Best Horse Riding near Upper West Side (NY)

So, you want to take a relaxing ride on a horse in nature? Well, you’re in luck. Many people think of NYC to be all about skyscrapers and subways, but actually, there are many riding stops, you just have to know where to look.

Horseback riding isn’t just for experienced riders. In fact, many newbies who are looking for a new adventure choose horseback riding, and their lives are changed. These riding tours are organized by experienced instructors, and they will give you all the details before you get on that horse.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to ask ChatGPT about how to ride a horse. Plus, it is completely different when you encounter the 1,200-pound animal. Additionally, these rides are completely safe, and they usually use old and trained horses, therefore, you don’t need to worry about things going wrong.

So, whether you are new to horse riding or you are an experienced rider who wants to get that adrenaline spike, here are the best riding spots in Upper West Side, NY.

New York City Riding Academy

Let’s start with the biggest and most recognizable one right in Manhattan. We are talking about the New York City Riding Academy on Randall’s Island, which is about 20 minutes from the Upper West Side, just across the RFK Bridge or a quick ferry ride.

This is a nonprofit organization, so you don’t have to worry about being ripped off. They offer lessons for kids and adults in English and Western styles, plus you get to learn other things like taking care of a horse, grooming, and they even have barn management classes.

So, it is not only about riding, it’s more like a full horse-loving experience. They even host big events like the annual Children’s Horse Show (September), with reasonable prices like $50-$75 per lesson.

Therefore, if you want to give your kid a memorable day, maybe it’s time you take them on a horse riding journey. Trust me, they’ll love it.

Adults love it too, and if you are already inspired by the live Kentucky Derby odds, and you are looking for a way to spend more time with horses, this is your perfect chance to get in the right mood before the race.

Riverdale Stables

This one is a bit further away from the Upper West Side, but it is worth it. You can hop on a train and take a 25-minute ride to Van Cortlandt Park, where you’ll find Riverdale Stables.

They have a huge space, a sprawling 21-acre spot, offering private and group lessons for ages 6+, and they have a massive indoor ring, so you don’t have to worry about the weather.

There are pony rides, after-school programs, summer camps, and blending riding with horse care. Lessons usually cost $75-$110 an hour, and the trail rides offer incredible views.

They are perfect for soaking up nature.

Bronx Equestrian Center

We move even further to the Bronx Equestrian Center in Pelham Bay Park, which is not really far (about 40 minutes by car). This center is located at 9 Shore Rd, and it is a family-friendly stable that offers daily pony rides for the little ones ($10 for two laps), as well as walk-only train rides for all skill levels that range up to $70.

This is a remote place surrounded by nature. From their online reviews we can see mostly positive ratings. People love this place, and all of the staff are professional, caring, and will help you out with anything.

So, if you want a place surrounded by beautiful nature, Bronx Equestrian Center is just the way to go. It might be further away, but it is well worth it.

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy

Okay, it’s a schlep—about an hour via the A train to Rockaway Parkway—but Jamaica Bay Riding Academy at 7000 Shore Parkway in Brooklyn is a stunner. This family-owned spot boasts wooded trails and private beaches, offering group trail rides ($90 per person) and private guided rides ($140 on weekends).

Lessons for ages 7+ run $50-$75, and their summer camps are legendary for building rider confidence. The views? Breathtaking. One X post dubbed it “NYC’s best-kept horseback secret.” Bring your patience for the commute—it’s worth it!

Manhattan Riding Club

Not a stable per se, but Manhattan Riding Club is a game-changer for UWS equestrians. Based in the city, they partner with barns like Kirby Hill Farm in Pawling, NY (90 minutes by car or train), offering curated rides—trail hacks, hunter paces, even polo!

Rides start at $100-$150, including a horse matched to your skill level, and carpools are common among members. It’s perfect for weekend warriors.

Final Words

These are some of the best places in the Upper West Side, NY, to ride a horse. Some of these stables are non-profit organizations, while others are family businesses. But all of them have one goal - to get you as close to nature as possible.

So, if you are looking for a non-ordinary day, maybe it is time to go horseback riding. Trust me, you won’t regret it.