Make memories with the kids by horseback riding in one of New York City’s ranches or farms offering horseback trails in NYC. There are guided trail rides, horse-drawn hayrides, lessons in both Western and English riding and camps or pony parties for children to participate in.
GallopNYC provides therapeutic programs for children and adults with disabilities; in addition, two Queens locations also provide public riding sessions at the cost of $65. A one-hour lesson costs $65.
Brooklyn
Horseback riding is an enjoyable and stimulating activity that can improve balance, posture, and flexibility. Many stables offer rides tailored to each rider’s experience level – even beginners can experience a fantastic journey! Some even host special events like summer camps for children or moonlight rides. Be sure to contact local Chambers of Commerce to locate stables nearby.
Horses are used to being around people, and most stables offer a range of trails for riders to discover. Some courses may be private while others provide beautiful scenic views across countryside or mountains – some may even be open for hiking and horseback riding.
To experience horseback riding near me, visit one of Brooklyn’s stables. Two such establishments include Kensington Stables and Jamaica Bay Riding Academy – two affordable per-hour facilities offering guided trail rides and lessons at competitive rates located within Prospect Park with a readily usable 3.5-mile bridle path for riders of all levels. Kensington Stables also hosts in-house shows where kids can participate and win trophies!
Another popular horseback riding destination in Brooklyn’s Van Cortlandt Park is for an adventure on horseback. This park offers an extensive network of riding paths, offering an oasis in an otherwise hectic urban environment. Van Cortlandt Park houses one of only two remaining stables from 1917, among rapidly increasing condo developments.
Horseback riding tours can be an incredible way to bond with friends while exploring nature. Choose between an hour-long or all-day trek through mountains, lakes, and waterfalls; some tours even provide discounts if you are a veteran or disabled person.
Staten Island
New York City provides horse enthusiasts with many places to ride, from stables offering lessons and pony rides for children to therapeutic riding facilities that specialize in helping those with disabilities use horses therapeutically and provide programs for all ages, including those living with autism or physical challenges. Many facilities can be found throughout Brooklyn and Staten Island, while others can be found in Manhattan or Queens.
Staten Island’s Seguine Equestrian Center offers English show riding lessons for riders of all ages, with access to Lemon Creek Park via trail. Hourly or half-hour rates apply, with packages also being offered.
Staten Island Recreational Association also operates the Helping Others Overcome Personal Handicaps (HOOPH), a therapeutic riding program that uses horses to promote core strength development and motor skill growth among children with disabilities.
HOOPH works closely with parents to develop a lesson plan tailored to their child’s goals and strengths. Children typically partner with an emotionally and socially engaging horse they can connect with; working closely with a horse trainer, they learn primary care for the horse and commands; art therapy may also be used for emotional issues.
South of Syracuse lies this 300-acre farm featuring beautiful vistas. Designed to cater to riders of all skill and ability levels, its trails allow them to experience New York state’s natural splendor first-hand. Packages range from one-hour rides up to all-day treks with discounts for veterans and individuals with special needs.
The Horse Riding Network showcases stables that offer horseback riding lessons, therapeutic riding sessions, trail riding experiences, and boarding services for riders of all skill and experience levels. Many also provide grooming or horse training services. In addition to public riding opportunities, these locations also offer pony rides for little ones and birthday party options; others are explicitly dedicated to therapeutic riding, with fees from sessions helping fund other services within an organization.
Central Park
Horseback riding in NYC is one of the most memorable experiences. Whether it is your first-ever visit or you live there year-round, a carriage ride through Central Park will create lasting memories. From celebrating an event to simply providing yourself and your family with an unforgettable adventure, taking a carriage ride through Manhattan’s most beloved public park is unparalleled!
Central Park now features an exciting program reintroducing horses into their intended role, allowing riders to bond with these majestic animals while exploring their peaceful natural habitat. Riders can navigate bridle paths that encircle Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and North Meadow while admiring Central Park’s landmarks and monuments that make the park such an iconographic space.
This program collaborates with Central Park Conservancy, NYPD, and Riverdale Equestrian Center. This facility provides boarding for over 400 horses and operates a full-time riding school teaching all aspects of riding; additionally, summer camps for children and private lessons for adults can also be purchased year-round online.
Kelly Kern has been an integral member of Jamaica Bay since 2014. She began her horse industry career early, learning to ride and compete. Kelly soon gained a deep appreciation of human-animal interactions and enjoyed working with people of all ages; her calm yet encouraging approach always leaves clients feeling secure and at ease.
GallopNYC was established in 2010 to improve the lives of New Yorkers through horseback riding and education. Their instructors are certified by the United States Pony Club, which supports young riders’ horsemanship development skills as they mature. GallopNYC strives to help riders of all ages fulfill their potential within horseback riding while cultivating an appreciation for horses throughout life.
This farm offers numerous amenities for visitors, including a lounge, indoor arena, and outdoor ring for visitors to use. They can also stay overnight in one of its cabins. In addition, various events take place here throughout the year.
Long Island
Long Island offers scenic spots for horseback riders of all skill levels to saddle up, from beachfront gallops to tranquil forest trails. Stables across Long Island offer lessons, guided trots and rentals, and training services; some facilities even provide therapeutic riding to assist people with disabilities or other medical conditions.
Be*Brooklyn Equine took over the historic Kensington Stables in Prospect Park in 2018 and offers pony rides for children (no appointment necessary), hour-long trail rides on its 3.5-mile bridle path for adults and children aged 11+, as well as lessons in both Western and English riding styles; pony parties and birthday party packages can also be arranged.
Bronx Equestrian Center in Pelham Bay Park provides riders of various abilities with various activities to suit them, such as therapeutic riding and hippotherapy, summer camp programs, and lessons from $40-60, depending on which package is chosen.
Lakewood Stables provides an exciting range of activities for riders of all ages at Hempstead Lake State Park. In addition to horseback riding on its scenic trails, the facility also provides English and Western riding lessons, an English hippotherapy camp for boys and girls, girl/boy scout/brownie programs, birthday parties, boarding facilities, horse care clinics, and full-time day programs, as well as an equine assisted therapy program.
GallopNYC, a nonprofit providing therapeutic riding and hippotherapy for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional, veterans, and at-risk youth disabilities, is located in two Queens locations and provides limited public riding sessions on a first-come, first-served basis; fees generated from these other services go towards supporting GallopNYC’s therapeutic offerings. You may also find them at other facilities like Bronx Equestrian Center and Prospect Park.
