NEWBIE IN NYC- WHERE TO RIDE?

[system]

Hello Fellow Equestrians!

I KNOW that this topic has been asked on numerous occasions, but I am looking for a barn that is easily accessible by public transportation from NYC. I’ve read through all the previous posts, and they all seem a little hit or miss on information. So, I’m hoping that by listing everything I’m looking for, I’ll find the perfect barn for me!

Ok, so here we go!

I recently moved from Northern California to Astoria, Queens. Back in CA, I rode an average of 3-4 times a week at a Hunter/Jumper barn, and also competed at rated shows as Adult Am. I’m looking to stay in the hunter/jumper world, but I’m not looking to compete. Due to my work schedule, I can only ride on the weekends…really I’m basically looking to stay in the saddle without the commitment of showing.

In terms of traveling, I’m willing to travel up to an hr door to door. I’m open to taking the Metro North into Westchester as well as the LIRR, although, ironically, it seems as though Westchester might be the easiest commute. I’m even open to carpool with someone, and help pay for gas.

I’ve heard of Twin Lakes and Knoll Farm, but I’m curious to see if there are other barns that posters are keeping a secret!

Please help a fellow Hunter/Jumper out! The weather is getting nicer and I am DYING to get back into the saddle again! Feel free to ask me any questions or PM me with any info you have. Looking forward to all your help!

-J

UPDATE:

I also forgot to mention that I work in Stamford, CT right near the train station. I was thinking that maybe there might be barns in that area as well?? Possibly a 20 min train ride away (Mamaroneck, Rye, Greenwich, Darien, maybe as far as New Cannan) ? That would be ideal for some evening riding too!

[horserider12]

I have some clients that come out from the city, you could probably carpool. pm me for some more info

[panda819]

Check out Zephyr Farm in Mahopac, NY. It’s about 10 minutes from the Croton Falls train station. Great, knowledgeable training, and unbeatable prices.

[PineTreeFarm]

There are numerous barns in the Brookville area. North Shore Equestrian Center ( Post College ), Rice Farms and several others. A little south of Brookville is Nassau County Equestrian Center in Jericho.
The LIRR has stops at Greenvale and Roslyn Heights. There is some bus service. I think there is a bus stop on the Post College campus.
That area is about 20 miles from the Queens MidTown Tunnel. Depending where you are in Queens any of those barns may be within reasonable commuting distance.

But keep in mind that many of the H/J barns on Long Island actively show so there may be little available on Sunday ( The Nassau County Farm is an exception). And some of them won’t let you ride unless you are taking a lesson.

Knoll Farm is considerably further East. There is also Stanhope and Thomas School of Horsemanship in the Huntington area but that may even be out of your one hour time frame for the commute. Stanhope, like Knoll Farm does offer H/J but they are primarily Dressage oriented.

Anything east of Huntington will be more than an hour commute.

[Rel6]

Based on your experience and what you’re looking for, I would stay farrr away from Twin Lakes Farm. You can PM if you want

[Rel6]

Also, I’d say look into Fox Hill Farms and I’ll second Zephyr.

[smileyrileyxoxo]

I third Zephyr! Great trainer and barn in general and only minutes from the train station.

[HackPrize]

I suggest The Southlands Foundation in rhinebeck, ny. It’s a beautiful and well maintained facility and it is only about 5 minutes from the rhinecliff train station. They have a fantastic school string and a great team of trainers. Pm me for more info. Www.southlands.org is web page

[Prime_Time_Rider]

Southlands Foundation in Rhinebeck NY is a great barn ( I can’t vouch for the trainres since it’s been over a decade since I rode there) but it is considerably further than an hour train ride from NYC.

[system]

Thanks to all your suggestions!

I really like the look and feel of Fox Hill and Zephyr. Do any of you ride at these facilities?

I also forgot to mention that I work in Stamford, CT right near the train station. I was thinking that maybe there might be barns in that area as well?? Possibly a 20 min train ride away (Mamaroneck, Rye, Greenwich, Darien, maybe as far as New Cannan) ? That would be ideal for some evening riding too!

Again, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR help!

-J

[smileyrileyxoxo]

I ride at Zephyr! It is really great there. They have 5 very knowledgable trainers who are all great. The owner and head trainer, Carla Sacco, is a great horsewomen and an excellent trainer. She, and all of the other trainers, will certainly bend over backwards to accommodate their customers. Also, they are open pretty late during the week (lessons normally run until like 7ish) so if you wanted to ride after work they could even make that possible. Zephyr is a really friendly place and definitely make everyone feel welcome!! PM me if you have any questions!!

[smileyrileyxoxo]

Oh and also there are a lot of really nice lease horses available, and, although you said you might not want to show, they host a lot of rated shows throughout the year so if you ever felt the urge to get back in the show ring its a fun and stress free way to do so!

[Rel6]

I rode at Fox Hill and loved it. Its gorgeous and they have some really great trainers. I really don’t think you could go wrong with either Zephyr of Fox Hill.

[kayteedee]

I grew up riding at Fox Hill and it was a great place. Go for it! It’s also a pretty short cab ride from the train station, and you may be able to find people to share the ride with!

[Chaila]

I rode at Fox Hill… Um 20 years ago. But I think it’s still in the same family. Great barn then with great trainers.

[STA]

Zephyr is a great choice in Mahopac and you might look into New Canaan Mounted Troop. NCMT does not do much showing, but they are close to your workplace and have lessons.

[ponymom64]

[QUOTE=jenbonil;5568065]
Thanks to all your suggestions!

I really like the look and feel of Fox Hill and Zephyr. Do any of you ride at these facilities?

I also forgot to mention that I work in Stamford, CT right near the train station. I was thinking that maybe there might be barns in that area as well?? Possibly a 20 min train ride away (Mamaroneck, Rye, Greenwich, Darien, maybe as far as New Cannan) ? That would be ideal for some evening riding too!

Again, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR help!

-J[/QUOTE]

Maybe try Twin Bays Farm (Kim Mulligan) - I think they ride out of Cedar Lodge in Stamford? Ox Ridge Hunt Club - though I don’t know who their at home trainer is these days, Silvermine Farm in Norwalk, New Canaan Mounted Troop - I think they have an adult program. Then there’s also Country Lane Farm in back Greenwich - though I think they are mostly juniors and Stratford Stables (Danny Lutz) in Purchase - over near the Westchester airport. Also CEO (Kate Oliver Stoffel) Stables in Bedford…

[Rel6]

[QUOTE=ponymom64;5569432]
Maybe try Twin Bays Farm (Kim Mulligan) - I think they ride out of Cedar Lodge in Stamford? Ox Ridge Hunt Club - though I don’t know who their at home trainer is these days, Silvermine Farm in Norwalk, New Canaan Mounted Troop - I think they have an adult program. Then there’s also Country Lane Farm in back Greenwich - though I think they are mostly juniors and Stratford Stables (Danny Lutz) in Purchase - over near the Westchester airport. Also CEO (Kate Oliver Stoffel) Stables in Bedford…[/QUOTE]

I don’t Stratford has a lesson program anymore…not sure about that. But I think its pretty much just boarders now.

[STA]

[QUOTE=ponymom64;5569432]
Maybe try Twin Bays Farm (Kim Mulligan) - I think they ride out of Cedar Lodge in Stamford? Ox Ridge Hunt Club - though I don’t know who their at home trainer is these days, Silvermine Farm in Norwalk, New Canaan Mounted Troop - I think they have an adult program. Then there’s also Country Lane Farm in back Greenwich - though I think they are mostly juniors and Stratford Stables (Danny Lutz) in Purchase - over near the Westchester airport. Also CEO (Kate Oliver Stoffel) Stables in Bedford…[/QUOTE]

Kate Oliver is no longer at Shannon in Bedford, she is at Cedar Lodge in Stamford. Kate is wonderful, but she does go to shows. Give her a call she knows her schedule best.

[kayteedee]

Someone mentioned not knowing who is at Ox Ridge- there is Ruth Nicodemus who’s awesome.