BEC is a gem - a place to be in nature and in the company of horses where there are a great variety of experiences for all ages: including riding lessons, horse shows and clinics, horsemanship programs focused on horse welfare and education, boarding, afterschool leaders programs and camp. On-the-ground activities such as meditation, equine assisted therapy and equine assisted coaching for individuals, organizations and their teams, are also available. read more

One plus: Only barn convenient to the Nj and NYC metro area. Positives end there. Bored and boring instructors. Everyone in the lesson program does the very same thing every single day: Walk, trot, canter, and go over little poles on the ground that are mistakenly called jumps. If it's gorgeous outside, 99 percent of the lessons on lesson horses will remain in the indoor because the trainers prefer to stay there. Very snobby people overall. Unsmiling owner. Horses wrapped up like Christmas trees, but not fancy or doing anything athletic. If your child wants to move up. she will need to pay a bundle to lease or buy a pony; otherwise, the lesson she has every week will be the lesson she has every week, month, and year. I know several of us who keep coming for one reason only: Convenience. It's the most expensive place in town, but the only one. If you live close to any other barns, I'd try them all before settling here. read more

Although the location and facility was pretty nice, my overall experience was horrible at this stable. The staff was rude and gave me no direction when I arrived on where to go, who to meet, what horse I was riding, or who was going to be my instructor. I am an experienced rider, I used to compete in hunter jumper, just took a long break, but my instructor asked me no questions on my experience and just plopped me on a horse and had me trot around for 30 minutes while she chatted with the other instructors. I also asked them originally to have a private 1 hour lesson since I wanted someone to really evaluate me and set me up for a plan, yet there was miscommunication and I ended up in a 30 minute group lesson. The instructor said maybe a total of 2 words to me and when I asked to chat about further lessons they told me to email them instead. I was hoping to come back and make it a weekly ride but based on the fact that there was no personalization for the riding experience I am not going back. It felt like a rotating door where they are just trying to make the most money by having the most students in and out as quickly as possible. There's no personalization, no custom riding plan, no friendly staff who care about the horses or the riders, just a quick money grab. Behind me in the waiting area was also 2 little girls who's first time it was ever riding a horse and all the staff was so rude to them and their father. He kept asking the receptionist questions on where to go and who to speak with about their lesson but she would give the most rude responses and didn't make the experience pleasant for them. As someone who's life was riding and created the BEST memories on a ranch growing up - I felt sorry for these little girls who were unable to have a good first experience based on the rude staff. I am also used to tacking my own horse, and was surprised when I arrived that that wasn't an option. I couldn't fit a saddle for my height and weight, I didn't get to meet the horse before jumping on, someone had it ready to go when I arrived so I just jumped on immediately. I am used to that process to some extent from other stables in California - but they usually give you an option if you would like to tack your own horse or at least talk to you before your lesson - I even brought my own saddle but wasn't able to speak to someone about using it before they brought the horse out ready for me. Overall I was so upset by this experience that I warn people who want to have a more personalized riding experience to look elsewhere. read more

Great facility at Overpeck Park. Horses seem to be well taken care of. But I didn't enjoy with the staff. My kid used to take private 30 lessons. Although I paid for the 30 minutes lessons, the lesson never lasted 30 minutes. It always started a few minutes late and the lesson ended around in 25 minutes. Why? They put the lessons back to back so if they continue 30, the next lesson would be late. But that is so unfair for us (customers) to pay for 30 minutes. The lesson is not cheap. They take us having less than 30 minutes for granted. As a business, they do not carry any good business manner. read more

Very disappointing for many of the same complaints and more made by others on Yelp. Love riding horses and the facility, but my instructor had a real attitude, was condescending, and disrespectful to me as her Elder. And had the nerve to complain without any previous instruction on what she was complaining about!! As a well-educated individual and after several months of abuse I had no choice but to terminate my weekly riding. Riding horses should be fun, they made it totally NOT and sadly unbearable to continue. read more

I visit here weekly and I have all good feedback thus far. From simple hellos to Do you need help? Very informative and considerate. I will recommend 10/10 read more

Bergen Equestrian Center - Ms Amazing & I - Horseback Riding Near Me - Leonia, New Jersey

I hate to do this, because I don't give 1 star unless you are really bad. So with that said, I hope Management reads this and responds in action. On April 20th, I reached out via the company website inquiring about a lesson, as a gift for my daughter's 8th birthday for 5/1, no response. I sent another email, from my email and I get a one liner response "I'm sorry we are fully booked on 5/1." I replied asking for their next weekend availability with dates/times, no response. I tried calling, no answer. For a week I called, I sent another email April 29th. I was asked if I was a current client. I told them I wasn't. I would be added to a wait list. On May 8th, I went into the office and I'm certainly glad I did, because upon entering there was one woman waiting. I walked up to the desk expressing how I've called seeking information and I can't get through to anybody with answers. The young lady sitting at the desk with her dog looked at me like I had a second head growing out of my neck. The question absolutely baffled her; I asked for a pamphlet, who I could speak to, and sadly she didn't know how to answer. The woman sitting told me she was waiting for the manager, so I decided to wait. When the "manager" came, the woman sitting jumped up and began her complaint - on how the office cancelled her lesson without notification (in which that cancellation ultimately affected her family's arrangements). In the mist of the lady trying to find resolve, ANOTHER woman came in with the same complaint. As I listened to both of these irate women, I eased my way out the door. The lack of follow up to my query was obvious sign on lack of office management and organization. The young lady sitting at the front desk is the owners kid. Owner, you either want to train your daughter or find another seat for her. You lost a potential client. read more

Took our daughter for her first 30 min lesson. Pro - large well lit practice area. Con - disorganized. We scheduled our daughters private lesson for 1:30. The instructor was running late with the previous lesson and started at 1:40 but finished at 2pm sharp. So the lesson was really 20min. Look, the lesson was expensive. We basically received 2/3 of what we paid for. Going there was a real time commitment for us. We spent more than double that time in traveling and we arrived 15 min early. We wished the instructor respected our time as well. Also, the center cannot guarantee that we will get the same instructor each time even if we book 10 private lessons ahead of time. That makes me question how effective their instructions can be if there isn't any way to track student's progress, and what would be the point of private lessons anyway? I am not sure how they have continued to keep their business afloat with this mode of operation but we wont be back. read more

Horses are very sweet, but people are very rude! I have been to a lot of horseback riding schools across the world as I have been traveling a lot, and this one is the rudest one ever. The reception lady, the instructor, other staff, nobody at all care about you as a student. My instructor didn't even ask my name, and their attitude gives a very negative vibe. It is not worth of money nor the time traveling to get here at all. God bless their business read more

I started writing this letter to the owner/manager but since he or she never called me back when I requested, I figure they don't care and wanted to share my experience here to warn others. Dear manager, We are a hard working middle class family And We want to expose them to something that neither my husband or I had exposure to growing up. So far, I've been having issue after issues at your establishment and I'm starting to think is a bigger issue at hand. First, I did not like how your instructor's (Jennifer's) attitude towards my daughter during her lesson. It was very condescending, especially to a child. As my daughter and Jennifer were at the other side of me, I approached my daughter without Jennifer realizing it and I heard her scolding her in a way that was neither instructive or constructive and finally saying "I don't know whats wrong with you. My daughter found it difficult to follow any directions because she was scared when the horse bent his head. She is a beginner. I was annoyed but dismissed it as probably having a bad day or a bad overall attitude for the younger and more inexperienced rider. Going forward, I made sure not to schedule my daughter with her again. But older daughter has made the comment that her instructor thinks that she's not good at riding and when I ask her why she said that she "cares more about the other riders because they are better." Sad as it is, even a child notices when she is not being valued. Our next issue is with scheduling. I find it very difficult to find a time that works for us because we are not "priority" riders. I make sure to call first thing 2-3 weeks in advance because thats when i was told thats the earliest I can make an appointment for a lesson ahead of time because of the riders on a recurring schedule. Yet, I try to be flexible because I know I am scheduling my daughters at the same time or consecutively so that automatically rules out weekends, leaving weekdays during rush hour because of they attend school. Nonetheless, not once, or twice, but THREE times our times have been changed and only ONE time have I been called to be informed. Today was the SECOND time the lesson times have been changed unknowingly until our arrival. (Imagine my daughters being excited for their lesson and waiting beside the barn without their name being called, having to wait an extra half hour or there being an issue). Im sorry, but OUR time is important to us too! It is clear that we are not welcome at Bergen equestrian for either the way we look or our financial status (not being a member)....After reading some of the reviews, it's evident that they don't care about any customers. read more

Do not buy their Groupon. They will not answer the phone to schedule an appointment. I've tried calling several times the last 3 days in a row. When I finally got someone on the phone as little after 9am this morning, as soon as I told therm I had a Groupon she actually hung up on me!?? read more

I have been trying to get a hold of them for over a week. Phone goes to voicemail during all normal business hours and I have left messages and have not received call back. Not responding to email or Facebook messages either. I bought a Groupon that i want to use but i am going to try to get my money back. read more

Unorganized. Dirty. Carelessness. Your horse WILL be forgotten about. Rude. Greedy. Truly a waste of money.

Pure pure joy! Without exception, all staff are super friendly, owner is a good soul! Anna Garrib is amazing. She helps ptsd vets. The instructor was so helpful. I filled a "bucket list" experience but I'll start regular lessons. Absolutely phenomenal! Thanks to Ellen, my instructor.. Anna Garrib is an incredible kind soul and does much for ptsd vets. I'm going to sign up for regular lessons. It's a very very happy, peaceful place. In addition to lessons, I love The Stabile Life bi-weekly meditation with horses .. very healing. Very highly recommended read more

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My daughter has been riding hear for about a year. Started with a Groupon, now she's hooked! She's only 5 but rides once a week with Sabrina! She's the best! Patient, kind, and so knowledgeable. read more

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I never leave reviews but after I had my horseback riding lesson yesterday I felt so terrible that I felt like I needed to share about my experience at this place. My instructor, I believe her name was Emily, was very condescending (probably in her 20s) and treated me like a child (I'm a professional in my 30s). I made it clear I have never been on a horse before and I'm starting a new hobby. From the very beginning she was talking to me like I'm a child and talked down to me. That being said, you shouldn't even be talking to a child like that, especially when someone is paying YOU to learn something. I'm a teacher myself and could not imagine treating my students (no matter the age) the way she did. It's like imagine hiring a personal trainer and they'd treat you like crap. You are the one who brings them business, not the other way around. In general the whole place has a very tense feel to it. I overheard a session next to me, where probably a 10-year-old girl was on a horse and her instructor was literally yelling at her the whole time and seemed very frustrated at every move she was making. When I was handed a helmet prior to my session (by an underage receptionist), I put it on and walked over to start my session, a girl (who appears to be working there) looks at me and says "that's my helmet, why are you wearing it". Guess, how welcomed I felt? What a terrific start. I really wish I liked this place because it's the closest one to me. I was looking forward to starting a new hobby and having a good time while learning a new skill. But unfortunately my experience was so terrible that I would not want to spend another penny at this place. I don't know if that kind of student treatment is traditional in horseback riding but I'm sorry you just can't treat adults this way, quite frankly neither should you talk down to the kids. I come from the ballet world, and trust me, I know what tough means. Treating someone like they are dumb or like they're crap is another story. If you hate being a teacher, go do something else. Something is really wrong with people working here. I will definitely not be returning and will look for lessons elsewhere. read more

I started out with the lesson packages offered on Groupon. Fair price to begin with, but not to continue your equestrian journey. Cons -OVERPRICED After my first package, or after 10 lessons, I was bumped up to Level II which meant a higher expense. So I tried other barns including Saddle Ridge Riding Center and Garret Mountain Equestrian Center. I enjoyed both and ultimately stuck with GMEC for the friendly and attentive instructors in addition to the lower cost. I also love being able go hiking right after my lesson at Garret Mountain. Additionally, BEC charges to teach you how to tack up your horse. Saddle Ridge charges the first time as part of their barn management class. GMEC instructs you how to tack up your hose (for free) which is what every barn should do. This is part of the learning experience that comes along with developing riding knowledge. BEC ( Bergen county prices) Level I. 30min. $56 / 60min. $112 Level II. 30min. $67 / 60min. $134 Level III. 30min. $85 / 60min. $170 *After 10 lessons you're bumped up to Level II **Out of county prices are higher Saddle Ridge Riding Center 30min. $54+ 60min. $100+ Garret Mountain Equestrian Center 30min. $45 60min. $65 - The front desk receptionist (one of them anyway, has an accent) was super rude. The way she would talk to the student workers was horrible. Horseback riding is supposed to be a fun place to be from start to finish. I would simply dread calling to schedule an appointment. read more

The best place I've ever ridden at! Wonderful service and the trainers are some of the best I've worked with! If you're looking for lessons, camp, this is the place to go! read more

The customer service couldn't be any more rude, beyond unprofessional. change the person at the front desk and maybe I'll return. Should be a pleasant experience, she needs to go. read more

this barn is really nice, well organized, and clean. horses are super sweet and everything. But the customer service is out of hand. After my dad put me for a evaluation lesson to get in the one hour group lessons, I went to it. It was not even a evaluation. After the lesson my dad tried to get a hold of them for a few days. text, call, no answer. I never got the results for the evaluation let alone even knowing if I was in the group. I would only really recommend going here if you board, own, or just came for one lesson and never again. Would not recommend for people who go every week. Because in my experience, I get different trainers every week. And its kind of hard to work with a new coach every week rather than having a coach who really knows how you ride and that you will improve with everyday. read more

Consider myself a intermediate rider who is somewhat read ( Bernie Traurig, Gordon Write ) on English riding disciple. I'm also blessed to ride/ compete in hunter paces ( Ramapo Rough Riders). I purchased a package deal 160.$ ( one hour Ground work, four 30 min privates) offered in groupons after reviewing and calling the stable. Per phone conversation they managed / matched my ability perfectly. I was conscious to organize time when things are slower. Arrived early and was greeted with a friendly, knowledgeable , helpful office staff. The layout of the facility has a view of the riding ring for spectators and staff . Ring is bright , airy and well maintained, roomy big. Horse quarters are well maintained, spacious and bright. I met my horse Percie ( warmblood, older jumper ,educated ) good match for a 5' 9 140 pd. women !!!! Ellen my trainer was perfect for me too ( warmblood, educated horsrman, hands on, athlete ). We worked on balance, hand and leg aids, ring awareness. So happy to be part of a well meaning environment...... read more

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Amazing place!! I signed up for lessons as a first time, no nothing about horses, beginner. Carly my trainer was excellent!!! It was beyond my expectations. The staff I have worked with were all kind and knew each horse to match the rider with the horse. The facility is beautiful and well maintained. read more

I love this place. Changed my life.

Love this place and so did my kids. Parking on site. Horses looked very well taking care off. Instructor was very patient, caring and nice. My son can't wait to go back. read more

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Very disappointed! Today we brought our 6 year old daughter in for a private lesson. She was walked around a crowded arena on a pony. This wasn't our first "rodeo" as we have been to many different stables in the area and they certainly taught her more than just walking around the arena. To top it off they charge $80.00 for a half hour. We could have gone to a local street fair with ponies and accomplished the same thing. We will not be back. read more

Nice place but whoever answers the phone and makes the appointments can be a little more friendly! Jeez

This place has all of the potential to be a great local equestrian center. Our first lesson went well and the instructor was very kind and patient with my nervous child. But after talking with them about my child's nervousness and specifically his fear of heights, they proceeded to give him the largest horse in the stable ("Smalls"...I've never seen such a large horse) for his second lesson! He tried to make himself get on but was so panicky that he couldn't do it. I left with a crying, deflated, and completely disappointed boy...and $60 less in my pocket. I was told that there was "nothing they could do" about either the lesson or the money. This is not the place for you if your child wants very much to overcome his/her fear of horseback riding. And it's not the place for you if you want understanding customer service. What a disappointment. read more

BEC got me into a new hobby... Love Ellen and Chuck

Horrible customer service. We bought a package and somewhere there was a clause that we should use the rides within a certain period of time and now we lost 2 rides. We called and explained that we had just gotten married and went outside of the country and they were not willing to make any exceptions. It does not make any sense as we were planning on continuously buying packages through them for the rest of year and 2018 but it seems they are very short sighted...Really unprofessional and no concept of customer service. read more

Been riding here since I was young. 5 star equestrian center with amazing trainers. Woman at the front desk could be a little more friendly though. read more

I actually signed up to yelp specifically to review this place. I went there with my 14 y/o daughter who has been riding for 9 years, my wife and my son who is a new rider 5 Y/o. It looks like a nice facility. Organized. The receptionist was very informative and nice. We took a walk through the facility, went back to the main office and booked lessons for me and my son for the next two weeks. We also asked boarding and how does it work and services. We decided to move slowly and test out the facility first. Then talk about boarding. On the way out we stood looking at someone riding, there is a pony on the other side of the fence. my 14 Y/O was leaning on the fence. The pony came by and licked her hand at that exact moment, an older lady called Penny on a horse came by and started giving my daughter a lecture in front of everyone on why she should never let a horse lick her fingers because they might bite. My daughter apologized and moved away from the fence. Now my 5 y/o son start saying that thier horses bite and he is scared to ride here. Now remember, he is a new rider. So my daughter explained that some do but there is nothing to be afraid off. She put her hand on the pony's face to show her terrified brother that it is k to break his fear. That was it for Penny. She tells my daughter infront of another 6 teenage riders with a high tone "what part of don't touch the horse don't you understand? Did you not hear what I said" My daughter frantically apologized again with tears in her eyes and explained that she grew up with horses and she was just trying to show her brother that it is ok to touch the horse. But Penny couldn't stop reprimanding my daughter. I jumped in and asked her if she was the owner and she replied that she is a trainer and I said that we just came in today and that she is ruining our experience and I don't think that the owners will appreciate that. Her responce was that she is a representative of the facility and she has the full support of the owner. We then went to our car. While I m driving my car out. Penny comes on her horse like the wild wild west circling infront of my car while I am driving. She forces me to stop. introduces me to apparently the "manager" and I start to tell the "manager" the whole story but the manager cuts me short and says "there are signs posted everywhere about not petting the horses" at that point, I felt that there was no point in explaining. So I drove to the reception and made a complaint. She was very apologetic and explained that Penny had no right to do what she did and assured me that the owner will be calling me to discuss. I gave her the names of people involved. She took my number. I kept my 2 weeks appointment until today. The owner never called. I called and was told that the owner is busy and was aware of my complaint. Extremely frustrated and highly offended. I decided to cancel my 2 weeks appointment. Not a possibility of boarding my horses there. If you don't know how to treat a human, how will you know how to treat a horse? looks are deceiving. read more

Very well care place, from the moment you are driving in. Horses in perfect conditions, friendly staff that knows about horses and good riding. read more

Beautiful facilities, horses are well taken care of, trainers are so sweet. Unfortunately the barn manager April and her assistant pick and choose who to be nice to. I witnessed April yell at a volunteer, they were in tears. This volunteer is apart of the Stable Life program, which is for mental health. April was out of line. I've witnessed her yell at clients and workers too. They also will change your appointment without telling you. They will switch your instructor even when you request to keep the one you like. read more

I rode here for several years (before and after renovations). When I heard they were opening back up, I was really excited because it is close to home. I rode there for two years with the jumping package. Significantly higher in price, I expected to be jumping nearly every lesson. But I would go weeks without doing any kind of pole/jump work. I was assigned horses that could not even jump. I left for school and came back to a HUMUNGOUS increase in price: going from ~$50 to ~$85. I was not about to pay that kind of money for a half hour jumping lesson when I did not jump. On top of the exuberant prices and failure to match me to a more qualified horse, the barn had a very uncomfortable atmosphere. No one ever smiled or said hello. If you did not own a horse, you were seen as greatly subordinate... very cliquey as well. Was in the ring with 10 other horses at a time and only got to ride outside once in the pouring rain. I took my business to a much more friendly Saddle Ridge Riding Center, where I learned more in 10 lessons than I ever did at Overpeck. Beautiful facility.. sad to see it like this. read more

I have been taking weekly lessons for 4 months and love it. I was a beginner with no experience and I always feel safe. The more I learn the more I enjoy it. They offer special deals every few month or so that saves me 10-20% off of a 10 lesson package which helps a lot since I am not ready for group classes yet. Highly recommend!! read more

I have been riding at Bergen Equestrian for ten years. Yes the facilities are beautiful but as of August the County, which allowed the facility to fall deeply in to debt, turned the management of the facilities to an outside organization "Equestrian Services". On November 24th they fired the riding director with no replacement. They are firing more instructors in the next two weeks. Starting in January they are going to be doing major construction and this will severely interrupt the hours of lesson and riding in general. The vision is to move from private lessons that they consider to be inefficient and financially less profitable to groups of four or more riders. Also, the cost is going to change they are going to start charging more for tacking up. If you own a horse and board there the cost is going to go way up as they itemize services such as washing your horse, applying polo wraps etc. They are going to be losing horses as borders are moving their animals to other location in the absence of a riding director and someone to train their animals. They are also experiencing a severe shortage of school horses. This has been for many years a good place to ride, however, it will take about six to eight months to see what direction the new management takes the place. Another good option for riding in the area is Garrett Mountain, in Passaic County read more

I just created a yelp account to write a review to this awful place. The barn is beautiful from outside. But the management is beyond bad. It is such a shame. I went there for a long time since it was the closest barn to my apartment. Recently, i switched to a different barn because I could not stand the people's attidute and unprofessionalism anymore .They can not even accomadate your small requests. Most of the time , not a proper horse match to your level. And my instructor told me that she can not do anything about it. The front desk staff is very rude and there is no customer service at all.If you have a dog , do not bring him or her inside the barn otherwise they will tell you to keep your dog outside. But if you work there , your dog can be all over the place.Double standards. The owner ( Anna ) does not even bother to respond her e-mails. Three e-mails , still no response. Nobody cares about you . All they care about is your money.They charge $72.00 for 1/2 for non-bergen residents. And this is what you get.So do not waste your time or money like i did... Just find somewhere else. There are so many other barns outside. read more

I'm writing in response to mustafa's review. Penny is a cruel person . I was riding at overpeck when I was 12-17 about 15 years ago and what a horrible experience I had when all the nice instructors were scared away and I was forced to ride with her! I went from really loving that place to hating it and being in tears ..I don't understand how teachers that scream think that that will make magic happen the way they want things to be .. She screamed at me and made me cry when I was just trying my best.When I stopped riding there for a few years and came back as almost an adult I knew I could be tough and handle her nasty attitude. She forced me to ride a horse that wouldn't stop and hated other horses and bucked sideways and backwards if someone passed me. In a group lesson this was anything but appropriate. Then I see her beat a horse til it growled at her. That was the last time I ever rode there. The way she treats people is no different than the horses. If you are smart Stay away from that hostile environment ! The fact I'm in my 30s now and remember her horrible treatment is serious. Things haven't changed at all for that place as long as she's there, there will always be hostility! read more

The facilities are well kept and the horses are beautiful. Definitely a clean place and nice location. Customer Service was horrible. After a mistake was made once with the package I purchased, I did not think much of it. When it was made a second time, I reached out to the manager (Anna) and she was receptive and professional. I thought that was the end of it. When I made my appointment for my final sessions, I got a call from an employee the day of the lesson stating that I had to pay for that days sessions, despite the solution that was found when I spoke with Anna. When I asked to speak with a manager before I came in for my session, I was told there were no managers working that day. ( Convenient ! ) I left a message to have a manager call me back but never heard from anyone. Their lack of communication amongst themselves left a lot to be desired. The horse trainer we had was polite and friendly. Unfortunately, she was not very thorough and did not go over everything we needed to know before getting on the horse. She explained it to to my girlfriend during her lesson and just assumed I somehow knew the basics or she just overlooked them. I would not purchase a package there again. read more

I have read the bad review about this place before I go, but since it is quite near from my home, so I took my kid there. The place from outside is nice, but inside is not, from staff attitude to the restroom and the boot rent place. You won't feel be welcomed at the front desk, and your kid's teacher won't bother her even take a second to tell you how your kid doing? No one even cares about you gonna ever return or not. But I know I will not return ever. read more