July 15 is I Love Horses Day — a national celebration of the animals kids draw, role play, and dream about, year after year. In the Hamptons, this day serves as a golden opportunity for families to step outside, try something new, and create a summer memory your child will never forget.

You don’t need to own boots, breeches, or a pony of your own to enjoy the world of horses. All you need is a little curiosity, a short drive to one of the area’s incredible riding centers, and a kid who’s ready for a hands-on adventure.

Why Horses Are Good for Kids

While riding may feel like pure summer fun, studies show it also supports kids’ physical, emotional, and cognitive development in powerful, lasting ways:

1. They build strong bodies and focused minds.
Horseback riding is a full-body workout. According to research, riding improves children’s balance, coordination, core strength, and posture. Even kids who aren’t particularly athletic can benefit from the subtle physical engagement that riding provides.

And it doesn’t stop at movement. A 2017 study in Frontiers in Public Health showed that just 45 minutes of horse riding boosted children’s executive functioning—like memory, decision-making, and focus. The gentle rhythm of a horse’s gait actually stimulates the nervous system and activates the brain.

2. Horses help with emotional growth.
Unlike a screen or structured team sport, horses respond to how your child shows up emotionally. They don’t care about winning—they care about calm confidence. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, working with horses helps reduce anxiety and build self-esteem, especially in neurotypical kids who are learning to self-regulate and manage big feelings.

3. It teaches empathy, responsibility, and resilience.
Whether your child is brushing a pony, helping clean a stall, or learning to lead on the ground, time with horses teaches patience and care. Equestrian programs often include routines that encourage responsibility and help kids grow—feeding, grooming, and listening to the needs of another living being. It’s empowering, especially for kids used to fast feedback and digital rewards.

Where to Ride with Kids in the Hamptons

Whether you have a toddler who wants to meet a gentle mini horse or an elementary schooler ready for their first trail ride, there’s a perfect experience waiting right here on the East End.

Try one of these local farms:

• Deep Hollow Ranch – Montauk
  The oldest working ranch in the U.S. offers scenic beginner-friendly rides, including pony rides for ages 5+, and family trail rides for ages 6+. The views alone are worth the visit.
• Stony Hill Stables – Amagansett
  With private lessons for ages 4+, summer camp programs, and a strong reputation for working with children, this family-run stable is a local favorite.
• East End Stables — East Hampton
  An excellent spot for year-round learning, offering beginner lessons and horsemanship experiences tailored for younger riders, ages 3+ are welcome.
• Gray Horse Farm — Bridgehampton
  With expert horseback riding lessons for ages 5+, enjoy multiple indoor and outdoor arenas, boarding options, and a summer pony camp on a spacious 115-acre farm.
• Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue – Sagaponack
  This nonprofit sanctuary offers educational visits that teach compassion and respect through hands-on encounters. Equestrian care training and rides start at ages 5+.

How to Prep for a Positive First Experience

• Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
• Bring water, snacks, sunglasses, bug repellent, and sunscreen.
• Let kids know what to expect — read a horse-themed book or watching a short video.
• Don’t push it. Some kids may only want to observe or brush a horse their first time. That’s still a big win.

Reins in Hand, Heart Full

At Shine, we believe in experiences that build confidence, spark wonder, and invite kids to step into the world—fully present. Horseback riding does all of that and more. This I Love Horses Day, give your child something they won’t find on a screen: the quiet thrill of connecting with a gentle giant, the confidence of trying something new, and the memory of a summer day spent outdoors, together.