New York is one of the most densely populated states in America and horseback riding in NYC is one of the most popular hobbies in there. Thousands flock to the main city of the same name every year. Part of my goal in writing these blogs is to raise awareness for therapeutic horse riding and its benefits. With that being said, myself and the team here at Horse Riding Network thought it would be a good idea to share with you 9 of the best therapeutic horseback riding centers in New York City based on ratings. Without further ado, here they are:

• Seaside 4 Therapeutic Riding
• Albany Therapeutic Riding Center
• High and Mighty Therapeutic Riding and Driving
• Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.
• High Hurdles Therapeutic Riding Center
• Flying Manes Therapeutic Riding Center
• GallopNYC
• HorseAbility
• Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End

1. Seaside 4 Therapeutic Riding

Seaside 4 Therapeutic Riding operates as a part of Jamaica Bay Riding Academy and offers indoor and outdoor riding lessons for kids and adults with disabilities. Their philosophy is that people with special needs don’t have to observe life, they can participate in and enjoy it. The facility has an Olympic sized indoor arena, outdoor arena, wheelchair accessible restaurant with arena view, and wheelchair accessible restrooms. Lessons are $50 including 25 minutes of ride time and time for getting on and off of horses.

2. Albany Therapeutic Riding Center

Albany Therapeutic Riding Center is a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International certified therapeutic riding center in Slingerlands, New York. They provide personalized therapeutic riding sessions for children and adults. The sessions are 30 minutes to an hour long and held in an indoor arena. They include riding both English and Western, grooming, groundwork, horse care, and more, and cost $30/ half hour or $35/ hour.

3. High and Mighty Therapeutic Riding and Driving

High and Mighty is located in Columbia County, NY and is a therapeutic riding and driving farm for children and adults with special needs. They have an indoor and outdoor ring, sensory trail, camping areas and more. Weekly riding sessions are an hour long and customized for every rider. They also have groundwork and barn program so that participants can develop their skills out of the saddle.

4. Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.

Endeavor is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Mount Kisco NY. They offer therapeutic riding, equine assisted psychotherapy, and many other programs. Therapeutic riding lessons are 45 minutes long and cost $70/lesson. They aim to empower individuals through the healing power of the horse, focusing on values of community, acceptance, achievement, inclusion, opportunity, and so on.

5. High Hurdles Therapeutic Riding Center

High Hurdles is based in Sardinia, New York and provides therapeutic riding to children and adults of all ages with disabilities. The entire team of participants, instructors, and horses work together to reach goals. Participants not only tide, but learn horsemanship skills and horse care as well. The center has a person-centered philosophy so that lessons are fit to each rider. They have a lift in their arena, which provides riders that use wheelchairs with a safe and smooth way to mount. Riders have a 1 hour session per week and the center holds and annual horse show for the riders.

6. Flying Manes Therapeutic Riding Center

Flying Manes is located in the Bronx, New York and is a PATH International certified therapeutic horseback riding center offering lessons to children and adults with disabilities. The lessons are done in groups of 2-4 riders placed together by age, ability, and riding skills and are 30-60 minutes long. This includes time for grooming, tacking/untacking, and general horsemanship. If needed physical, occupational, and speech therapists consult on rider activities.

7. GallopNYC

GallopNYC has multiple centers throughout New York and offers horseback riding and intherapeutic riding primarily to at risk youth and people with disabilities. They also provide recreational rides to the public, hippotherapy, horse education sessions and more. Advanced riders can also join their local center’s equestrian team. The therapeutic riding sessions are 30 minutes long and include the chance to help care for a horse and gain a better understanding of the horse in general. The cost for lessons is $550 for a set of 10 group therapeutic riding lessons that are 30 minutes long.

8. HorseAbility

HorseAbility is a Path International certified Equine Assisted Therapy Center located in Old Westbury, New York and offers therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, and other types of equine assisted therapy. They also offer camp, a competition team, and horsemanship classes. Lessons can be anywhere from 30-50 minutes in length including time to mount and dismount. Prospective riders have to undergo a $65 physical assessment on ground and on horseback to determine their eligibility for programs.

9. Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End (CTREE)

CTREE is located in Suffolk County, New York and is the only Premier Accredited Center that is a member of PATH among therapeutic horseback riding centers in New York City. They aim to provide therapeutic riding and other equine assisted activities to children and young adults with disabilities. The stables, indoor and outdoor arena, pastures, and trails are all used for lessons. Lessons can be either private or semi private and new riders receive evaluations which include a short riding session.

Why Should You Enroll In Or Get Involved With Therapeutic Riding?

As a therapeutic rider for four years now, I can tell you that therapeutic riding changes lives. I have improved physically, emotionally, and socially as a result of being a participant. I went from being so afraid to speak to people to letting everyone now that I ride. Horses are my greatest joy and my freedom and  I want others to be able to experience all that I have because of horses and discover what they are capable of.

Enjoy the ride!