Bethpage Equestrian Center — Local services in Town of Oyster Bay

It saddens me to write this review but the service I have been exposed to for the last two weeks has just been disappointing. Over the summer of 2024, I enrolled my daughter into their riding lessons due to their raving reviews and location to our home. My sister use to ride at Jamaica Bay for years but i wanted to give Bethpage a shot. My daughter was paired with Susan for classes and she has been great- no complaints. Only complaint is due to the instructor being in school my daughter was not able to receive classes as consistently as I would have liked. The process for booking sessions- very inconvenient to the person who likes to have a set schedule. Ok so fast forward, my daughter recently turned 6 and wanted to enroll her into the Winter camp in Feb. Filled out the application and went to turn in my application and payment in person as it states. I paid with credit card to the front desk rep and was on my way. Later that evening if not next day, someone called and apologized for THEIR mistake of taking my card for payment because it was CASH only (stated on the application but an oversight on my behalf). I told her I will come towards the end of December or before the application deadline to hand the cash. However, our schedule recently took a change and we will be out of the country. I called about two weeks ago and informed them about this and asked for a refund on my card (as was told will be done anyways) and will have to withdraw my daughter from the camp. Disappointing enough I have spoken to three women, 1 unknown the other Sam who informed me a supervisor will contact me. Yesterday I got a call from Brooke (not the supervisor) who was very hostile and rude. Saying the application was signed, "if i read it" "i signed it" "now that you are going on vacation". JUST straight unprofessional. Like if they didn't take my credit card in the first place- which they should have informed me as i hand it over- CASH ONLY. (so technically, my child did not successfully enroll because my payment method is "invalid"-no?). I firmly informed her, I have been getting the same message of a supervisor will give me a call and she responded "if you let me get off the phone"-like if anyone is keeping her there?- just a customer trying to correctly inform her of the situation at bay and the solutions we can take to resolve it.

Just sketchy, if i spoke with someone who was well informed or maybe a supervisor , i think this matter could have been dealt with very easily and professionally with all parties content. Even if a refund was not possible, a resolution where the funds can be used for a package vs the camp.

Now, I just want a refund. I filed a claim with my CC company and still waiting for BEQ's supervisor to return my call.

It's unfortunate I am writing this message as I really saw something long-term here for...

It’s hard to speak on how awesome Bethpage Equestrian Center is, words don’t really do this place any justice. As both a boarder (this isn’t a paid review) & someone who genuinely cares about supporting the small businesses in my community, it felt necessary to try— I’d like other people to know and get to experience the magic of BEC just like i’m lucky enough to.

The owner, the managers/staff and the rest of the boarders have created an awesome mix of people and relaxed atmosphere that’s hard to replicate. Walk in the door, and you’ll feel the love and see how much thought goes into the management of that barn. It’s with their help and resources that my horse is healthier and happier. I’ve found that the members of the Bethpage team are kind and helpful. Honestly what keeps me boarding is catching how attuned they are, almost to an instinctual level, when it comes to the upkeep of the animals. The owner knows these horses like she was born on one. I’ve seen her managers be the first to notice changes in behavior & appetite or stay late to accommodate issues, and I trust her judgement immensely bc she cares about the integrity of her staff. On top of taking care of boarders, Bethpage does some amazing trail rides, offers birthday parties & clinics and still makes sure that they’re never spread too thin. The trail guides are friendly and experienced, don’t let the age of any of them fool you! You’ll ride right through Bethpage State Park and snake around some of best golf courses in the country (no seriously, go look @ Bethpage Black). If you’re lucky, you’ll see the resident groundhog!

Again, I want to make it clear that I don’t get anything for writing this— this isn’t a paid review by any means, just the truth from someone who’s experienced what it’s like to ride elsewhere in NYC/on LI and wouldn’t anymore. Come here, it’s awesome. ...

I had booked a private trail ride for two people as a special Mother’s Day gift for my mom, who was truly looking forward to riding a horse on a scenic trail. The booking consisted of two private rides, totaling $300. I was fully aware of the 72-hour cancellation policy at the time of booking.

Unfortunately, I experienced a sudden and debilitating episode of vertigo just 36 hours before the scheduled ride. At the advisement of my ENT physician, I was told it would be unsafe to ride, as doing so could exacerbate my condition and put me at serious risk of injury.

Rather than cancel, I reached out to the equestrian center to reschedule, and even offered to provide clinical documentation. While I understand and respect the need for cancellation policies, I believe some situations — particularly those involving medical emergencies — warrant individual consideration.

The center not only denied my request to reschedule, but also contacted me on the day of the ride to ask if I was still coming—despite already being informed of my medical situation. I was told they would not accept a cancellation, rescheduling or offer any form of refund. If retaining the payment is more important to them than customer care or safety, so be it—they can keep the money. I sincerely hope others have a better experience.

Regrettably, I would not recommend a business that demonstrates such inflexibility and disregard for...