FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • What is the best way to contact someone at the Academy?  Please email us at info@nycridingacademy.org. Our email is monitored 24/7 and is the best way to get a quick response. We do receive voice messages but please be patient for a call back.

  • What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?  Every student receives a reminder email 72 hours before their lesson.  We understand things come up.  Please respond via email 72 hours before your scheduled riding time if you cannot keep your appointment.  You may reschedule a lesson once for a personal emergency.  Makeup lessons are limited and not guaranteed. All of our donations are spent on horse supplies and materials, we are not able to issue refunds.

  • What is the Covid-19 protocol at the Academy? We are committed to providing the highest level of safety to all of our guests, staff, sponsors, riders, and community members, and we encourage you to join us in this effort in creating a healthy and safe environment for all.  Due to recent New York City vaccine mandates, New York City Riding Academy continues to monitor all CDC guidelines and protocols as it relates to COVID-19 in accordance with the new vaccine requirements for New Yorkers. Effective November 1st, 2021 we will require all guests to be 10 years old or older and have received both doses of vaccination.

  • Are there still lessons when it rains?  Yes there are.  We ride rain or shine.  Safety is our priority. If there is inclement weather such as thunderstorms, lighting, high winds and/or excessive heat we reserve the right to cancel and reschedule. If you choose not to ride in the rain we will still have the lesson and teach tacking and horse care.

  • How do I get to the Academy?  Use this link.  Do you have turn by turn directions?  Yes. Click here.  The most direct route is via the Q Train to 96th St.  Walk to the East River Path, up and over the 103rd St Foot Bridge, then make a left and down the Harlem River Pathway.  You will see a white office trailer, the gate is in front.

  • What should I expect for my first lesson?  For beginners, we teach you how to lead a horse, mount/dismount a horse, and horse control.  For Intermediate/Advanced riders, your riding level will be evaluated by the Program Director and planned accordingly.

  • Are my donations tax deductible?   We rely on the generous support of people like you to keep the Academy going.  Donations are tax deductible to the extent of existing laws.

  • Where can I get my riding equipment?  The Academy does not recommend or endorse specific riding equipment vendors at this time. The Academy polo and cap can be purchased via our webstore and picked up onsite.  We also have a limited quantity of riding helmets for purchase, also available via our webstore and picked up on site.

  • What should I wear to my lesson?  A properly dressed student should come to their lesson dressed in the following - Jodhpurs or riding breeches, riding boots, helmet,  Academy polo. Please read the latest bulletin about the NYCRA uniform requirements. For your first lesson you MUST have at minimum English riding boots and an Equestrian helmet. Long, tight-legged pants and a full shirt/t-shirt are appropriate.
  • ​What if I don't have a helmet?  You must purchase your own Equestrian riding helmet.  We will not permit helmets for any other sport on a horse.​