Hamptons for Horse Lovers

If not out on the water, those serious about sport in the Hamptons are likely to be found at one of the area’s world-class equestrian estates or stables. The eastern end of Long Island is serious horse country.

One dozen stables and farms that offer everything from pony camps for young horse lovers to serious equestrian training for competitive riders are sprinkled on gorgeous spreads throughout the Hamptons. Bridgehampton is well-known for its riding, but reputable stables are also found in Water Mill, Sagaponack, East Hampton and Amagansett.

According to Susan Breitenbach of the Corcoran Group, the Hamptons is ideal for riding enthusiasts due to its trifecta of agricultural reserves for riding, wealthy buyers and the Hampton Classic Horse Show, a Grand Prix event for top jumper riders and one of the country’s largest outdoor horse shows. Open to the public, it started in 1976 as the Southampton Horse Show and has since expanded from a local show to a five-day event attracting top riders and horses from around the country.

“The Hampton Classic is a premier horse show. It’s recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (or FEI, which is the international governing body of equestrian sports) and riders at the top level receive points for worldwide rankings, plus there is substantial prize money. It attracts a global crowd, and the last time a U.S. rider won was 2013. It’s one of the most prestigious horse shows in the country, and the setting is spectacular,” said Marty Bauman of the Hampton Classic.

“Horses have played a role in the Hamptons for decades,” said Jane Babcook of Brown Harris Stevens. The estate sections, areas with prominent addresses in several of the Hamptons towns, have long supported Olympic riders and important events like the Hampton Classic Horse Show, which is held Labor Day weekend. That event, she said, is “what makes the Hamptons the Hamptons.”

For a unique change of scenery, there are rings set within a vineyard at Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack. “The weather and open space of the Hamptons makes it ideal for riding. Plus, Wölffer’s top-quality training and horse care, high-grade footing, and beautiful 100-acre estate make it one of the best facilities in the Hamptons,” said Alison Tuthill, marketing director for Wölffer Estate.

Ms. Breitenbach also pointed out that the Hamptons offers something not found in more remote horse country. "There are plenty of places to ride horses in the Hamptons, but what sets it apart is the access to beaches, spas, restaurants, parties and events. There are beautiful horse farms, plus all the amenities people in New York City want too," she said.

Professional and novice riders alike can be found saddling up year-round at about a dozen different stables. “Many of the farms are privately run and cater to the high-end client,” Ms. Babcook said. “Some of the more famous facilities in the area are Firefly Farm, Two Trees and Swan Creek Farm, all in Bridgehampton. Unfortunately, years of development have reduced the amount of contiguous riding trails.

But, she pointed out, one of the best public riding facilities is Deep Hollow Ranch (the country’s oldest working ranch) in Montauk, where you can ride along the beaches and sandy trails.

Also of note is the 25-acre Topping Riding Club for boarding and lessons and Wölffer Estate Stables, both in Sagaponack, and Stony Hill Stables equestrian facility in Amagansett, which offers boarding, training and riding lessons.

As this is the Hamptons, there are celebrity equestrians in the mix. Headline-making riders include photographer Kelly Klein, fashion mogul Mary Kate Olsen, super model Carolyn Murphy, designer Steven Gambrel and Georgina Bloomberg, who is the daughter of former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and an animal rescue advocate.