creek Park on P street NW. The building's facade was stuccoed brick and designed in a combination of Romanesque and Chateauesque styles. The first-floor of the building included a stable and riding ring, while the second-floor housed space for socializing, including reception rooms and a kitchen. There were balconies that surrounded the riding ring to allow for spectators. There was also an arched entryway leading into the riding ring for horses to enter from P Street.

The academy, owned by J.D. Brown, was extremely popular among more affluent residents of DC, such as President Grover Cleveland. The academy was particularly popular because it allowed lessons for both men and women, but at separate times. It also gave lessons on musical riding, which was the only time that women and men rode together, and performed based on the tempo of music. The Washington Riding Academy was demolished in 1936.

This site is a stop on the Sports and Recreation in DC tour. It is no longer extant and is not a desginated historic landmark.