NYC/NJ Barns & Towns (maybe!)

[tiramisu]

Longtime lurker, first time poster, please be kind!

Contemplating a move from my current east coast state to the area around NYC. I’m applying for several jobs in my field, the most exciting of which are in Manhattan. The problem is that, since getting back into riding and showing a year ago, I’m totally hooked and don’t want to live without at least a half lease. I’m an adult amateur and would have to ride outside of normal business hours. The dream is to find a trainer I love as much as my current trainer, buy a horse within a couple years, and show 1-3 times a year (think Saugerties or VSF, probably not Florida).

Can anyone who lives outside the city speak to any of the three below options (or better yet, recommend a barn)? Westchester is out for a few reasons.

1. Living in Monmouth County (Atlantic Highlands, Belford, etc.) and taking the ferry into the city, and riding somewhere near Colts Neck
2. Living in suburban NJ and commuting into NYC, and going west for a good barn
3. Living in Nyack, NY — are there good H/J barns on that side of the Hudson?

Price is also an issue/consideration — probably $2.5k to spend on horses on average before showing.

Thank you!!!

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

I’m a Monmouth County resident, and while it’s been many years since I even dabbled in hunter/jumpers (I could tell you more about the dressage scene), I can definitely vouch for there being many upscale h/j show barns in the area. Nevergreen Farm is a barn where a distant friend of mine rode in the area and is still open; the place where I rode at is closed and is under new management. Victory Stables and Sandstone Stables I’ve also heard good things about. Beacon Hill, of course, is famous for being a pipeline for young, well-off riders; I don’t know much of what an adult’s perspective of it would be.

Monmouth County also has the Monmouth County Hunt and the CJL Horse Show series, so lots of horsey hunter-jumper stuff in the area.

My big concern with living in Highlands and commuting to the city is that does leave a big chunk your day up to commuting, not riding, which can get wearying over time. Maybe not the first few months, but it does add up.

[Tini_Sea_Soldier1]

Hi! I did this.

Ok, so commuting… in a few words… just sucks.
The ferry is WILDLY expensive from Highlands and Belford. Do your research. It’s a relaxing ride, but it’s LONG. So if you’re leaving the office at 6, you’re not getting home in time to ride.

Do you have any idea what the hours of your new role are? I’d say you’re probably looking at a weekend warrior or finding a barn that’s ok with you riding at 730-8pm, which is SUPER challenging to find.

Also, NJ Transit trains and buses are habitually tempermental. I can’t speak much about Metro North, but I can tell you that the NJ side has its fair share of delays and disappointments.

If you go that route, my suggestion is to angle towards an area that has an express train. Summit and Red Bank would be options if you find housing that suits your needs.

I lived close to the city and kept a car in a garage, so I could drive out on the weekends. I was mostly riding and lessoning at that point bc showing just wasn’t in the cards with the time commitment of living and working in the city.

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

All this-and NJ Transit from Red Bank to Penn Station is usually around a 1:40 hour trip one way (not express, but they run fairly infrequently). Factor in waiting for the train, as well as commuting within the city in addition to that.

[alar24]

Would you ever consider Long Island? If you’re looking for a h/j barn, there’s quite a few within 40 minutes of NYC on the LIRR. Gold Coast Equestrian is one that comes to mind, and Old Westbury is a hotbed for horsiness (relatively for the area). Also, the LIRR is significantly more reliable than NJ Transit… which is pretty bad.

While not a H/J barn, a few friends ride at Penwick Sporthorses in NJ and really love it. Definitely about 1.5 hours from the city – too far for me.

Connecticut is another option! Going to be more expensive, but the Stamford area is a 50 minute train ride with horses about 15 minutes from the train stop. Metro North is super, super reliable and safe. Head and shoulders a better commuting experience than the LIRR and NJ Transit! (and you don’t have to walk through Penn Station every day… blergh).