If you're heading to JFK to get on a flight for a beach riding trip you may want to consider a slight detour a few miles away from the airport. You will see a place that's hidden in plain sight with all the offerings of being on a horse by or in the water! Typically I would venture to DR or Grand Cayman for such an experience but now that I found this priceless venue close to home I have to rethink flying away for it. Tony Danza (not the actor) set it up in the 70s and hosts beginners and advanced riders equally. The facility has indoors and outdoors accommodations no matter your skill level. For first time riders you will be guided through greenery until you reach the beach walk and then back again through a beautiful setting. Who knew this place was so accessible from home! The staff is warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. If you live in the area and always wanted to ride this is your place with approachable fees even to board a horse. I had a pleasure of chatting with Tony and he briefed me on the history of the place. I have been a few times already and can't wait to return. read more

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Decided to book a private trail ride for my birthday and it was excellent. I have many years of riding experience and I felt like they did a great job pairing me up with an appropriate horse based on mine and my partners skill and comfort level. Our trail guide was great, you can really tell this place cares for their horses. Even when having ample riding experience it's about putting the horses first and I'm so glad that this facility supports that and it shows. Thanks again for such an authentic and fun trail ride well deff be back! read more

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy - Trail - Horseback Riding Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

My daughter has ridden horses for about six years her first lesson at Jamaica Bay Riding Academy was the most comprehensive I've seen her get to this point. Very happy with Katie our trainer. read more

"Shocked and disappointed. Denied horseback riding access despite 20 years of experience because of special needs. Staff unaccommodating and unaware of disability rights. Lack of accessibility and inclusivity is unacceptable." read more

This was so much fun, the environment was nice and everyone was clear and friendly. The horses were so cute and gentle. This place is so good def going back again! read more

The owner of some shit came up to me and I was like "Hi can I sign up for training?" The guy straightly kept a dead pan and said "you are wayyy too fat for this ranch" I'm like---- read more

The experience with the horse was BEAUTIFUL! However, the people there weren't the best, honestly. I had made a 12:30 appointment; I remembered because I put the reminder on my phone. The lady in the office was okay, but my guide told me I was late. I had told her I was not; I scheduled it for 12:30pm, not 12pm. I gave her the same energy she gave me subtly :). The lady and the guide told me I had to leave my bag and a sweater in the office. The front desk lady told me behind the door.. da fuck no. The guide said the desk.. alright, that's fine. After the "amicable" conversation, we went out to get the horses. It was a little wait which was funny because I was running "late." We got the horses, and getting on with the guide of a guy working there was pretty smooth. My guide became nice as the ride was going. It was VERY RELAXING, and I loved my horse.. he was adorable and kept eating (just like me) Riding in nature was very tranquil and the beach in the water was nice. I wish I could've got a picture in the water, but cool, I didn't lol I asked the guide if she could take a picture of me when we got back and she said the guy who helped to take me off the horse could :/ I can't lie, I had trouble getting off.. the guy seemed impatient, but whaaaat it's my first time! He did take pictures but was rushing... I liked the horses more than the people there; They have better manners than the humans who work there, I promise you lol Overall, the ride was terrific... I would love to do it again but at another place like the islands or a place where I know I would feel comfortable in my skin (the energy towards me was WEIRD). So when I returned to the office to get my bag, it was on the floor with two guys talking about nothing. One wanted to have small talk with me, but I was more concerned about how my bag that was on the table when I left was on the dusty ass floor. I asked if I could get my bag and he gave it to me where it had brown dust on it. You don't put people's bags on the floor for spiritual reasons. Overall, I had a unique first experience but will ride to the old town road somewhere else. read more

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy - Horseback Riding Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

We had such an amazing experience at Jamaica Bay. We went on a trail ride with Brandon. The trail itself is gorgeous and opens up to the beach. Brandon was a great guide, with good conversation and insightful stories. I would definitely recommend this place! read more

Absolutely awesome.. On a whim i scheduled a lesson and from that day til now I'm hooked. If you want to gain knowledge and insight into one of the most beautiful animals HORSES this is the place. My instructor Mine' is the best the owner and staff are so welcoming .. come enjoy a ride for the experience . read more

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy - Ready to ride - Horseback Riding Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Rode on the beach with my friend, the staff was nice and the place was neat, except for one staff member who had a bad attitude. read more

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I went a couple of times to Jamaica Bay Riding Academy and always had a great experience. Beautiful view, nice horseback riding experience at the beach this time with instructor Dasha. Looking forward to more. read more

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy - Horseback riding - Horseback Riding Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The instructor was kind and welcoming, but the other staff were highly bitter. I wasn't even acknowledged by those assisting me off of the horse. I thanked them and spoke very kindly to them and they didn't even feel the need to reciprocate the same kindness. Very unpleasing attitudes from the majority of the staff. read more

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy - Indoor arena - Horseback Riding Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I had a good experience here at the riding academy. My tour guide noelle was friendly and My horse tiblet gave me a safe ride through some beautiful sightseeing. I love water so being able to ride through the beach was very special. The people here seem to know what they are doing. I didn't see any mistreatments of any horses. This is a wonderful location if your interested in horseback riding. read more

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy - Horseback riding through the beach. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Went riding Sunday afternoon. Peaceful and good ride. It was my girlfriend's first solo ride. The team was great in preparing the horses and us. She is now considering riding lessons. read more

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy - My girlfriend and I. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

4/16/22 I wanted to mention to never go to this place right now. I took my kids to your academy and when we arrived they were super exited to ride. I went up to check in for a trail ride and the front desk worker said it was 13+ and we had to leave, my girls were so dissatisfied with you. That was so stupid my girls have been riding since they were 2. On ponies and started a taller horse at 5 for their first time ever. They were 11 at the time we went and are turning 12 soon. This is such a stupid rule, listen my girls could probably handle a jumpy horse better then most 13 year olds, even better then you guys think. Listen most 13+ year olds would fail holding on unlike my girls, they are horse pro's and know a lot on them. fix this. It is so unfair. read more

The animals are under fed overwork and live in dirty conditions, and don't have the proper medical care as needed by choice The owners give off a happy family oriented but they really truly are callous and uncaring no matter the complaints inspectors are paid to keep a blind eye and veterinary care needed usually letting horses suffer to death instead of keeping them comfortable this is a true fact this facility has animal neglect and cruelty!!!!! read more

I took my 3 kids (12-year-old, 14-year-old, and 16-year-old) on a trail. When we got there, they said the wait was 15-20 minutes since it was the holiday season. Understandable. 20 minutes later we ask for an update, they say 10 more minutes. Meanwhile, a lady walks in to go on a trail. She's let right in but we have to wait! 10 minutes later, they said 10 more minutes! This kept happening until we waited more than an hour! I have a feeling they said 20 minutes in the beginning just so we paid even though they knew it was 3 times the wait! Once it is "our turn" they said, "go outside, follow the path to the double doors and wait by the bench". Such good instructions ... Next, we wait around 20 minutes outside for them. We finally asked what'd taking so long and they said they're waiting for 3 more customers. They said they like to fill up the trails. 20 minutes later (it's been an hour and 40 minutes so far), they give up and say 3 more people are not coming, lets just start. They put us on horses and we just start riding. My kids had no idea what to do. We didn't get any instructions. The instructor/guide also did not talk once. My sons horse went through a tree full of thick branches even though my son steered it away (also partly because we received no instructions) causing my son to get tons of scratches all over his face and eventually get 2 stitches once we got him. His horse literally dragged him through a tree of thick branches. He almost fell right off! I hate this place and I am never going back. Be careful! read more

We took my son here for his bday today. We paid $300 for the 3 of us to do a trail ride. The ride and Koffee the young man who led the way was amazing. However one of the owners (the short man with all the gold chains on) and the rest of the staff was just very SOUR and dry. We asked questions and got the bare minimum. Customer service is just something unheard of for this place. I will be taking my money to Gallop NYC or another establishment who appreciates their customers. Also the chubby middle eastern man, pointed out all the negative things I did without ever giving instruction. I literally had to ask him "well can you tell me what should I do?" NEVER AGAIN!!! read more

People complain about customer service and attitudes. But this is New York. And here you get some typical New York attitudes. The horses are great. The ride is really nice. The area is a nice little escape from city life. You take a short drive from the hustle and bustle and you can ride a lovely horse through a beach and green forested area. It's a really nice escape read more

This place is incredible! It's huge (I think they have over 100 horses). You can ride on trails along beaches and through the woods, during which you'll never believe you're in Brooklyn. The instructors are all highly experienced with horses, and very nice people. The only other horse stable in Brooklyn for the public that I know of is Kensington Stables. And despite the fact that Kensington is so much closer to me, I'd much rather take the drive out to this place because there's nothing else but nature around it. With Kensington, in order to get from the stables to Prospect Park, you have to go through the park circle. I can't stand driving through that circle, riding a bike there, or even crossing the street - needless to say I'd hate riding a horse through it. And then once you get inside Prospect Park, you need to deal with all the people, dogs, speeding bicyclists, etc. But in Jamaica Bay, from the stables to the whole trails, there's nothing but nature around you. I'm not trying to insult anyone at Kensington Stables. I'm simply saying that Jamaica Bay Riding Academy is in a location which I'd much rather ride a horse in. I should also mention that Jamaica Bay Riding Academy does include a huge indoor space for riding in cold or rainy weather. read more

I love horse back riding. I wanted to bring my fiancé and sister in law for the beach scenic and it didn't disappoint. Nice clear blue skies that reflected on the ocean. Popcorn was my horse. I read some reviews not liking the fact that they were separated from their group. It happened to me but I understand. My particular horse doesn't like being in the back. So he had to be in front. They're trained to be in a certain formation. They're heard animals so they fight each other if one is in their place. Maybe request to be together? They pick you out from your group and assign you to your horse for a reason. So maybe that's something to consider. 80 bucks cash, 90 CC. The ride was about 35-40 min. It was worth it. read more

Love it! We drive inntye area with our 3 kids (under age of 7) and see this place and desided to go in. The it was empty only one person in front desk. He sad they almost close and no more rides. My kids was so sad. We look from the window on the horses and after 10min he called us and sad he will let us ride the ponies beacouse he see how sad the kids. It was really fun and girl who was with us was super nice. I will be back there. read more

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy - Horseback Riding Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Activity: Private Trail ride, with 2 other friends Truthfully after reading all the negative reviews on yelp, 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. read more

Never thought I'd go horseback riding in Brooklyn! But I did and enjoyed it. Great way to spend an hr or so one afternoon. It wasn't expensive at all, think we made $55/person. The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable about horse. We took a nice trail down to the water then rode along the water. It was a nice experience something else to cross off my bucket list. read more

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy - Horseback Riding Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I love bringing my nieces here for private lessons. They always have a great time and the staff is very kind and patient with them. The horses look well cared too. The grounds and the facility may be a little dated looking, but in reality, its not that important. They have an indoor ring, outdoor rings, and also a trail that goes by the water. We have been there about 6/7 times already and i do not have any complaints. I think it would be a nice addition to have a special time on the weekends set aside for junior or kid riders only though. read more

My 5 year old has been taking lesson here for a little over two months. In that time she has loved every minute of all Jamaica Bay Riding Academy has offered us. The staff from the front desk to the instructors have really made us feel welcomed and like we belong. It's a very family friendly facility. We love you Jake & Rebecca!! Thank you for your patience and hard work. P.S Cuevo(the horse) you rock! Thank you for being a gentle giant to my little girl. If your looking for a place to start riding you definitely found a good one here. read more

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Our kids both love taking lessons here and can't wait to come to the camp where they can ride on the beach. The stables look clean and the horses seem well cared for. read more

This review is for the pony ride for kids only. I found this place online and it is one of the more convenient places to visit for those of us living in south western Brooklyn. When we arrived, the staff was helpful and polite. The handler for the pony was patient because my daughter was nervous at first and showed her how to pet the pony and then they started to walk around and she had a great time. Bring cash, there's a slight discount for cash. I definitely look forward to stopping by here again. read more

It has been a long time that I wanted to write a review about Jamaica Bay Riding Academy. It is an amazing place where both, animal wellbeing and professionalism are the priorities. To me, it was very important to find a place where people really care about horses and their needs, not only about riding. That's undoubtedly what you have here! Now let me say some words about teachers and owners. They are awesome, patients, caring, listening to your desires and professional. I had a few different teachers in the beginning and all of them were nice, serious and qualified. I have the same teacher for a few months now, my extraordinary Kelly ! She is perfect, teaches me a lot and knows me very well. But don't ask for her, I don't want her too busy ! So, if you look for a place where you want to learn in good conditions and with respect for the horses, go ahead without hesitation! read more

Years ago the Danzas were always kind to me. It was welcome to ride there for years and then I got older and moved out of the state. Have never found a better place to ride yet Especially in Brooklyn. I used to ride and work at Circle M. That was also a very good place but I don't think it's there anymore. Hold the memories hold the memories wonderful wonderful memories. I took lessons at Jamaica Bay also when I was 14 years old. read more

This review is for the Pony ride only. So, I took my kiddos there and everything went perfectly fine; $15 for 15 min ride, $20 if paying by CC. The waiting time was only 5-7 min while they prepped the Pony and everyone was very courteous and informative. They provide an enclosed space to take your kid on the ride, and one parent holds pony and walks within the space provided. The trail ride takes a minimum of 2 people, so I wasn't able to go with my wife as we needed someone to take care of the kids. So, if you plan to go on the trail ride, take this into account. They also provide lesson packages. So, overall the place was good and I will come back again. I recommend the pony rides for the kids !! read more

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This one young lady who helps people get on their horses. I'm not one to be obnoxious and make bad reviews unless someone really needs to hear it. She assists people on getting on their horse with a huge attitude, makes it really uncomfortable to ask questions and overall feel safe. The instructor was cool. . But if you gotta deal with this female then this isn't the place for beginners and anyone with a short temper the experience will be ruined anddddd if you come from far away like I did ... that will suck. read more

If you are looking for a lessons or trail rides this is he place to go. The amazing trails and beach riding is something you can't get anywhere else. The instructors for riding lessons are the best. We've been riding here for years and just love it. read more

I've been riding since I was a child. This place is terrible. Another example of greed ruining everything. Eight horses in the arena at one time, everyone shouting, riders going in all directions. The horse I was given kicked at and tried to bite other horses. Nope. Never again. read more

I came here with a few friends and it was great. It was a little tough to find as we almost missed the exit... We aren't from Brooklyn so the highways are new to us. When we did arrive there was available parking and its a very short walk to the building. When we went in, it was very similar to a bowling alley setup, with a snack bar, shop, and indoor horse riding arena. I've been to a few horse stalls in the past and went to an agriculture school and I can say that these animals are well taken care of. They were able to gauge what level horse we all needed and we rode western. I also saw people riding English style and I don't know if they have any others. The guide who was with us offered to take photos of our group which was really nice because we rode on the beach and there were little animals and crabs running around. It was crazy to think we never left New York City and were riding horses on a beach! We rode for an hour and returned to the stalls. We did run for a bit but I wish we were able to do that a little more as that was the most fun for me! read more

DO NOT COME ON A DATE TO THIS PLACE. They will purposely separate you from whoever you are with just to upsell you a private trail ride. Why would I come to ride with someone with 5 complete strangers in between us. When I complained, the owner gave me BS about pecking order whilst trying to get me to waste more money at this con artist place. The owner doesn't care if you complain since the establishment is clearly used to launder money. I'm sure they will respond blaming the mistake on us. Good Job!!! read more

I love horse back riding! I have been wanting to visit here ever since I noticed it on the Belt Parkway (I'm talking yeaaaars here!) I participated in the guided tour which took us along the beach. It was a very cool experience. I only wish that it wasn't so cold! My horse's name was Taco! Love it! lol The horses are trained in the Western style (one hand on the reins another on the saddle horn). The venue is relatively large and has a concession stand as well as a store that sells riding equipment etc. There is a large indoor and outdoor arena. I was dismayed to see where the horses were kept though :( The stalls are very small and are only large enough for them to enter. The horses are not able to move around. This may sound kinda hoakie but I hope the horses are ok and happy. (I love animals) read more

This place is great! My boyfriend and I had no experience so they took us on a nature walk on horseback with a guide and it was easy and fun. It was nice to get away from the city and be in nature, be on a horse, walk along the beach, breathe the air. I think if you have more experience, or take a few lessons with them, you might have more options. This was perfect for us! They even have a stair thingy to get on the horse with ease. Some tips regarding Logistics such as transportation and personal belongings: They let you wear a fanny pack on the horse, but you can't carry a purse or backpack. They make you leave your bags in a pile with everyone else's bag behind the desk in the office. Someone is always at the desk, but no one keeps track of whose bag belongs to whom, so in theory, someone could go up when you're not there and claim your bag and walk off with it. Note the tours are first-come-first-serve, so if someone else just started their tour and there is no one available, you will have to wait a bit. Our wait wasn't too bad, but I was confused at first because I thought they said the guide would be right up, but then it seemed like nobody came for a while . . .it was all good in the end. Public Transportation: The website suggests taking a car service from whatever train you take that gets closest to them. We used the L train, and there was a car service right next to the subway station. But no car service would come get us from the Riding Academy when we wanted to go home! We called 2 different numbers and they said they don't make pick-ups out there! Luckily there was a walking/biking lane along the Belt Parkway that ended up at the Canarsi Pier which intersects with Rockaway Parkway. Once we made it to that point, there was a Bus that went right to the L train end stop. It was a long walk, but not a big deal. I think next time we will skip the car service fee and take the bus and the walk on purpose--now that we know what the deal is. Or we might just ride our bikes. The overall experience here was wonderful! read more

The best in all of New York , nice staff , owners know there business, clean set up well , trained professionals , very honest people , excellent trained horses , well cared for , they love ehay they do , and they sponsor handicapped riding on premise , also lessons , private rides , bording I've know them 20 yrs , I had horses there , best experiance ever ! Don't pass it by , great restaurant on premise , have lunch watch your children ride through glass windows from lunch breakfast tables , also all tack is there for sale at competitive prices ! 10000 stars to the Danza family ! read more

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. read more