I'm an experienced rider, have been riding and leasing horses since I was a kid, have worked in barns, have been a certified therapeutic riding instructor, and would not recommend this place because they don't conform to basic safety and horsemanship practices. I won't list all of them - just some highlights. My friend, who is not experienced, wanted to do this trail ride for our birthdays and we thought it would be fun. I've been on trail rides all over the world and know what to expect, and have never pulled out of a ride because I didn't feel safe until this place. I was the first person to be mounted and when the horse came out, I could see that the saddle was improperly placed too far back. I didn't say anything because it's not my place, but when I mounted, the girth was clearly too loose as the saddle started to slip. I told them that the girth was too loose and also that the saddle seemed to far back so Janet said let's reset the saddle and asked me how I would do it! She didn't seem to know the proper placement or how tight to make the girth because apparently this happened before. She then told me to walk down the lawn and let the horse graze while I waited for the rest of the group. It's not a safe practice to let horses graze while mounted, especially with beginners, but apparently that's what they do regularly. When the group was ready to leave, Janet started off on her horse and just about 30 yards from the barn, before even getting to the trail, the horse tripped and fell all the way down to the ground!! Janet fell off of course, and the horse walked off. If I had any doubt that all the red flags I'd clocked were right, this confirmed it. She was shaken up but ok, but didn't go on the ride, I don't know what was up with the horse but if a horse falls down just walking across a lawn, that raises questions about soundness and safety that are serious. read more

Beautiful place to ride! I love the fact that the owner has saved these horses. I highly recommend BBR!

We took my daughter's girl scouts troop here and had the most amazing experience! The staff was so friendly and knowledgeable! The horses were absolutely amazing! Beautiful landscape! Thank you so much!!! We all truly had the best experience!!! read more

You meet the most awesome people when you do activities that involve animals. Janet and Denver this world is better because of You two !! Went to their stable today 5/3 and just WOW.. the stable the horses the knowledge the stories - I could have stayed forever !! Thank you for a wonderful experience.. and sharing your beautiful horses with us.We will see you again shortly. read more

Big River Barn Rescue - My daughter with Mescalero - Horseback Riding Near Me

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Such an awesome location located nearby! I spoke with many people beforehand who were all surprised to know of a local spot right in Syosset with horseback riding. The trails were awesome and Janet was so incredibly nice and knowledgeable. I took my boyfriend for his birthday and he loved it!! I would recommend wearing stretchy/loose fitting jeans. You definitely dont want something too tight as itll be extremely uncomfortable and painful when in the saddle. It can be painful in your inner thighs after a while but Janet gave some good tips to minimize that feeling! After the 1.25h ride we got to feed the horses apples and carrots (they loveeeee carrots!) that we had brought from our home. DEFINITELY recommend going here and maybe deeper into the Spring as we didnt get to see much greenery since things are JUST beginning to bloom - but thats not their fault! read more

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I have ridden here a few times and brought my son and daughter. They are such sweet people. They give you more than your money's worth.Janet and her staff are super knowledgeable and willing to educate. I wish them much happiness and success in their new place!! If anyone deserves it,it's them. Go for a ride, you will not be dissappointed!! read more

Big River Barn Rescue - Horseback Riding Near Me

Loved this whole experience. Janet was so wonderful in guiding us. The trail is beautiful, the horses were very well behaved. The whole experience was very peaceful. It's a great way to get away without leaving Long Island. We are definitely coming back, and can't wait! read more

Big River Barn Rescue - Horseback Riding Near Me

If you are into getting away from it all for a little while and enjoying the outdoors, do yourself a favor and spend some time on horseback with Janet as your guide. You'd be hard pressed to find a better place to ride and enjoy the scenery than here- and across the street to the Muttontown Preserve. Well tended paths and nice open fields through make for a peaceful morning. The mad Russian (aka Mrs. Me) booked us an early trip mostly because she had to get to work in the late morning. When we arrived early, Janet was finishing up her chores and getting things ready as we looked on at the feeding of the horses. In a conservation area, without too much fanfare, travel slowly so you don't miss the entrance. Once inside, there is ample parking and if you're lucky, there won't be too many in your group. As it turned out, there were just the three of us and that suited us just fine. After Janet spoke to us about our experiences, she set us up with horses and adjusted the stirrups for us to ride. We both had decent experience at riding so this went probably faster than it might. She is very thorough and makes sure that everyone involved is comfortable and that includes rider and horse. You'll ride for at least an hour and if it's been a while since you last rode, your legs will remind you of the experience either later that same day or the next. If you're able, you'll get a lesson on posting and trotting with the horse. Pleasant conversation along our walk through the woods and the silences between to take in the scenery. Depending on the time of year, bring bug spray for yourself. Janet was nice enough to lead the way and clear all of the cobwebs for us, lol. I know that we will be back soon because Mrs. Me loves the animals so much and enjoys riding almost or equal to her love of fishing. Well done! read more

Big River Barn Rescue - Horseback Riding Near Me

It's interesting riding in what I consider the suburbs of iLong Island that is also protected by state property I Enjoyed my private hour ride. Getting from Manhattan wasn't that convenient so before booking I tried getting all the logistics figure out. Janet made sure to pick me up. She wasn't that interested in coordinating a ride back to the train station.after my ride. She frankly seemed a little put off. But hey I got to ride. read more

Very well worth the trip! Janet makes everything so easy! I am a first time rider and I felt very comfortable. The area is so beautiful and very easy to get to from Manhattan! My husband and I loved every minute of it. read more

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I have never gone horseback riding before but I think I have found a new hobby thanks to Janet! The horses were well fed, trained and willing to let you ride and that is thanks to the awesome job done by the staff here. As a novice rider, Janet was very personable and kind while also firm in making sure we were safe on horseback and willing to answer all questions and have a chat there after to teach us about horses - fantastic! For the cost we got an amazing hour and a half of a beautiful trail and it was so much fun that I can't say enough about it - just go, have a great time and make sure not to HORSE AROUND! read more

Had a great experience with Janet leading the way! She took her time to explain everything to us. We got some background on the horses and away we went! Communication was great and pretty fast with janet it was all done primarily through text. We got to ride and feed some snacks to feed the horses afterwards. We all had to wear masks at the common area but once riding they can come off. read more

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Beautiful barn and property - feels like you're on your own private estate. Janet was lovely - a very warm and helpful instructor on our trail ride. The horses were so sweet and well behaved - especially for a beginner rider like myself. It was exactly what I needed! Thank you Janet!! read more

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What a fun experience! I had not been on a horse in over 30 years and wanted a leisurely trail ride, not an equestrian lesson. Big River delivered big time! I signed up for myself and there were only two other riders in our small group. Janet is a great and patient instructor, selecting the right horse for each of us and even describing their personalities. She led us on a beautiful ride through the woods and Muttontown preserve for 1:15. The setting was beautiful and tranquil and we spotted a young deer along the way. Bring carrots and you can feed the horses after the ride. Highly recommended. read more

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience! Janet our tour guide was amazing! The horses were noticeably very well taken care of by her and her staff! Horses were well behaved and the trail ride was very enjoyable. We certainly wouldn't hesitate to return and ride again! read more

Big River Barn Rescue - Horseback Riding Near Me

My daughter and I made memories today horseback riding at Big River Barn with our host Janet. We really enjoyed the trail through Connetquot Park Preserve. It was very relaxing and great for the soul. We also learned some important techniques for both safety and becoming one with the horse. We had a great time and highly recommend. We shall return for more adventures. read more

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Ride here. Beautiful trails. Janet the owner and Melissa my guide were exceptionally friendly. I am an experienced rider (mountains Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming) and they let me have free reign - didn't even laugh when I attempted to ride the Nassau County horses western. Now I ride English. Highly recommend! read more

SUCH A FUN DAY! My sisters,cousin and I had a girls day and decided to give this place a visit! So happy we did! The horses and beautiful and friendly! The staff was amazing and knowledgeable. We felt so comfortable right from the start. We DEFINITELY WILL BE BACK read more

Today was my second time riding with Janet and Big Barn Rescue. The last time I went was at their previous location with my family friend. Today I went with my mom for a Mother's Day gift at their new location in Muttontown and it was BEAUTIFUL. The horses are so responsive. I rode Prima Donna, a 26 year old Arabian, and she was so good. I hope to be able to ride her again soon - loved her trot. The trail is amazing and there is even a big open space where you can trot/canter at your own will. I will definitely be back again and again. read more

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I have been looking for a decent place to do a horse riding session with friends that is outside of the city and close to nature. Big River Barn offered an amazing one hour trail that made the whole experience unforgettable. Janet was really friendly, made sure each of us felt comfortable, and did not rush anything throughout the process. Most of us were beginners so we were a little bit nervous, but the horses are amazing and easy-going, so it wasn't that hard to get adjusted. I'm very glad I came here and tried it out and I highly recommend it to you too! read more

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I highly recommend Big River Barn!!! Janet and the staff are super friendly and simply put, enjoyable to be around. You can tell how much love they have for their horses. They are connected to these beautiful creatures and they want to share that with others. Janet is the definition of helpful, giving us all the necessary information from how to get there to how to act and be with the horses. The tour itself was stunning with all the beautiful scenery and the good company (both people and horses a like). I can't wait to return. ~Phill read more

Beautiful scenery in the heart of Nassau county. Definitely a hidden gem. The horse I rode was a beauty and very gentle. I had a great time

My boyfriend and I decided to celebrate Valentine's Day with an early morning horseback ride at Big River Barn. He's gone riding before but this was my first time and I was pretty terrified once I got on the horse. Janet was so so awesome with my nerves and paired me with Primadonna because she was gentle. It was chilly since it was February but what a beautiful, leisurely, scenic ride it was! For the price, the ride was well worth it! It was just the 2 of us with Janet and she really took her time. Her and her staff were great, showing us the horses and telling us about each one before we headed out on the trails. She didn't rush at all, she took us to a few different areas and she made sure to keep checking on me because of my nerves. By the end of the ride I was actually comfortable trotting with the horse. We will absolutely be back with the coming spring weather now, probably with a bigger group because I have been recommending this place and what a great time it was! Highly recommend - but make sure you're not restricted on time to really get the most out of your ride! read more

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What an amazing Daddy-daughter day out!!! This was our first horseback riding experience and also a very memorable one. Janet and her team are very personable and made us feel right at home. The horses are absolutely beautiful and very well socialized. The next time we're looking to have a horseback riding excursion we'll definitely be returning to the Big River Barn. Thanks for an wonderful experience. read more

It was a great experience. Janet was amazing company. It was an absolute pleasure to spend a a lovely afternoon with her and her staff. Everyone was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The horses were beautiful. read more

We had an amazing experience! Janet and her team were so welcoming and they took their time to make sure we were comfortable. The trail was absolutely beautiful! The horses were amazing!! We will definitely be coming back soon!! read more

Best trail ride in NYC. The moment you arrive at BRB, you are immediately treated like family. Janet is so welcoming and attentive to everyone's riding needs. You tell her exactly your level of riding and she will thoroughly describe every one of her horses and match you with the best horse. After matching, she encourages you to hang out in the stall with the horse to get to know them. I knew right then and there that BRB is special. The trail ride is long, private and very beautiful. My favorite part is when we arrive onto this gorgeous open field, which makes you feel like you're somewhere in lush Ireland, and Janet let's you ride different gaits on your own. Overall: the horses are wonderful and have great temperament; the trails are to die for; and Janet and her staff are some of the best people you'll ever meet. read more

When yesterday with my friend and had an amazing experience ! Janet our tour guide was beyond awesome explained everything in detail. Also made sure we do comfortable and constantly checking up to make sure we were ok. Her partner Robert was awesome as well and both very funny. The ride was beautiful and the horses were both great and cooperative. We will definitely be back we loved it! read more

Had an amazing time riding horses at this pace! Had this horse riding as my birthday surprise and was totally happy to be there. Tour guide was very pleasant and nice. She teaches me few things and explained really good. After the trip you can make pictures and play with horses for a little. We brought some carrots and had a chance to feed them! read more

Wonderful establishment, would highly recommend to anyone! Scheduled a trail ride with Janet, who was so helpful and accommodating when our plans changed at the last minute because of the weather. She picked us up from the LIRR station and set us up with some great horses and instructor (Robert)! Everyone is so friendly here and the experience was so memorable. Thank you Janet and Robert!! We had such a wonderful day and the trail ride was the best surprise for my friend. read more

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I'm a beginner and have already been on a few rides. Janet and the team are great, very friendly and patient with beginners like me! I was paired with just the right horse for me. Definitely recommend!! read more

Loved this place! Great horses, instructor, and trails. It was beyond what I expected. I will be definitely back.

I went with two of my friends and we had the most wonderful time. This was our first time riding any horse. One of my friends was a bit frightened about it but Janet made it very easy by introducing us to the horses and by instructing us how to handle each horse. Her and all other staff members are very friendly. Same can be said about the horses. Now about the trail ride, it was such a unique experience. We rode through the woods, coming out in open fields in between couple of times. As a city person this was a perfect retreat for me to be close to the nature. And the most convenient part was Janet picked us up from the station so we didn't have to worry about getting there since none of my friends drive. It was a short 20 minute LIRR ride from queens. read more

I have been riding at Big River Barn for many years and cannot say enough wonderful things about Janet, the horses and trails. This is not your typical trial ride where horses are trained to just follow each other. The horses at this barn have soul, spirit and are truly happy to go out! They all have different stories and it is clear that they are well loved and appreciated. Janet is one of the kindest people I know, and she truly cares about giving her riders the best experience possible. Whether you've never been on a horse before or have been riding your whole life, there is a horse for you and Janet will customize the ride based on your abilities. It is a very family friendly environment where people can feel at home. It helps to have happy horses to love on! Highly highly recommend! read more

I'm so delighted I have discovered this hidden treasure. Janet and her team are incredible. As a super active Aussie living in a city it's can be difficult to connect with nature the way I used to back home. I'm so excited to return as a regular rider with Janet! Best day EVER thank you again Highly recommended read more

My fiancé and I booked a ride with them and we definitely pleased with our experience. We had to reschedule our booking to another day because of our personal schedule but they made the change without any problems and the scheduling process was quite simple. The horses were very friendly and our guide Janet was extremely helpful and made us very comfortable as first time riders. Especially enjoyed that we were able to feed the horses treats which they loved! Highly recommended! read more

Let me first say that Janet is efficient and prompt. She is the instructor here. She was prompt in getting back to me. She is thorough and a great teacher. This was my second time riding and i got an education and i felt such at peace with my horse and her facility. I felt like you may come from different backgrounds and locations but the love for horseback riding brought us together. She has a passion for this and i love it. Im from D.C. but i will be coming back many times. I reccommend everyone does the same. I give it an A++. read more

Horses are well kept and what fun. Great facility. Made for a great afternoon. What a great way to spend an afternoon.

My girlfriend and I have talked about going horseback riding for well over a year and after reading reviews of several barns I was eager to go to Janet. I had never been on a horse before but my girlfriend has a lot of experience, so I wanted to go somewhere that would be fun for her and comfortable me. We easily found the barn with Janet's directions, which is just off a big & beautiful state preserve. After taking the time to learn about us and our experience, Janet introduced me to Prima Donna & my girlfriend to Timmy; both horses that she believed would be comfortable for us and we could make a strong connection with. Janet took plenty of time to ensure that I was comfortable with Prima Donna, giving me clear instructions and guidance, as well as taking the time to answer my questions. The ride itself was beautiful and the horses seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. The preserve offered different terrains, including a small stream, and there were several other riders that we passed. Janet was not only outgoing along the ride but also ensured several times that I was still comfortable and offered more instruction along the way. Overall we couldn't be happier. My girlfriend enjoyed herself & I learned something new. We will definitely be revisiting Janet in the future and recommend her to anyone interested in riding, regardless of experience. read more

If you love horses, riding on beautiful trails and in unmatched open fields, this is the place for you....but know that the horses are very well trained and selected for your level of riding, You are safe under the watchful eyes of Janet abd Denver. This is a warm and caring environment (not often found in stables in the area). I try to ride as often as possible but life often gets in my way....no matter, it could be 2 years since I've ridden but when I walk in the barn it's though I rode yesterday...and don't worry about the time of year, this is a 4 season outdoor riding experience to treasure read more