If your child loves horses, chances are they dream of saddling up and riding off into the sunset. The good news is there are a few stables that offer horseback riding lessons for kids in Rockland County and in nearby Bergen County, NJ, where kids can learn the basics and beyond to make them horseback riding savvy without the big expense of having their own pony. Beside the adventure that horseback riding can bring, becoming adept at riding a large animal like a horse over several lessons can build confidence and self-esteem. Here’s where to go in the Rockland County area to saddle up and have some fun.
Horseback Riding Stables in Rockland County
Rebellious Stables
1152 Haverstraw Road, Suffern
917-254-2285
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Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
Prices: $75 30-minute private lesson; $135 1-hour private lesson; other lesson packages available
Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available. Summer camp runs in weekly sessions, late June through early August; campers develop riding skills, learn how to care for horses, and learn to read horses’ body language.
Nickel-O-Farm
369 Strawtown Road, West Nyack
845-303-2550
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Hours: Call to book a lesson. Petting zoo is open daily, 9am-5pm.
Prices: Younger than 10: $30 for 15-minute child private lessons; all: $60 for 30-minute private lesson
Petting zoos on-site and "pony parties" are available remotely. There is a weekly summer riding program June 29-July 23 in which kids ride, learn to groom the horses, and special activities.
Horseback Riding Stables in Bergen County, NJ
Bergen Equestrian Center
40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia
201-336-3370
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Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-6pm
Prices: Residents: introduction: $58 30-minute private lesson; beginner/intermediate: $68 30-minute private lesson, $75 1-hour group; intermediate/advanced: $85 30-minute private lesson, $95 1-hour group. Non-residents: introduction: $63 30-minute private lesson introduction; beginner/intermediate: $73 30-minute private lesson, $85 1-hour group; intermediate/advanced: $95 30-minute private lesson, $105 1-hour group.
Beginner to advanced riding lessons are available Tuesday-Sunday. For advanced riders, there are specialty trainers for each discipline, including jumping, hunters, equitation, and dressage. An after-school program and full-time summer camp are also offered.
Saddle Ridge Riding Center
900 Shadow Ridge Road, Franklin Lakes
201-847-9999
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Hours: Daily, 8am-8pm; reservations required
Prices: $50-$55 for 30 minutes
The center offers beginner to advanced lessons with experienced trainers. Guided trail rides are offered daily for a maximum of five people. Birthday parties and other parties for special occasions are available for up to 15 people. A summer camp for ages 5-15 is also offered.
