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Best Horseback Riding Lessons in Nassau County

1. Bethpage Equestrian Center — Old Bethpage

Bethpage Equestrian Center offers a variety of programs and private, semi-private, and group lessons for horseback riding. The center also teaches kids how to groom and take care of horses and run trail rides. There are camps for children ages 6 and older at the facilities, which are adjacent to Bethpage State Park. You can even host a birthday party with ponies for younger kids. For the older crowd, schedule trail rides for a party.

2. New York Equestrian Center — West Hempstead

This year-round riding facility has outdoor and indoor spaces on its 775-acre property, which runs along Hempstead Lake State Park. Kids ages 13 and older are welcome to participate in trail rides at NYEC, which are led by an experienced handler. New York Equestrian Center offers private English and Western lessons for beginner through advanced levels. The center also hosts pony parties at the ranch for kids ages 2 and older and for groups of up to 100 people.

3. HorseAbility — Old Westbury

HorseAbility is located on the SUNY Old Westbury campus and offers year-round therapeutic riding programs for those with special needs in both private and semi-private environments. Most students begin with private lessons to ensure a solid foundation in basic skills. Camp HorseAbility offers a day of activities and fun for those with special needs through riding and learning.

4. Big River Barn Rescue — Muttontown

Year-round opportunities are available for fun and learning at Big River Barn Rescue, where you get to ride in the Muttontown Preserve in Nassau County. The horses are all rescues and Big River Barn provides long-term care and rehab to these magnificent animals. This barn doesn’t offer lessons in a ring but provides teaching on trail rides for kids 12 and older. The ride starts with the riding basics and runs at least an hour on the trail. Be sure to leave time for the kids to give the horses well-deserved treats after the ride. This facility also schedules barn visits and pony rides for younger children to join in and learn about horse care.

5. Hunters Grove — Old Brookville

Hunters Grove is a farm that specializes in young horses and offers riding lessons for all levels, from beginners who have never ridden to advanced jumpers. Lessons are by appointment Tuesday through Sunday and there are group lessons during the fall and spring seasons. There's also a popular 8-week summer camp for kids ages 5 and up where campers learn tacking, bathing a horse, and various riding skills. 

6. Gold Coast Equestrian  — Old Brookville

Gold Coast Equestrian is a large facility with 76 stalls, two outdoor arenas, and one of the largest indoor arenas in Nassau County. This center offers riding lessons year-round for everyone from novice riders to those looking to compete in shows. Gold Coast Equestrian has summer camp opportunities and a winter recess horsemanship camp to learn basic horse care, grooming, barn and horse safety, and riding instruction.

7. Nassau Equestrian Center — Jericho

This center offers a variety of horseback riding programs for kids age 6 and older at all skill levels. The facility has several large outdoor arenas, two stadium lights, and an indoor arena. The center also runs a summer camp for children ages 6-14. Pony parties are available. 

Best Horseback Riding Lessons in Suffolk County

8. Thomas School of Horsemanship — Huntington

Thomas School of Horsemanship offers horseback riding lessons for kids and also runs horsemanship camp programs during school vacations. An indoor arena and several outdoor rings allow the school to do lessons year-round. Children can learn how to tack horses as well as how to ride.

9. Country Farms Equestrian Center — Medford

Country Farms Equestrian Center offers private, semi-private, and group lessons. Beginners start with half-hour private lessons for safety and so young riders have time to learn and gain confidence. The center has a birthday party package where 10-15 partygoers can tour the facility, meet the horses, and take a ride. Country Farms holds full-day and half-day camps in the summer for children who have taken 1.5 hours or more of private lessons. 

10. Nativity Riding Academy — Ridge

Nativity Riding Academy offers horseback riding lessons for kids of all ages. Children can participate in a tacking and grooming session and even feed the horses some carrots before or after the ride. This facility also offers a Mommy and Me class for a fun, unique bonding experience for you and your child. Guided trail rides and pony birthday party packages are also available. 

11. Great Strides Long Island — Manorville

Great Strides Long Island offers horseback riding lessons for all levels and those with special needs. Lessons are usually private, but the stable does coordinate semi-private or group opportunities. Summer sessions run Tuesday through Friday and include daily riding, grooming, tacking, feeding, crafts, and other fun farm activities. Students of all levels can ride in an on-site horse show held twice each year, show off their skills, and score some ribbons. 

12. Little Red Barn — Jamesport

This Northport farm sits on 40 acres of property and offers basic English and Western riding lessons for kids ages 3 and older. Kids meet the horses and ponies and learn horse care, grooming, barn and riding safety, riding instruction, and tacking. Special needs children are welcome for lessons as well. The farm hosts outdoor parties for kids ages 3 and up. 

13. Gray Horse Farm — Bridgehampton

This 115-acre farm on the East End has three outdoor rings, two indoor rings, a Grand Prix field, and a polo field. Private horseback riding lessons include horsemanship, horse care, safety, and riding instruction. Little ones ages 5 and older can participate in the farm's popular pony camp in the summer. 

This post was originally published in 2015 and was updated in 2024.