Spring is the perfect time to take lessons, learn something new. Something that you and the family can do together over the summer, and if you really like it, and become devoted to it something that you can do together all year long.
Horseback riding is a great activity. Learning to control a thousand pounds of animal with two pieces of leather and subtle hand signals is an art. And very rewarding. Riding along the beaches and the wooded trails that abound in the parks of New York City is a great way to escape from the noise and rush of everyday life. You might think of taking lessons for another reason also. Vacation time is coming and many people will be heading to the county, to dude ranches, for summer vacation and wouldn’t it be nice if you knew a little bit about how to handle a horse before you take off into the wild. Horseback riding is not for everyone. You have to love horses, be patient and willing to go through a lot of repetitive movements before you are ready to head out on the trail for a gallop instead of a walk, but if you have the inclination, the only way to know if it is for you is to go and try it. You do not need to make a big commitment at first. You can just go and take one lesson and if you feel like you don’t want to get off, then you can by all the equipment and make arrangements for more lessons. But you can’t get anywhere without that first step.
Claremont Riding Academy
http://potomachorse.com/clarmont.htm
175 W. 89th Street New York, NY 10024
Claremont is one of the oldest and most respected riding academies. Is a premier riding school, with 15 instructors and horses for both beginners and an experienced riders who want to advance a grade. They have horses that regularly go into show competition, that are so well schooled that they can compete against the best. And you get to go horseback riding through the six miles of trails in Central Park
The Jamaica Bay Riding Academy
http://www.horsebackride.com/jb/home.php
Brooklyn New York
The Jamaica Bay Riding Academy is a very special place. If you drive east out of Brooklyn on the Belt Parkway, just after the Canarsie exit, you can see them horseback riding down the sandy beaches fo Jamaica Bay. They have private and group lessons available and special pony trails for children too young to ride the regular ones. And one thing that makes them very special is the Seaside Therapeutic Riding Program for special needs kids and adults.
Kensington Stables
http://www.kensingtonstables.com/
Brooklyn New York
There is horseback riding right in the heart of Brooklyn. You get to ride through Prospect Park and they have just remodeled their training ring. They participate in, and win, house show events every spring and fall, so you might eventually bring home a trophy of your own.
Richer Farm Inc.
http://www.richerfarminc.com/
322 Sharrotts Road
Staten Island, New York 10309
Richer Farm is one of the small riding academies, but they have a first class instructor and have lessons from beginners up to advanced show and jumper classes. Staten Island has some beautiful riding trails, so if you just want to go for an easy ride, come on over and give them a try
