I’m going to be in NYC for the first time at the end of the month for work and I will have one free day. Riding in Central Park is kind of a bucket list item so I’d love to try and make that happen. It looks like there are multiple companies to choose from based on my Googling… Anyone have a recommendation? I’d kind of prefer to ride English if possible but that’s not a deal breaker for me 
I have not heard of riding in Central Park since 2007 when Claremont Riding Academy closed.
I have lived in or around Manhattan for 27 years. I googled and I see that there is a company offering to ship in horses for a ride on the bridle path, but I do not know anything about them or their horses.
When I used to frequent Brooklyn almost 15 years ago now, there were riding lessons offered in Prospect Park, no idea if that still happens.
I grew up in NYC, did some riding at Claremont back in the day and have done some riding in central park this year.
Chateau stables is the main outfit that does horseback riding in central park. You can either meet your guide at the stables and ride up from there or meet them by Tavern on the Green. I think most people do the latter.
I’ve gone several times and really enjoyed it. One of the horses I rode was a full draft (Percheron) and actually moved very nicely off the leg! They have a nice variety of horses for all levels of rider, so they can actually take complete beginners. I’ve visited their stables and think they take good care of their horses. They are located downtown not too far from the Mercedes building where the new police stables are.
http://nychorsebackrides.com/
It’s well worth it just for the nostalgia. If you decide to go, Nick and Steve are both excellent guides. Even though I grew up in NYC, I learned a lot about the city and the park just from their little stories.
The horses are very well behaved. I rode Angie all the way to the park from 48th street, in traffic, next to buses, car carriers, taxis, and just about everything else and they took everything in stride. They have done a very nice job of figuring out which horses can do the transition from carriage driving to riding.
Just as a note, one thing I like about this place is they have a farm in PA where horses get to go for regular vacations and breaks from being in the city.
[QUOTE=SnicklefritzG;8839750]
Just as a note, one thing I like about this place is they have a farm in PA where horses get to go for regular vacations and breaks from being in the city.[/QUOTE]
This reminds me of Black Beauty <3
Thank you Snicklefritz that is interesting! Something to look into for the next NYC trip!!
Awesome, thank you! I had seen them in my Googling but kinda wanted to hear a first hand experience. Sounds like the place to call! I’ll report back after my trip
Anita, the lady who manages the stables, is really helpful and can get you set up with a horse that you’ll like.
A regular ride will get you around the lower part of the park and up to the reservoir on the east side and back. If you wanted to do a full loop, you’d probably need the longer ride. Either way, I’m sure you will have a great time. They’ve had a lot of people from my area out for rides, even groups of DQ’s who had a lot of fun.
[QUOTE=RedmondDressage;8840081]
Awesome, thank you! I had seen them in my Googling but kinda wanted to hear a first hand experience. Sounds like the place to call! I’ll report back after my trip :)[/QUOTE]
Anita at Chateau Stables is awesome! I think she used to be on COTH a while back but I don’t remember her username. I follow her on Facebook. They do the rides in the park, they do carriages, they do handicapped riding programs, and they also used to provide equines for movies/TV and appearances at the Met.
