Jamaica Bay Riding Academy — Attraction in New York

I had an absolutely terrible experience. I’m even giving this one star just so my review shows up — this is my most honest and vulnerable feedback. I have a bit of experience with horses. I came thinking I’d enjoy myself and relax — but no! The only thing they did right was make me wait for other riders to join, since I came alone — apparently if you ride alone, it’s only 30 minutes instead of 45, even though you pay the full price. Why?! If I’m paying full price in both cases, then I should get the full ride. Luckily — or unfortunately — two other riders showed up. Looking back, it might have been better if I had ridden alone, because maybe then the impatient and extremely indifferent instructor would’ve actually paid attention to me.

My horse got irritated by the horses in front and behind him and decided to leave the trail. He wouldn’t listen to me, even when I tried guiding him with the reins. From the moment I got on, I could tell something was off — he moved his head to avoid the reins, wandered toward the path early, and started walking before the instructor even noticed or reacted.

Throughout the ride, I couldn’t truly enjoy the trail because my horse was extremely restless — moving in all directions, walking sideways, going into bushes, leaving the trail — and the most terrifying part was when he suddenly jumped in place because, according to the instructor, the horse behind us had annoyed him.

I didn’t enjoy the experience at all. In fact, I regretted coming, and even more so spending money on it. The entire experience was ruined, and I don’t think I’ll be going near horses again anytime soon.

The instructor was completely indifferent to every call for help I made — I was clearly shaken, and still he didn’t listen, didn’t stop, acted like we were being chased, and used my situation as an excuse to shorten the route.

It was just awful. Please, if you’re reading this — don’t go there! Your experience won’t be any different. Find another place with warm, understanding, patient people. Other than the view, the entire experience...

As a first time horse rider I would have expected much better service. We had a group of 16 which were split into 2. The was a great Idea this way we could have a longer walk on the horses. I was given instruction to get on to a horse. As soon as I sat down the horse started to walk very quickly. My natural was to scream because I had no idea what was going on. The employees all acted as if I had did something completely wrong. They said I was acting nervous and would up set the horse " he knows his job". I was very confused. No one else's horse just started to walk with out anyone controlling it. But I made it my business to keep a open mind. About two minutes into the ride my horse started to move her head in a vigorous motion as if it were trying to get the piece of of its mouth. I was very uneasy and explained this to the instructor. She stated everything was fine. Still trying to keep calm I listened and tried to get as comfortable as possible. The horse started to move its head more and more and to the point where I left like it was going to pull me off. I explain this to the instructor telling her the horse was bugging out and I was very uncomfortable. She replied with " it's an animal". A little upset I continued to keep my calm; until things got crazy. My horse just started to run and slammed me into some bushes. Tears began to fall from my eye and I began to scream in fear. The instructor made it her business to yell at me not to scream because it was making the animal nervous. At this point I was more than angry. With tears running from my face and my friends trying to make me feel better. There was never even the question of "are you okay"? There was no concern for my well being or even if I needed a tissue. The instructor horse started to jump and walk sideways and she could barley control it. I will never again use these people. They didn't even care when...

EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE HERE!