The Bedford Hack
The Bedford Hack is our signature ride, lasting around 2 hours, on the members-only Bedford Riding Lanes. These beautifully maintained trails cover over 100 linear miles of historic riding terrain including water crossings, woodlands, open fields with both natural and man-made jumps placed throughout.
For riders who have spent most of their riding career in an arena, testing their skills in the open space can be an exhilarating experience. This ride offers a rare opportunity to canter across fields and jump over cross country obstacles. All jumps are optional and can be avoided. Immerse yourself in nature's true beauty on horses that are conditioned for the environment!
Riders arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled ride time to put on riding gear and meet the group. When the horses arrive, each rider will be expected to catch their horse coming off the trailer and adjust their tack independently. Ensure the bridle and girth are fastened and tightened, adjust stirrups and mount the horse for an on time start. Once all riders are mounted the leader will make any necessary announcements and give directions for the order of horses and you will set off!
During the ride it is important to keep the horse in its position in line, making sure not to pass the riders ahead and to give proper distance, especially over jumps and at faster gaits. If a rider plans to avoid a jump, they should communicate this with the group ahead of time.
The ride will last around 2 hours at which time riders will return to the trailer, dismount, loosen girths and await instruction for loading horses back in the trailer. It is the riders responsibility to safely keep their horse until they have been loaded into the trailer.
PROGRAM
9:45am Arrival and meet the group
10:00am Getting horses off the trailer and mounting
10:15am The group sets off on the trails
12:00pm Return to meeting location, dismount, re load horses on trailer
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Your horse trailered in and tacked up
- Your access to members only trails
HORSES
Mixed breeds, some include: Draft, Draft Cross, Thoroughbred
LEVEL
Level 3 and above. Click here for level descriptions.
ATTIRE
Standard riding attire- Boots, breeches, helmet, gloves. Safety vests are recommended for all jumpers.
LOCATION
Bedford, NY
TRANSPORTATION
MTA Harlem Line from Grand Central to Katonah or Bedford Hills. If taking the train please inquire ahead of time if there is a driver in the group who can offer a pick up. Otherwise please schedule a taxi in advance as Uber and other car service apps do not have good coverage in this area.
LOCAL SUGGESTIONS
Bedford and Katonah are beautiful areas and have a number of restaurants and coffee shops near the train stations. There are also 2 tack stores- The Horse Connection and Ride in the area. If you want to venture a little farther north, Purdy's Farmer and the Fish and 121 are fantastic restaurants.