Our top choices for riding in the city are:
*Jamaica Bay Riding Academy (7000 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn; 718-531-8949; horsebackride.com)
Three miles of beaches along Jamaica Bay and trails that weave through 400 acres of the Gateway National Wildlife Preserve make this the most scenic trail-riding within the five boroughs. One-hour lesson, $85; 40-minute group trail ride, $37
*Lynne’s Riding School (88-03 70th Road, Forest Hills, Queens; 718-261-7679; lynnesridingschoolnyc.com)
Just a block from Forest Park, once you’ve learned how to walk and trot comfortably on a horse, instructors will take you out for lessons on park trails. One-hour lesson, $70; one-hour group lesson, $45
*Riverdale Equestrian Center (6351 Broadway, The Bronx; 718-548-4848; riverdaleriding.com)
Founded by two former Olympians, the stable sits on 21 acres in Van Cortlandt Park, with access to 1,007 acres of wooded trails. One-hour lesson, $100
*Central Park (nycgovparks.org): Experienced riders can volunteer to patrol Central Park as part of NYC’s Parks Enforcement Patrol Mounted Auxiliary Unit. For more info, e-mail the Parks Department at mountedaux.recruitment@parks.nyc.gov.