New York City Riding Academy

NYC Riding Academy’s 2026 riding program is a seasonal horseback riding program on Randall’s Island. The 2026 season runs May 15 through September 30, with 30 minute lessons offered daily starting at 9:00 a.m. It’s run as a nonprofit and the program is supported heavily by volunteers, with donations helping care for the horses, maintain facilities, and support a student scholarship program.

Students must be at least 7 years old, and instruction is taught in English riding. Beginners typically start with fundamentals like leading, mounting/dismounting, and basic horse control, while intermediate/advanced riders have their level evaluated and planned accordingly. Scheduling and donations are handled in advance (changes must be made at least one week ahead of time).

May 15 - September 30, 2026

126 Sunken Garden Loop

New York, NY 10035

(Located next to Field 84 and the 103rd Street Footbridge down the Harlem River Pathway)

$70/riding session (minimum of 4 sessions per summer required, so $280 at least)

Programs can be registered for online here.

212-860-2986

info@nycridingacademy.org

What Parents Like‍

• The most consistent positive feedback highlights instructors being patient, welcoming, and knowledgeable, which is especially important for beginners and younger riders trying horseback riding for the first time. (1)
• Reviewers frequently note that the horses appear happy and well-looked-after, and describe the setting as a pleasant place to spend time learning to ride. (1)
• Families often appreciate that NYC Riding Academy offers a rare horseback riding experience within New York City, located on Randall’s Island. (2)
• Public review listings show a 4.5-star rating, with the vast majority of reviewers giving positive feedback. (1)

‍What Parents Think Could Be Improved‍

• Compared with larger riding camps or academies, there are relatively few publicly indexed reviews that describe kids’ experiences in depth (lesson progression, instructor ratios, day structure, etc.) for giving parents the fullest picture of summertime.

‍Our Take

‍Reviews paint NYC Riding Academy as a small, mission-driven riding program with supportive instructors and well-treated horses, offering a unique opportunity for kids to experience horseback riding without leaving Manhattan. Because the program operates more like a lesson-based riding academy than a traditional camp, and because detailed parent reviews are limited, the smartest MomBrains move before enrolling is a quick fit-check.