I'm taking my horse crazed 12 year old to NYC for a week this summer. Usually every where we travel, we horseback ride. I researched Central Park but didn't see anything. She said she had a friend who rode there. NYC is probably not the best "horseback riding" destination but I thought I'd double check. Anyone have any info?

Thanks
Jenn

You can try at the Claremont riding academy, 175 west 89th. street
phone : 212 724 5100.
It's not cheap, and I don't know if they organize some rides in CP...
They oragnise a "test" and if you get
it they give you a horse, the way to go to CP and the time you have...
Good Luck
Erik.

here's some info about riding in NYC. In Manhattan, to ride in Central Park, the Claremont stable is $50. per hour.

The Bronx Equestrian Center
9 Shore Road
Bronx
718.885.0551

Claremont Riding Academy
175 West 89th Street
212.724.5100

D.D. Stables
88-11 70th Road
Forest Hills, Queens
718.263.3500

Equus Stables
2498 Veterans Road West
Staten Island
718.948.9515

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy
Gateway National Recreation Area
Brooklyn
718.531.8949

Kensington Stables
51 Caton Place
Brooklyn
718.972.4588

New York City Riding Academy
Randalls Island
212.860.2986

Overpeck Stables
40 Ft. Lee Rd.
Leonia, NJ
201.242.0022

Richer Farms
322 Sharrotts Road
Staten Island
718.967.0742

Riverdale Equestrian Center
Van Cortlandt Park
254 Street & Broadway
Riverdale
718.548.4848

Seguine Equestrian Center
440 Seguine Avenue
Staten Island
718.317.1121

The Claremont does not do "rides". If you are proficient enough they will let you hire a horse to ride in Central Park - but you're strictly on your own after you leave the stable. And you must negotiate a couple of blocks of city traffic before you get to the park.

That said, their horses are generally above the quality you find in most stables (few slugs) and riding in the park is very enjoyable - as long as the weather is fine. Be aware that if the weather is too hot (don;t know the exact temp) they won;t let you take the horses out.

Thanks so much for the info, (and very detailed info mp). While DD is a very experienced rider, I'm not... so renting a horse and riding through NY traffic on our way to the park is a thrilling thought for her and a nightmarish one for me! I'm sure I'd flunk the test anyway!
Maybe we'll look into some of the other options or she'll have to live for a week being horse-less!
Thanks again,
Jenn

Jenn, I had a DD that is the same age and also an experienced rider. I absolutely did NOT give her the opportunity to sit in a saddle that week. While CP is very nice, and the trail looks lovely, sitting on a strange horse in the middle of Manhattan did not make much sense to me. Instead, I indulged her by renting a carriage. She got her fix and I was off the hook.

The horses in Claremont have a reputation for being very "traffic" savvy.

At Jamaica Bay (need a car to get there) you ride on the beach. If you are experienced, they may let you go on your own.

DD Stables is in Queens, not easy to get to by public transportation. The riding is in a local park; nothing to brag about.

Try calling the NYC Riding academy on Randall's island & tell them what you are looking for. I've never been, but is something I'd try.

Yes, I've decided against the CP ride. I agree that I'm not comfortable with DD in that situation. We were in NY the weekend of the blackout a couple of years ago and before all hell broke loose, we did manage a carriage ride through CP. I'm hoping to rent bikes this time and explore more than we did then.
Does anyone know anything about Kensington Stables? It looks like they do trail rides. I'm completely unfamiliar with the public transportation. We just walked last time and did the greyline tour for one day before they shut down (black-out). Is Brooklyn easily accessible through public transportation? I want to do this for her if I can. She is a great kid, and I don't think her heart is really in this trip. I think she is going with the flow as the rest of us (my sister and niece) are excited about it. She is just that kind of a good hearted kid. Anyway, if it isn't going to be too much hassle, I'd like to do a trail ride somewhere.It would be the highlight for her.
Thanks
Jenn

The nearest subway to Kensington Stables is the Fort Hamilton Parkway station of the F train. It's a bit of a hike from Midtown Manhattan, maybe 45 min. - 1 hr.

D&D Stables in Queens is closest to the 71st/Continental Ave. stop on the E or F train - it's about 30-45 min from midtown. You can then take a quick bus ride or 10-15 minute walk to the stable.

I just took 4, 12 year olds to Claremont(they are all experienced riders) and they had a great time. It was easy to walk to horses on the streets, just follow the rules of the rode and the horses are very traffic savvy. I had one other adult with me, but we could have easily gone on our own. It's a typical hack stable, but a great experience. The bridle path in Central Park is very scenic and alot of fun - the joggers have to get out of the way, horses have the right of way!