Horseback Riding Lessons for Kids in the New York Area

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. 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 Bergen County
• Horseback Riding Stables in Rockland County
• Horseback Riding Stables in Westchester
• 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
Instagram
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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Bergen County, NJ Horseback Riding Stables

Bergen Equestrian Center

40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia
201-336-3370
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Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-6pm
Prices: Residents: introduction: $58 30-minute private lesson; beginner/intermediate: $68 30-minute private lesson, $75 1-hour group; intermediate/advanced: $85 30-minute private lesson, $95 1-hour group. Non-residents: introduction: $63 30-minute private lesson introduction; beginner/intermediate: $73 30-minute private lesson, $85 1-hour group; intermediate/advanced: $95 30-minute private lesson, $105 1-hour group.
What you need to know: All guests must wear a mask and have their temperatures taken. No spectators except to accompany a minor.
Beginner to advanced riding lessons are available Tuesday-Sunday. For advanced riders, there are specialty trainers for each discipline, including jumping, hunters, equitation, and dressage. An after-school program and full-time summer camp are also offered.

 

 

 

 

 

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Saddle Ridge Riding Center

900 Shadow Ridge Road, Franklin Lakes
201-847-9999
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Hours: Daily, 8am-8pm; reservations required
Prices: $50-$55 for 30 minutes
What you need to know: Masks are required. Parents may accompany children younger than 18, otherwise no other visitors are allowed. Riders must wear jeans and boots; helmets can be borrowed.
The center offers beginner to advanced lessons with experienced trainers. Guided trail rides are offered daily for a maximum of five people. Birthday parties and other parties for special occasions are available for up to 15 people. A summer camp for ages 5-15 is also offered.

Rockland County Horseback Riding Stables

Nickel-O-Farm

369 Strawtown Road, West Nyack
845-303-2550
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Hours: Call to book a lesson. Petting zoo is open daily, 9am-5pm.
Prices: Younger than 10: $30 for 15-minute child private lessons; all: $60 for 30-minute private lesson
What you need to know: Call for updated information.
Petting zoos on site and "pony parties" are available remotely. There is a weekly summer riding program June 29-July 23 in which kids ride, learn to groom the horses, and special activities.

 

 

 

 

 

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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
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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.

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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