Horseback Riding Coming Back to Central Park

There’s good news for aspiring equestrians in New York City. 

The public might again be able to rent and ride horses in Central Park -- four years after the park’s last public riding academy shut its doors.

The Department of Parks and Recreation announced Tuesday that it was accepting requests to operate a horseback riding concession in the North Meadow Recreation Center, allowing the public to again enjoy horseback riding on the park’s six miles of bridle trails.

"Central Park's six miles of bridle trails provide a unique opportunity for park visitors to sway in a saddle beneath leafy canopies, taking in majestic views on horseback,” said Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe.

Horseback riding had been a key feature of Central Park since its creation some 150 years ago.  In 2007, the last operational stable in the park, the Claremont Riding Academy, closed its doors.  

The city is taking proposals to open a stable or riding academy for a seven-year term. The submission date is June 13, 2011.

In a statement, the city said the current conditions of the bridle paths vary. The trails will continue to be maintained by the parks department.

Contact Us