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Horseback Riding
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Research by Lauren Diaz
Horseback riding offers kids many benefits. Exercise is one, of course. Riding is aerobic, but it also builds muscle strength and increases balance, not to mention coordination, visual spatial skills, faster reflexes, and all-round circulation. But riding offers more than just physical benefits. A child who is able to master the skill of synthesis with such a large animal will have improved self-confidence, self-discipline, and the appropriate ability to take risks. A child caring for a horse learns patience, care, respect, and responsibility. Here’s a list of local horseback riding stables that offer children’s riding lessons. Hours are subject to change; call ahead to confirm availability.
Kensington Stables 51 Caton Place, Kensington 718-972-4588; kensingtonstables.com Offers English- and Western-style lessons for ages 6 and older in Prospect Park or a small indoor arena. Trail rides through Prospect Park are available for all riding levels. Jamaica Bay Riding Academy 7000 Shore Parkway, Mill Basin 718-531-8949; horsebackride.com Private and family lessons are offered for kids of all ages and levels. Private and group trail rides, pony rides, and birthday parties are available. Summer camp for ages 5-15 includes daily lessons, beach riding, arts and crafts, and animal care. There is an elementary and middle school/high school riding team for appropriate ages and skill levels. 40
March 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Staten Island Seguine Equestrian Center 440 Seguine Ave. 718-317-1121 facebook.com/seguine.equestrian The center offers riding lessons by appointment for all ages in English style. A two-week summer camp for children ages 5-16 is also offered. Trail rides are not available at this location.
LONG ISLAND Nassau County Bethpage Stables 499 Winding Road, Old Bethpage 516-531-8007; bethpage.stables.tripod.com Offers Western and English riding lessons and trail rides for ages 12 and
older in Bethpage State Park. Night rides are offered in the summer. A therapeutic riding program is available for ages 5-21 of all skill levels. A “mommy-and-me” program for ages 18 months to 5 years includes horsemanship and some riding instruction. Nassau Equestrian Center 62 Route 106, Jericho 516-342-1771 nassauequestriancenter.com Lessons are offered for ages 6 and older, beginners through advanced. Semi-annual horse shows are held to showcase students’ progress. Summer camp is offered JuneAugust for ages 8-14 in which kids ride twice a day and learn to care for a horse. Guided trail rides are offered for ages 12 and older.