New Paltz, New York, about 90 miles north of New York City, has rolling hills and wooded areas that invite horseback riding. Many area stables offer a variety of lessons, both for the serious rider or for a beginner looking to get comfortable on a horse. If you have your own horse, you can head to The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, shared with hikers, joggers and bicyclists or snowshoers and cross-country skiiers, depending on the season.
Hunt Course
If you want to learn how to hunt on horseback, or jump outside with a horse, Lucky C Stables has an outdoor hunt course with natural jumps. The stable offers indoor and outdoor arenas, English riding instruction in group or private lessons and a 4-H equestrian club. After-school, evening and weekend lessons offer many riding choices. The SUNY New Paltz Equestrian Team is based at Lucky C Stables.
Emphasis on Dressage
Dressage, progressive training that emphasizes the natural gaits and movements of the horse, is that basis of horseback riding at Frog Hollow Farm. The 135-acre farm, between Kingston and New Paltz, offers a Saddle Club after school program where beginning riders learn how to ride, and how to groom and tack up their horses. The staff offers lessons to adult and child beginners, and experienced riders of all ages.
Resort Riding
Mohonk Mountain House, a luxury all inclusive resort in New Paltz, has a few extras, like horseback riding, available to overnight guests. Horseback riding is only offered in warm weather, April through November, so check before making a reservation to ensure that the stables are open. Mohonk has one hour Western-style trail riding on its carriage roads. Children must be at least six years old; younger kids in the Mohonk Kids' Club can take free pony rides.
Beginning Riders
If you or your child has never ridden before, a place that specializes in beginning riders can make you feel more comfortable in the saddle. Ashokan Horseback Riding Club, sixteen miles from New Paltz, has a small ring for first time riders, and a first lesson includes time in the ring, into a field, down to the river, and into the woods. Guided trail rides for beginners let you experience riding through the woods.
Child Friendly
For little kids who want to ride horses, Rivendell Riding Academy offers lessons on ponies. Learning on a smaller animal gives young children confidence and actual riding experience. The stable offers practice time for kids with a few lessons under their belt, a more loosely supervised program that give children more time in the saddle, at a much lower price.
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