Safety & Standards
Every ride is offered with the safety and well-being of both guests and horses as the guiding priority. Our standards are designed to ensure that the experience remains calm, comfortable, and consistently well-managed in a busy urban environment.
Horses
Our horses are selected specifically for this work and have extensive experience in city settings. They are accustomed to traffic, crowds, and the everyday activity of Central Park, and are carefully matched to the pace and nature of these rides.
Outside of working hours, horses are stabled at a professional facility outside of Manhattan, where they receive daily turnout and hands-on care. Work schedules are intentionally light and structured, with each horse receiving at least two full days off per week and rest periods as needed. Horse welfare guides all of our decisions around scheduling, conditions, and participation.
Horses receive routine veterinary, farrier, chiropractic, and dental care and are monitored closely for soundness and comfort. All horses are outfitted in well-fitting, high-quality tack and equipment, selected and maintained for comfort, safety, and suitability to this work.
Guides & Equipment
Every ride is led by an experienced team of professional horsemen and women trained to work confidently in a busy urban environment. Our guides are chosen for their steady judgment, calm presence, and deep understanding of horses, Central Park, and open-space riding, ensuring every experience feels safe and seamless.
Just as important as who leads the ride is how each horse is equipped. We use well-maintained, properly fitted tack tailored to every individual horse. Riders are outfitted with helmets featuring the latest ERT safety technology, and protective gear, including riding boots and body protectors, is available upon request.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated support team handles every detail. Each ride is accompanied by a groom who assists with mounting, loading, and unloading, and final equipment checks, allowing guides to stay focused on the ride itself and on guest experience. Tack and fit are reviewed before every outing.
Our approach is simple: thoughtful horsemanship first. From the way horses are prepared and cared for, to how equipment is selected, to how guests are guided during their ride, everything is designed to feel composed and professional, so riders can relax into the experience and enjoy Central Park (and New York State) the way it was meant to be seen.
Pace & Ride Conditions
Rides take place at a relaxed pace, with faster gaits at our guides’ discretion, based on rider ability. No prior riding experience is required for our Central Park rides, but we love taking out experienced riders and can occasionally trot and canter on quieter mornings. To protect both guests and horses, rides operate at management’s discretion and may be adjusted or paused depending on park conditions.
While rides generally go off rain-or-shine, for both legal and welfare reasons, horses do not work when temperatures exceed 90°F or fall below 32°F. Rides may also be postponed due to heavy rain or snow, lightning, high winds, or other unsafe conditions.
Guest Guidelines
All guests are required to complete an electronic standard riding waiver before arrival. To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, guests must agree to the following guidelines:
Maximum rider weight: 220 pounds
Minimum age: 12 years old
Guests must be able to mount with minimal assistance (using a mounting block), maintain independent balance at the walk and trot, and follow verbal instructions
Guests must not consume drugs or alcohol before riding
These guidelines help ensure the experience remains safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. We carry full commercial liability insurance and operate in accordance with applicable city regulations and horse welfare standards.
