The Bedford Hack

Please note we are entering the season where weather may become an issue so reschedules could be a possibility.

Have you spent most of your riding career in an arena? Stepping out into open space can be one of the most exhilarating and rewarding experiences in riding.

This ride offers a rare opportunity to gallop across open fields and navigate cross-country terrain, all while immersed in the natural beauty of Bedford’s historic trail system. Riders will enjoy a mix of walk, trot, and canter over approximately 5 miles, with optional jumps including logs, coops, stone walls, roll tops, and more. All jumping is optional and can always be avoided.

Ride in a small group of up to 8 riders on horses that are experienced and conditioned for open space, foxhunting, and hunter paces.

Please note: Riders who join more than three Bedford Hacks are required to become BRLA Members (click here for details).

Schedule

• Arrive 15 minutes early to meet the group

• Ride start time: unload horses, adjust tack, and mount

• ~2 hours in the saddle

• 15–30 minutes to return, cool down, dismount, and load horses

Please allow up to 3 hours total for the full experience.

What’s Included

• A groomed and tacked horse

• ~2-hour guided ride

• Access to the members-only BRLA trail system

• Experienced trainer and horse owner as your guide

• A small group of fellow MRC riders

Horses

Horses are trailered in and include a variety of breeds and personalities — from forward Thoroughbreds to quieter draft types. All are experienced in open space riding, foxhunting, hunter paces, and lessons.

Setting

Founded in 1920, the BRLA maintains over 100 miles of historic trails spanning Bedford, Mount Kisco, Katonah, Bedford Hills, Bedford Corners, and Pound Ridge. This is one of the largest remaining private trail networks, carefully maintained year-round.

Riders will experience scenic woodlands, open fields, water crossings, and diverse natural terrain that make this area truly special.

Level

Level 3a+ (approval required, email us for details)

Riders must:

• Be approved by us to join
  
  

• Be in regular lessons

• Confidently control a horse in open space

• Have strong awareness of surroundings and other riders

Jumping is optional. Approval through a Bootcamp or Evaluation Ride is required.

Attire

Casual riding attire:

• Tall boots or paddock boots with half chaps

• Breeches

• Helmet (required)

Recommended: safety vest, gloves, crop

If you’d like to ride in your own saddle, please email us after booking and we will do our best to accommodate.

Location

Bedford, NY

Transportation

Train: Metro-North Harlem Line to Katonah or Bedford Hills
(Riders should coordinate pickups in advance or arrange a taxi)

Driving: ~45 miles from Midtown Manhattan

Carpool: Access to MRC’s private Facebook carpool group to coordinate rides with other riders

Local Suggestions

• The Horse Connection – tack shop

• RIDE – tack shop

• oHHo Bedford – pizza & drinks