Where can I go horseback riding?
If you want to go horseback riding on Long Island without owning a horse, the best option is to book a guided ride, trail ride, or lesson through a private riding center. Popular options include Deep Hollow Ranch in Montauk, Bethpage Equestrian Center in Old Bethpage, Parkview Riding Center near Oakdale, and DDR Farm in the Melville and West Hills area.
In Short
For most visitors, horseback riding on Long Island means booking with a private stable or riding center that provides the horse, guide, and instruction. Public parks may have bridle trails, but they usually do not rent horses directly. If you simply want to pay and ride, start with a riding center rather than a park.
Places Where You Can Pay to Ride a Horse on Long Island
| Riding Center | Area | What They Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Hollow Ranch | Montauk | Guided trail rides, beach-style riding experiences, pony rides, lessons, private rides, group rides, and western-style horseback riding. |
| Bethpage Equestrian Center | Old Bethpage / Bethpage State Park area | Guided trail rides, riding lessons, camps, children’s programs, pony rides, parties, and boarding. |
| Parkview Riding Center | Oakdale / Connetquot River State Park Preserve area | Guided trail rides, private and group lessons, camps, pony parties, therapeutic riding, boarding, and equestrian programs. |
| DDR Farm | Melville / West Hills area | Trail rides, lessons, moonlight rides, boarding, grooming, training, and horseback riding programs. |
| Other Private Riding Centers | Nassau County and Suffolk County | Lessons, pony rides, boarding, camps, guided rides, youth programs, and beginner-friendly riding experiences. |
Because horseback riding availability can change by season, weather, staffing, trail conditions, and horse availability, visitors should call ahead before going. Many riding centers require reservations, waivers, long pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, and advance notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
Best Options for Beginners
Beginners should look for a stable that offers supervised lessons or guided trail rides. Bethpage Equestrian Center, Parkview Riding Center, Deep Hollow Ranch, and DDR Farm are among the better-known options for people who want to ride without owning or boarding a horse.
Before booking, ask whether the ride is suitable for first-time riders, how long the ride lasts, whether helmets are provided, and whether there are age or weight limits. Families with young children should also ask about pony rides, camps, and beginner lessons.
Guided Trail Rides
Guided trail rides are usually the easiest way for visitors to go horseback riding on Long Island. The stable provides the horse, and a staff member leads the ride through approved trails or riding areas. Depending on the location, riders may pass through wooded paths, open fields, pine barrens, parkland, or coastal landscapes.
Deep Hollow Ranch is a well-known choice for horseback riding on the East End. Bethpage Equestrian Center offers riding opportunities near Bethpage State Park, while Parkview Riding Center is associated with riding near Connetquot River State Park Preserve. DDR Farm serves riders in the Huntington, Melville, and West Hills area.
Can You Ride Horses on the Beach?
Beach horseback riding on Long Island is limited and is not something visitors can usually do casually on their own. Deep Hollow Ranch in Montauk is one of the best-known names associated with beach and trail riding experiences. Rules, routes, and availability may vary by season, so riders should confirm details before booking.
Public Parks and Bridle Trails for Riders With Their Own Horse
Long Island also has public parks and preserves with bridle trails for people who already own, lease, or board horses. These locations are different from riding centers because they generally provide trail access, not horse rentals. Riders may need permits, proof of a negative Coggins test, park access passes, or other documentation before using the trails.
| Public Riding Area | Best For |
|---|---|
| Connetquot River State Park Preserve | Scenic equestrian trails through woodlands, wetlands, streams, and historic preserve landscapes. |
| Brookhaven State Park | Multi-use trails popular with horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers. |
| Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve | Estate grounds, bridle paths, wooded areas, meadows, and scenic North Shore surroundings. |
| Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve | Natural trails through pine barrens habitat, oak brush plains, and protected open space. |
| Other Public Bridle Trails | Selected county and state park trails may allow horseback riding where marked and permitted. |
Do Public Parks Rent Horses?
Most public parks on Long Island do not rent horses directly. If a park has bridle trails, that usually means riders may bring their own horses or ride through an approved stable or organized equestrian program. If you want to simply pay and ride, contact a riding center rather than showing up at a park expecting horse rentals.
What to Ask Before Booking
Before booking a horseback ride, ask whether reservations are required, how long the ride lasts, whether the ride is beginner-friendly, what clothing is required, whether helmets are provided, and what happens if weather affects the trails. Riders should also ask about age limits, weight limits, refund policies, private rides, group rides, lessons, and pony rides.
Bottom Line
For visitors who want to pay and ride a horse on Long Island, start with a private riding center such as Deep Hollow Ranch, Bethpage Equestrian Center, Parkview Riding Center, or DDR Farm. For experienced riders with their own horses, Long Island also offers public bridle trails in parks and preserves across Nassau County and Suffolk County. The best choice depends on whether you need a horse provided for you or simply need access to a legal riding trail.
