Westchester Area Barns for an Adult Ammy

[Solar_Rider]

Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone in the Westchester area or around it knows of any barns that offer both a school and lease program, or just offers half leases. I ride at a barn in southern Westchester, but for mental and personal reasons, would like to move.

I’m willing to drive into Putnam county if possible, so basically mahopac or Brewster, or Fairfield (Stamford, Greenwich, etc.) Barns in NJ are too costly to get to (tolls) and too far of a drive, and same with LI (I’m a college student, so I’m willing to pay a good amount for multiple lessons a week or a summer lease though, as I have a job).

I looked into West Lane riding and Zephyr farm, and have read good things, so if anyone could confirm that would be nice.

For context, twin lakes, riverdale, Boulder Brook, and some Bedford area barns are crossed off my list already.

[alar24]

Hi there! Do you have a budget? Things can get pretty pricey in that area!

[ATXmom]

Heather at West Lane is fantastic, though I don’t know if her program has school horses or leases but I would highly recommend her.

Country Lane or Stratford might be worth looking into, love the trainers at both but again, not sure of the availability school or lease horses.

[Solar_Rider]

I am willing to spend up to 900$ a month for lessons, and for a lease, as I can only really devote time in the summer as of right now (and I have a long way to go regardless) I’m willing to pay around 1100-1500 a month for 2 months or so (half lease only).

[Solar_Rider]

I’ll look into country lane! I heard Stratford closed down but I could be wrong. I might contact Heather in the near future and see what her program is like.

[alar24]

It’s worth looking into a few of the barns at Sunnyfield in Bedford (H&S may be a good choice). CEO Stables is another good option, although I hear it has a lot of younger students. Quinlan Equestrian in Stamford, CT has lesson and half-lease programs as well. If you’re willing to hike up to Pawling once a week, Rounded Crest has some great lesson horses that can get you out of the arena. I’ve visited Zephyr once and enjoyed the training, although I was less impressed with the turnout and didn’t return.

I have a slightly out-of-date (2 years old) spreadsheet I made with all the barns in the greater Manhattan area, their commute times from Grand Central, and prices of lessons and board. PM me if you want a link!

[adultammylife]

West Lane would definitely be worth exploring. Serenity Show Stables may also be worth reaching out to - if its not too far for you.
I’m going to be honest and say it may be a little tricky with your budget. Lessons tend to run about $150/lesson and board is generally $4k+. Half leases tend to also include half shoes and can also include part of basic vet care. Sometimes they also include a lease fee on top of these expenses.
Unfortunately this area is just incredibly expensive

[Janet]

I have no idea if it fits your financial constraints, but I strongly recomend Arcadia Farm in Yorktown Heights, and Patty and Molly who run it.

ARCADIA FARM

[Solar_Rider]

I’d love the list! It’d be very much appreciated.

[Tha_Ridge]

@RW06 might have some recommendations for you! A lot of good options, many of them pricey. You don’t say if you live in the city, but the tolls (not too bad — $15 per trip) will be offset by the money you save riding in NJ versus Westchester. My board/training in NJ is about half of what most of my Westchester friends pay.

[RW06]

I agree with the recommendations to check out Zephyr and West Lane (and confirmed that Stratford closed, the property was sold some time ago). Unfortunately, it’s not profitable for most barns in this area to run a true lesson program so most “lesson” horses tend to be a pipeline for people to lease or purchase their own once they get a feel for the program after a few rides. Not sure if Fox Hill Farm has been checked off your list, but worth a look as well perhaps!

[rogueknits]

@alar24

It’s worth looking into a few of the barns at Sunnyfield in Bedford

There are no more barns at Sunnyfield. The property was sold to a thoroughbred breeder last year and all the barns moved elsewhere.

[Janet]

@rogueknits

There are no more barns at Sunnyfield. The property was sold to a thoroughbred breeder last year and all the barns moved elsewhere.

Thank goodness it will stay a horse property. I was afraid it would turn into 4 acre McMansions.
I rode at Sunnyfield back when it was owned by Mrs. McIntosh.

[rogueknits]

Yes, I’m very glad it is staying equestrian. Hoping they will keep the BLRA access open, but I haven’t heard any news on that. Last time I drove by they hadn’t moved the breeding operation in yet so the fields were empty. Will be glad to see horses there again once they get up and running.

[MHM]

I’m glad it will still be a horse property.

But wow, there was a lot of history in that place.