Jamaica Bay Riding Academy

I am a very big fan of Jamaica Bay Riding Academy. I have been going to Jamaica Bay for a few years now, but not as frequently as I would like to. I have only gone on trail rides here, never for lessons, but it’s always been a fun time.
I have been riding horses for twelve years now, and it’s hard to find a place in the city to ride since there are limited stables available. In terms of location I LOVE the trails. They are primarily woodsy, but there is a beautiful beach you can ride on. During one of my trail rides, it was just myself and the guide and he even let me go closer to the water which was great during a summer ride.
I’ve done all four gaits at JBRA: walking, trotting, cantering, galloping and I have had a blast with each one. Price isn’t too bad for NYC. $ 37 for a group ride. I usually set myself up for a group ride and kind of just hope its a small group or no one else comes for the timeslot haha! I’ve gotten lucky occasionally. It’s just easier when its you and the guide. But at the same time, it’s a bit difficult for me to want to pay the extra money to guarantee the solo ride. I’m often on a budget, so the up’d price is a little hard for me. I’ll stick to group trails for now.
The guides and staff are very nice. Sometimes you may get someone on the phone that sounds moody, but I’ve always been treated kindly by all staff upon arrival.
The horses are great. I think it’s a bit of poor decision making sometimes when they pair horses that they know don’t get along with one another for rides. I’ve had occasional bucking and/​or rearing, but since I’ve been riding for years I can handle myself. Someone who is new to riding may be in trouble if faced with the same scenario.
I DO wish that they were more easily accessible by public transportation. It’s hard to get there without a vehicle which is why I’m so limited. I do enjoy my trail rides at JBRA though.

Had a great time showing up for a private one hour trail ride for two people. It was my first time on a horse so they kept things slow for me, but we had a great time and our trail guide was tentative. Would recommend for anyone. $ 55 cash per person and we left a $ 10 tip for the guide.

TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE! DO NOT GO HERE!
I specifically asked for calm horses and to make sure it’s an extremely slow ride. My horse and the other person I came with were fine. It was the actually guide’s horse that was so wild, it charged at my horse and as the guide was trying to control the horse, the entire side of the horse hit my leg and smashed it. It’s not black and blue and have to get x ray for hairline fracture. I can endure pain but had this been a woman or a child that experienced this, they for sure would have broken their leg. Owner should know not to use wild horses on trail rides!

For a place in Brooklyn, its pretty decent. The horses are taken care of, the trails are good, my only issue is with, that sometimes, some of the tour guides are «iffy» to put it P.C. Went on a trail a few weeks ago (August), didn’t expect I’d be subject to conversations that belong on the dark sides of Reddit. The whole ride the guide was running his mouth on everything from rape jokes to KKK (I kid you not). Had to politely keep quiet the whole way. TG there were no kids in our group, but then again, maybe that would have made my ride more pleasant. The only reason I am not giving it a lower rating is because I’ve been here before (several times) under more pleasant circumstances.

My name is Mike I took two of my kids to this place very horrible very dirty employees a very rude they took $ 50 I mean $ 55 for each of my kids for 50 minutes they wouldn’t let you walk with them or even be next to them and then they try to bring them back in 30 minutes they’re bunch of crooks I will never come here,; any body wants to go horseback riding they should go to New Jersey on Long Island Way cheaper way cleaner and more fun!

I REALLY wanted to like this place, but I just couldn’t.
I am an experienced rider and I went their for a private lesson
PROS:
The instructor was very good and very smart. I really enjoyed her style of teaching
I told them I was an advanced rider and they gave me an advanced horse which was really awesome.
The horses were VERY WELL CARED for and the barn was neat and tidy.
The tack was fine.
CONS:
Just WAY TOO many horses in the ring. During my «private» lesson I counted 8 other lessons going on with 8 different levels or riding. It was just too much. I totally understand NYC riding and I take a weekly jumping lesson (at a different place) with 8 people in the class, but it totally works because we are all the same ability and all in the same lesson. Having 8 horses & 8 instructors all doing their own thing in one indoor arena was kind of a mess.
There were 3 or 4 rings outside where the footing was fine (I saw horses in the ring) so I asked if we could go out to a less crowded arena. The instructor said no because she would be too cold. I was really disappointed since this was September and it wasn’t that bad out.
This place might be great for a trail ride along the beach or a kid’s birthday party, but not if you want to get serious about your riding.

you call this a riding academy? please!
the wife of the owner of this place is a nasty woman not friendly at all! words place to go horseback riding

I thought this place was closed… it is the most unsafe, poorly organized and dangerous barn I have visited, with the most unhappy horses. Stay away. When I went on a group ride the horses all panicked and took off, throwning at least one guy into the bushes! I am a pretty experienced rider but I dismounted and walked my poor horse, he was so scared and desperate I knew there would be trouble. The horses looked malnourished and poorly maintained. A very sad place especially given the potential with the natural beauty.

I’m surprised by some of the reviews on here. But I think my experience here is worth sharing.
I’ve done most of my riding here since I was a tiny lad. Just western-​style on the trails with my dad. I started taking lessons during the end of May on a weekly basis. My instructor, Dan, has become a wonderful mentor and his metaphoric approach to riding and my journey as a person has been simply invaluable.
Riding horses is not a cheap hobby/​lifestyle here in the five boroughs. The price list is on their website. They sell riding gear on site. Breaches were 60, boots were 60, and the most expensive helmet they have is 155, and suede half chaps are just south of 100 somewhere. They also do custom half chaps through another company that they measure you for.
The trail rides are not glamorous, but neither is riding a horse. In the summer, There will be bugs and there will be sweat. Also, you should remember that you are riding a wild animal that is preyed upon in nature. If you are looking for a more predictable experience, you should probably ride a bike.
Anthony is very friendly and attentive, as is his father, Tony. They know how to maintain a business and they take a genuine interest in their patrons.
Rob is my favorite trail guide. He’ll push your limits and keep you engaged. He’s also quick with a joke and makes for decent company on the ride.
I can’t speak for the men’s bathroom, but the womens bathroom is almost always immaculate. And I was there admidst the children’s day camp sessions, so that says something.
They also have a really cute cat that roams around.
Do it.

I have lived in the Sheapshead Bay area for my entire life and have always drove past this establishment, when I decided to finally go in for a trail ride the wonderful experience I had really opened my eyes and heart to a new hobby. As the years went I came in for lessons, since that first trail ride I have been riding for 8 years and have been to other stables in other states, there really is no comparison to the trails and atmosphere. The staff especially the owners make you feel part of family from day one. It does not matter if you are a avid rider or have never been on a horse, the staff helps you get over any nerves and the horses make you want to come everyday. The horses are reliable and sweet. There really is no other place like it in NYC. I would recommend this establishment to anyone who loves having a good time and doesn’t mind the wonderful smell of horses and little sun & sand!

This is a great old-​school horse barn. If you’re looking for a lesson, their trainers are great, patient and give good feedback. The school horses are very nice animals. On the trail ride side of things, the horses are what you would expect for this kind of operation; safe and reliable. The private group ride is the way to go for a trail ride .You get a ride customized to your skill level. The guides are cautious and value safety above all. That means if someone in the group can’t trot, you’re walking for 40 minutes. The scenery on the trail ride is beautiful and except for views of the Belt Parkway and the planes landing at JFK, you wouldn’t know you were in Brooklyn.

this is the best academy for riding I’ve gone to in my life! My instructor, hannah, is the absolute best, has taught me so much. The horses are cleaned well and trained to be great with all ages. Finally, they even give lessons to disabled kids with seaside 4, which I am volunteering at now. Do not listen to the negative reviews PLEASE! This is the best riding academy that has ever been made.

You call this a «riding academy»? Please.
I took out a horse on a beach ride and it was awful. The ride was poorly organized, the horses were smelly and exhausted. Mine didn’t, but three of the horses rolled in the sand, taking their riders down. They do this because they’re filthy and uncomfortable.
That’s how it is in the city: a horseback riding desert: bad stables with filthy and tired horses and stable owners that employ inexperienced, untrained people who don’t give a damn.

I found the academy completely overwhelmed by the concept of a birthday party. «Cook» was overworked and could care less about little kids. «What? You want water?! The kids are thirsty? I dunno. I gotta ask for more help.» «Here, why not give the kids French fries to burn their mouths.» Management obviously never took a basic course at business school. Place is equipped for riding. For parties? Think again. Actually, it shouldn’t take much thinking.

Don’t give these guys your money. It’s like buying a puppy from a puppy mill — you are only feeding the machine.
The horses roll because they are in «straight» stalls every minute of the day they are not out hacking. What a life for these poor beasts. They stand in a non-​bedded stall in their own urine and feces which means most of them have thrush (look it up). They are poorly fed and spend 8 – 10 hours a day with a saddle and bridle, regardless of the temperature or humidity.
You’d drop your rider and roll around in the sand too. If you want to learn how to ride, take lessons somewhere (not here). If you want to see the sights, take a nice long hike somewhere. Trail rides are misery for the horses and only occasionally fun for the riders — at the horses’ expense.

Activity: Private Trail ride, with 2 other friends
Truthfully after reading all the negative reviews on Unilocal,I was extremely skeptical about going. I had no prior experience on horseback riding and it was my first time ever on a horse. But after my friends and I met the guide, saddled up it was a great time. The views were amazing, the ride was amazing and our guide Alicia was awesome. She was very funny and very informative. Definitely would go back again.

One of the more better looking stables in NYC I’ve been to. Stables are located off the shoulder of Shore Parkway and in close proximity to the beach. The place is a little hard to get to by public transportation, but a nice place to ride if you are ever in the area. For NYC, the facilities are fairly large and appear to be well managed. I believe they can house up to 140+ horses. The horses generally looked fit and they are turned out onto sand paddocks. I wish horses never had to be boxed but I understand the space limitations of having them all roam loose.
Indoor arena is nice with glass windows visitors can see through. Well run front office with adjacent tack shop for apparel/​horse supplies. There also is a concession/​snack stand with plenty of seating for visitors and waiting parents.
Trail ride was good. I booked a private because I wanted to trot and canter a bit. The 30 – 40 minute ride went by quickly and made me wistful for the day-​long rides and gallops I’ve done out in the country.
For NYC, though… a good place to ride. Trail guide is engaging with sense of humor.

Ellen is a great instructor: thorough, attentive and very knowledgeable. She also pushes you. Don’t expect to be babied through everything, that will not make you a decent rider. Everyone there is kind and respectful. As far as the horses temperament/​training/​mean comments, if you understand basic horse psychology and how to interact with them it will make a difference. Any school has great horses, ok horses and some that are past their prime. There seem to be a lot of students here who are on the Metropolitan Team or who are preparing for competition and I’ve seen some talented young ladies training dressage and English, which is a testament to the quality of the instruction. I’m six weeks into my program and am pretty happy with it.

Awful. My friend and I thought it would be fun to go for a trail ride on her birthday. The facilities are nice, the price was right, but our «guide» Howie was the most crass, crude, and generally foul-​mouthed person I’ve ever met. For example, in the first 15 minutes of our ride, I asked him to tell us about the Wildland Preserve. He responded by telling us he didn’t care much for nature, and then he made a «joke» about how he would like to bury his ex-​wife out there because the police would never bother to get a search permit for federal land. It only got worse from there. I am not exaggerating. It was my friend’s birthday and she nearly burst into tears because it was so horrible.

I learned how to ride here — took about 8 – 10 lessons with Casey, who is super nice and capable.
We did a mixture of indoor and outdoor riding, both of which are fun, interesting, and challenging.
Pros: everyone I met was really nice, remembered my name, and wanted to help me out. Their outdoor beach trails are beautiful.
Cons: not really accessible by pubilc transit. The outdoor trails are pretty small, but it’s NYC after all, so maybe I’m being silly. Most importantly, it’s not clear to me that the horses were all that well trained/​behaved — a lot of them seemed to be temperamental.
In general, I highly recommend this Academy but would encourage serious riders also to try out the academy in Riverdale to see what it’s like because it might be a viable alternative.