Horseback riding can be a fun group, family or individual activity on a vacation; and New York has numerous options for equine-lovers. Newer riders can enjoy day-trips in New York City or short trail rides upstate, while more intrepid riders can embark on multi-day equestrian vacations or stay on a ranch. There are options for everyone. But all vacationers should remember that on a riding vacation they will spend a lot of time outside and on a horse, and should come prepared for an athletic vacation.
New York City Parks
For vacationers or locals who want to enjoy a brief riding trip in New York City itself, there are several opportunities to ride horses in various parks located throughout the five boroughs--Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx and even Manhattan offer riding options. They range from riding in rings and corrals to trotting along wooded trails and even possibly on a beach. Rides typically last from one hour to half a day. While Central Park in Manhattan may be the most obvious place to ride, horse enthusiasts can also enjoy the beautiful scenery while riding in Pelham Bay Park and Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Forest Park in Queens or along the beach on Staten Island.
Ranches and Hunting
If you would like to take a Western-style trip, look into the ranches and hunting grounds dotting upstate New York. There are several working ranches that offer a dude ranch style atmosphere, ranch accommodations, herding and even hunting. You can ride all day, try your hand at catching a loose cow, or hop off the horse to go hunting instead. One ranch, The Hidden Valley Ranch, is located on 732 acres between the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains, offering a tranquil escape from the bustle of cities and towns. Ranches vary in cost and seasonal offerings.
Overnight Trips
Several outfits offer longer, horse-focused rides. Vacationers can explore New York areas such as the Hudson Valley or Adirondacks on horseback, retreating back to a lodge or hotel each night. Rides vary from just two nights to a week and include different amenities and options.
For example, one of the Hudson Valley trips focuses on exploring scenic area towns and taking long trails rides, while one of the trips in the Adirondacks focuses on learning better equestrian skills. If you head out on the latter trip, you will receive intense daily riding instruction in the morning with time to go trail riding in the afternoon. While the rides are open to riders of all levels, you should be ready for a lot of time in the saddle.
Lessons
As you learn more about riding, you'll be able to enjoy your horseback riding vacation even more. Lessons are offered throughout the entire state, from New York City to Albany to Syracuse and everything in between. Lessons are offered for all riding levels and are typically grouped by level and age. Anyone interested in learning will be able to find a lesson nearby, whether you live in Manhattan and want to take lessons in Central Park or whether you live in upstate New York and have numerous sprawling horse ranches and equestrian centers located all around your town. Different stables also focus on different types of riding, including basic equestrian skills, jumpers, hunters and dressage.
Equipment and Weather
No matter which equestrian vacation you choose, riders should be prepared to deal with the weather and should come prepared with the proper gear. Typically, riders will travel in the rain unless extreme conditions exist. So, bring a rain jacket or other hooded rain gear to wear. Additionally, riders should wear jeans and flat-heeled boots to ride. Bulky clothing or free-flowing clothing that could potentially become caught in the riding equipment is discouraged.
Member Comments