Horseback Riding Lessons for Kids in the New York Area

Here are the horseback riding stables open for lessons now in the New York area.

By NYMetroParents Staff May 6, 2021

If your child is begging for a pony, and all you see are dollar signs, it might be worth considering all the benefits horseback riding brings to kids—especially for kids who are obsessed with horses. Exercise is one, of course. Riding is aerobic, but it also builds muscle strength and increases balance, not to mention coordination, visual spatial skills, faster reflexes, and all-round circulation. But riding offers more than just physical benefits. A child who is able to master the skill of synthesis with such a graceful, large animal will have improved self-confidence, self-discipline, and the appropriate ability to take risks. A child caring for a horse learns patience, care, respect, and responsibility. Don't forget your helmet!

Horseback Riding Stables in New York City
Horseback Riding Stables in Westchester
Horseback Riding Stables in Rockland County and Bergen County, NJ
Horseback Riding Stables on Long Island
Horseback Riding Stables in Connecticut

NYC Horseback Riding Stables

Bronx Horseback Riding Stables

Bronx Equestrian Center/Pelham Bit Stable

9 Shore Road, Southeast Bronx
718-885-0551
Facebook
Hours: Daily, 9am-7pm
Prices: Pony rides: $5 for three rides for 1 child; trail rides: $65 per hour and $10 deposit at booking; private lessons: $40 30 minutes, $65 1 hour
What you need to know: All visitors must wear a mask. Guests can bring their own helmets, but the stable’s helmets are sanitized between uses.
English- and Western-style riding lessons available by appointment for ages 6 and older. Pony rides are offered daily from 9am-5pm. A children's summer program is offered weekly from July -August for kids ages 6-17 interested in horses and horsemanship. Birthday parties, carriage rides, and pony rides are also available.

Riverdale Stables

6100 Mosholu Ave., Riverdale
718-548-4848
Facebook
Hours: Open for lessons seven days a week by appointment.
Prices: $60 for 30-minute private evaluation lesson (required for all new riders); $100 for 1 hour (instructor must verify after first lesson)
What you need to know: Visitors are not allowed in the barn (it’s closed); no friends or additional family can visit besides the child and a parent; everyone must wear a mask until on horse (unless you need instructor close by to assist you); must wear your own boots (no sneakers or flat sole shoes), and bring helmet and gloves.
The center offers lesson programs for young riders as well as adults.

Queens Horseback Riding Stables

GallopNYC

GallopNYC Forest Hills: 8803 70th Road, Forest Hills
GallopNYC Sunrise Stables: 80-98 Linden Blvd., Howard Beach
855-925-5661
Facebook • Instagram
Hours: By appointment only; call for information.
Prices: Forest Hills: $55 30-minute private lesson; $75 45-minute private lesson; $90 1-hour private lesson. Sunrise Stables: $55 30-minute private lesson; $75 45-minute private lesson; $$85 1-hour private lesson
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Lessons are offered to all riders, including lessons to help people in NYC with disabilities walk, talk and learn. Both centers offer lesson programs for young riders and adults, using an indoor arena as well as trail lessons offered in Forest Park. Western and English both offered.

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Brooklyn Horseback Riding Stables

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy

7000 Shore Parkway, Mill Basin
718-531-8949
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Hours: 10am-4:30pm
Prices: Rates vary; lesson packages available.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Private and family lessons are offered for kids of all ages and levels. Private and group trail rides, pony rides, and birthday parties are available. Summer camp for ages 5-15 includes daily lessons, beach riding, arts and crafts, and animal care. There is an elementary and middle school/high school riding team for appropriate ages and skill levels.

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Westchester County Horseback Riding Stables

Autumn Farm

306 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem
914-669-5382
Instagram
Hours: Lessons by appointment only
Prices: Call to request prices, which depend on the type of lesson.
What you need to know: Call for updated information.
Take riding lessons year-round by appointment only and choose from private or group lessons. Also visit to watch horse shows, or sell or lease your own horse.

Boulder Brook Equestrian Center

291 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale
914-725-3912
Facebook • Instagram
Hours: Monday, 9am-4pm; Tuesday-Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-4pm
Prices: Call directly for information on lessons for children and adults, as well as pricing.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Private and group lessons for children and adults (ages 6 and older) are offered at Westchester's largest indoor riding ring. Its summer camp includes daily lessons in riding and stable management.

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Fox Hill Farms

204 Old Sleepy Hollow Road, Pleasantville
914-769-9813
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Hours: Lessons tailored to fit your schedule.
Prices: $65 30-minute private lesson; $114 1-hour private lesson; $55 30-minute semi-private lesson; $100 1-hour semi-private lesson; $80 1-hour group lesson; $115 1½-hour group lesson.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
English-style riding lessons available in a group or private setting. Guided rides are available through the Rockefeller Preserve in spring, summer, and fall. A weekly summer camp in June through August includes riding lessons, horse care, and games. Pony rides are also available during the summer.

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JT Farm

1125 Route 35, South Salem
914-763-3705
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Hours: 8am-5pm
Prices: Call for updated pricing.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Provides lessons for all levels and all ages. Facility includes 45 miles of trails, an indoor ring, two outdoor rings, and a Grand Prix field.

Kentucky Riding Stables

325 Union Ave., Harrison
914-381-2825
Instagram
Hours: Lessons by appointment only.
Prices: $60 30-minute private single session; $440 30-minute private eight sessions; $50 30-minute semi-private single session; $360 30-minute semi-private eight sessions.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Family-owned and operated, offering riding instruction, training, and boarding with private or semi-private lessons by appointment only for riders of all skill levels. There is a weekly summer camp offered from June through August, where campers participate in daily riding instruction, leisure trail rides, and the basics of grooming, bathing, and barn management.

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Stratford Stables

120 Cottage Ave., Purchase
914-351-6272
Facebook
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 8am-6pm; Saturday, 8am-5pm; Sunday, 8am-4pm
Prices: $75 30-minute private lesson; $90 1-hour group lesson
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Offers year-round lessons for ages 6 and older. A summer camp is offered June through August for ages 6-12 and features riding, grooming and tacking the horses, and art projects. Boarding and leasing of horses and ponies as well as showing opportunities are also offered.

Twin Lakes Farm

960 California Road, Bronxville
914-961-2192
Facebook • Instagram
Hours: Daily by appointment for lessons
Prices: $60 30-minute private lesson; $60 1-hour group lesson; $90 1-hour semi-private lesson; $100 1-hour private lesson
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available daily, year round. The farm’s summer camp includes riding lessons, horsemanship, and arts and crafts.

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Westchester Trail Rides

6 Croton Lake Road, Croton-on-Hudson
914-539-2987
Facebook
Hours: Sunup to sundown
Prices: Call for information on trail ride rates.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
This stable offers guided horseback trail riding for all ages. Trails traverse more than 7,000 acres of land surrounding the Croton reservoir and dam. English and Western riding styles are accepted.

Long Island Horseback Riding Stables

Nassau County Horseback Riding Stables

Bethpage Equestrian Center

499 Winding Road, Old Bethpage
516-531-8007
Facebook • Instagram
Hours: Sunday-Monday, 7am-5pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 7am-8pm; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 7am-7pm
Prices: $60 30-minute single; $90 1-hour single; $50 30-minute single semi-private; $80 1-hour single semi private.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Offers Western and English riding lessons and trail rides for adults and children in Bethpage State Park. A therapeutic riding program is available for all skill levels.

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Nassau Equestrian Center

62 Route 106, Jericho
516-342-1771
Facebook
Rates: Call for updated information.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Lessons are offered for ages 6 and older, beginners through advanced. Semi-annual horse shows are held to showcase students’ progress. Summer camp is offered June-August for ages 6-14 in which kids ride twice a day and learn to care for a horse. Guided trail rides are given for two to four people ages 12 and older.

New York Equestrian Center

633 Eagle Ave., West Hempstead
516-486-9673
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Hours: Daily, 9am-8pm
Admission: $70 30-minute private lessons; $100 1-hour private lessons; $75 1-hour group lesson; $80 1-hour semi-private lesson; Trail ride: $75 for 1 rider with a guide; $60 per person for 2 riders with a guide; $55 per person for 3 or more riders with a guide per person
What you need to know: Call in advance for updated COVID safety information.
Private English- and Western-style lessons are offered for all ability levels. Group lessons are for intermediate-level riders to advanced jumpers. Guided, hour-long trail rides are available.

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Suffolk County Horseback Riding Stables

Babylon Riding Center

1500 Peconic Ave., West Babylon
631-587-7778
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Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-7pm. Reservations only.
Prices: $55 for 30-minute lesson; $80 for 1-hour lesson
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Lessons in Belmont State Park for beginners to advanced riders with private lessons, trail rides, and riding evaluations.

Country Farms Camp and Equestrian Center

200 Bellport Ave., Medford
631-345-9585
Facebook • Instagram
Hours: Open daily; lessons by appointment.
Prices: $60 30-minute private; $80 1-hour private; $65 1-hour semi-private; $55 1-hour group
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Lessons are taught to all ability levels. The facility includes 14 acres with an indoor arena. Summer camp runs Monday-Thursday in July and August for children who have completed at least 5½ hours of private lessons. Birthday parties are available upon request.

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Deep Hollow Ranch

Route 27 (3 miles east of Montauk Village), Montauk
631-668-2744
Facebook • Instagram
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-8pm (reservation), Sunday, 7am-8pm
Prices: Call for updated rates.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Western-style beach and trail rides are offered for beginners to advanced riders. Private, guided rides are also available. Tours, trail, and beach rides for school and group trips are offered upon request. Pony rides are offered on site.

Island Hills Stables

26 Rocky Point Road, Middle Island
631-924-4046
Instagram
Hours: 7:30am-9pm (reservation) 9 a.m. -9 p.m. Monday-Friday; Weekends 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: $60 30-minute private lesson; $95 1-hour private lesson; $65 45-minute semi-private lesson
What you need to know: The stable is complying with all state guidelines for COVID safety. Call for detailed information.
Private lessons are available. There is a summer camp in July and August with riding lessons, grooming and tacking, and recreational activities (Monday-Friday 9am-2pm). Two-hour birthday parties are also available.

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Rising Stars Equestrian Center

499 Winding Road, Old Bethpage
516-532-3946
Facebook
Prices: Call for updated rates information.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Private and semi-private lessons, group lessons for intermediate/advanced riders, and mini lessons for kids are all available. After-school, holiday, customized, and birthday programs are offered. At the center’s summer camp, which runs from June through August, kids can ride, groom, bathe, and tack a horse as well as play games.

Sagamore Hill Stables

929 Fort Salonga Road, Northport
631-549-9178
Prices: Call for updated lesson rates.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Private riding lessons are offered Tuesday-Saturday by appointment for ages 5 and older of all experience levels.

Fairfield County, CT Horseback Riding Stables

Blue Spruce Farm

626 Wheeler Road, Monroe
203-268-6774
Facebook
Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm
Admission: Call for updated lesson rate information.
What you need to know: Call for updated COVID safety information.
Lessons in English and Western riding are based on principles of yoga and tai chi. The farm has a therapeutic riding program for children with special needs, offers 1-hour guided trail rides, and hosts group events that include pony rides, hay rides, and theme parties. The farm’s summer camp includes daily riding, grooming, saddling, therapeutic massage and meditation, swimming, yoga, and pizza parties.

Salko Farm & Stable

374 Hulls Farm Road, Southport
203-255-5092
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Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 12-7:30pm; Tuesday, 2:30-7:30pm; Saturday, 9am-4pm
Prices: $90 30-minute private; $100 1-hour semi-private; $150 1-hour private; $100 1-hour group; $75 Intro to Riding (ages 3-5 only)
What you need to know: COVID safety precautions are in place. A waiver must be signed; Call for more information.
Private, semi-private, and group lessons offered for those who want the whole package in their equine journey. Knowledgeable instructors and quality lesson horses ensure students’ experience is safe, fun and educational. Indoor and outdoor facilities available.

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Silver Horseshoe Riding Stable

350 Wolf Harbor Road, Milford
203-874-2168
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Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am-9pm; Friday-Saturday, 9am-6pm
Prices: Call for updated prices for lessons.
What you need to know: Masks required when areas have more than 3 people. Group lessons hold no more than 4 people. Limited capacity.
Group, private, and semi-private lessons are offered in English and Western styles. The stable has an outdoor riding arena and a lighted indoor arena. Birthday parties are offered but space and time is limited.

Whimsy Brook Farm

29 Giles Hill Road, Redding
203-938-3760
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Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 8am-9:30pm
Prices: Call for lesson rates and information.
What you need to know: Masks required until on horse: only one other person can accompany them; proper riding attire required; must fill out a health survey prior to arrival. Call for updated COVID safety information.
This holistic farm specializes in teaching Aware Riding, focusing on releasing tension and developing senses and balance in order to ride well. It also teaches stable management, and offers group and private classes on topics such as show preparation, braiding, mane pulling, clipping, tack fitting, tack cleaning, horse clothing, first aid, leg wrapping, restraint, feeding and nutrition, worming, shoeing options, lunging, round penning, conformation, and movement.