Looking to trade in your SEPTA commute for a saddle?
From Philadelphia riding academies to picturesque farms across Bucks County, there are plenty of places to learn the ropes, meet your perfect four-legged partner and discover why horseback riding is about much more than staying in the saddle.
If you have always loved horses and wanted to try horseback riding, then this guide is for you. We’ve got tips for working with horses and safety protocols, as well as information for local horse stables.
For those interested in trying horseback riding, the first thing you need to decide is if there is a specific horseback riding style you are interested in learning. In the U.S., the two most popular are English and Western, which include dressage, show jumping, racing, polo, saddle seat, trail riding, barrel racing and roping. Some categories are only offered in one of the disciplines, while others easily cross over.
English and Western riding have many similarities, but they differ mainly in equipment and technique. Because Western style riding developed out on the range by cowboys working cattle, it has more of an emphasis on comfort and practicality than tradition.
No matter which riding style you are drawn to, it is your connection to your horse that truly matters.
Jennifer Eaglewood of Robesonia, Pennsylvania, located in Berks County, has been riding for most of her life. She offers these tips for beginners.
Connecting with your horse starts with building trust and mutual respect. Before you ride, spend time grooming, petting, and simply getting to know your horse’s personality.
Grooming is one of the best ways to bond while also learning their body language. Groundwork, like leading your horse and practicing basic cues, helps build confidence for both of you.
Horses are incredibly sensitive to our emotions, so staying calm, patient, and consistent is essential. Reward good behavior with praise, a scratch, or by releasing pressure — not just treats. A strong partnership is built on trust, not force.
Do’s
Don’ts
Eaglewood told Metro, “When choosing a riding stable, look for one that teaches more than just riding. Great horsemanship starts on the ground, so you should learn how to groom, tack up, care for your horses, and help around the barn — not just what to do in the saddle. It’s also important to find a stable that offers the riding discipline you’re interested in, or one that lets you explore different styles until you find the perfect fit. The best barns teach you how to care for horses, not just how to ride them.”
Here are just some horse stables to check out in the Philly region:
8297 Bustleton Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19152
215-742-1500
120 W. Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
215-242-8892
426 Pineville Road
Newtown, PA 18940
267-391-8353
4870 Skippack Pike
Schwenksville, PA 19473
610-287-0415
941 Park Avenue
Wrightstown, PA 18940
215-801-9708
4841 Applebutter Road
Pipersville, PA 18947
215-766-9356
1930 Old Bethlehem Road
Quakertown, PA 18951
610-248-3590
140 Beaver Valley Road
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
484-841-6230
1086 Green Lane Road
Malvern, PA 19355
610-827-5050
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