Where to learn to ride a horse on Long Island

For Elena Kent, balancing a career and motherhood left no time for horseback riding. But now that the Rocky Point resident’s daughter is grown, Kent, 53, a registered nurse, has finally found her way into the saddle.

“I’ve always loved horses,” said Kent, who relishes riding on trails and at the beach. “It’s fun and exciting . . . and an adrenaline rush.”

Not only an exercise that strengthens core muscles, horseback riding provides a therapeutic benefit, said Teresa Ferrara, co-owner of Nativity Riding Academy in Ridge, where Kent goes. “It’s an escape, and you are able to bond with an animal,” Ferrara said. “It’s also a fascination. It’s not something you see every day . . . someone riding a horse.”

While not many on Long Island will have the knowledge, resources or ability to keep a horse on their own property, there are several equestrian centers on Long Island that offer lessons and private riding experiences.

Each week, Kent looks forward to her 30-minute private lesson, where she has been perfecting mounting and dismounting the horse, refining her posture and balance in the saddle and improving basic commands like starting, steering and stopping the horse in the English riding style (which differs in equipment and riding techniques from Western). Now, she’s even learning dressage, a skilled form of horse riding that focuses on a series of precise choreographed maneuvers in an arena.

Ferrara said it’s important to know whether you want to learn English or Western riding styles and to “always start with a lesson” from a qualified instructor.

“People take a trail ride, and they think they know how to ride,” said Ferrara, who has been riding for nearly three decades. “Learning to ride a horse can be challenging, requiring time and practice.”

She points out that once riders are comfortable handling a horse, they can focus on refining their technique, improving communication with the horse and enjoying the experience.

“Horses teach confidence, virtue, perseverance and diligence,” Ferrara said.

“Riding never gets old in a structured, safe setting . . . it’s enjoyable and exciting.”