Kensington Stables in Brooklyn, New York

Anyone with half a brain and half a heart would know this is NOT a place for horses. 1) where do they graze? 2) where do they gallop? 3) where are they bathed? A residential neighborhood is NOT the place for a "stable". PERIOD. They have no windows, no circulating air, no space to stretch their legs. This is just horrible and made me sad. The trail ride was...eh. BUT, there's nothing like being horseback. I love, love, love it. For that alone, I've been twice to this place.

I absolutely had a horrible experience. I rode on "Alladin," a new horse that had just arrived that week, and the horse was completely noncompliant. It wouldn't turn when I shortened the reins, it wouldn't stop, and it wouldn't even go when I kicked it with my heels. To top it off, the guide berated me the entire trip and said we were the worst riders he had ever had, and stated that I was "out of control, and crazy." I was simply a beginner rider trying to listen to what the guide told me, and had a horse that wouldn't follow the commands. The man yelled at me for an hour, and we only ended up going about 100 yards because my horse refused to move. It was a waste of money, the guide was rude, and the horses are not properly trained. I don't recommend this place at all.

I LOVE Kensington stables!!! I have been riding there for quite a few years. The staff are friendly and kind. The horses are well trained and well cared for. I have ridden with many of the instructors, they are well educated and very good at explaining things. when i was a newbie, i looked forward to my lesson every week as i watched the clock :D . i am not sure what i would do without such a great place!! now i am more advanced and i still look forward to every moment i have in the saddle with Kensingtons fantastic horses and staff. :)

The hoarses were beautiful. It was a big hit for my son's 10th birthday. The staff is awesome and professional. I highly recommend it if you just want to try something new.

I urge you to ignore the negative reviews when visiting Kensington Stables. Three years ago I was a fresh beginner with no prior experience. I took a lesson and was hooked. I couldn't stop dreaming about my lesson and the one after that. Not only are the instructors competent as well as sweet but they make the experience enjoyable. After several months of riding I started helping out in the indoor ring with the other childrens instructor. I, to this day volunteer with her as well as the rest of Kensington Stables. This place has changed my life in such a great way. The staff are my closest friends and the customers become part of the Barn Family as well. I am astonished that anyone could say anything negative about Kensington Stables! I started when I was 9, now I am 12 turning 13 and have ridden in many many places, but no place, whether it's a wealthy barn upstate or in Thailand, can compare to Kensington Stables.

It's always been a somewhat disorganised and fractious place, but the horses were well cared for and the trails are very scenic. However, since Fran, the head instructor and barn manager left 1 and a half years ago, there is no cap on rudeness and incompetence there, and no decent instructors. She had the best 4 horses in the barn, and I dont blame her for leaving. I am taking lessons at Knoll Farm now, (highly recommended) and have followed Fran upstate for riding vacations.

I took a few recent trails at the Stables by prospect park, and i can't complain. Though they dont' Canter on trails anymore for safety reasons as well as anomals confort, I found the ride to be relaxing and overall pleasant. The guide was very curtoius and eager to answer my questions as well as taking care to look back and makes sure i was comfortable ( i'm a very nervous rider). The most nerve-racking part is the traffic we crossed, but it's to be expected at a city barn. I've also recently signed my daughter up for lessons and found the Children's instructors to be absolutly amazing. As far as looks, i wouldn't say it's the Hilton hotel, but the care that both animals and clients recieve, more than makes up for it.

I started with a simple trail ride four years ago and was so hooked i began working there. The horses are sweet, and well taken care of (find one horse at that barn thats underwieght or dirty. ;) the trails are beautiful and you can't beat the prices. We try our best to match horses with rider based on experience and confidence. There is also a recent addition of therapeutic riding and Carriage rides. It's a place for anyone and everyone.

Was spending an afternoon with my 2 year old son in the park. We stopped to watch the horses, along with 20 or so other people, when the instructor started to yell at us and using foul language around my to year old to tell us to move away from the fences. Even though that on Kensington�s website they tell you that everyone is welcome to watch the horses in the park. It is a public park anyways. Would not trust that instructor with my children, I am sorry.

Once mounted and away from the stables my riding experience was fantastic. There is no better way to enjoy prospect park than on horseback. However, I was very disappointed by the staff and the condition of the barn. The place was filthy and very disorganized and though a few staff members were helpful, others were aloof and downright rude. With a little effort and some better management this place could be amazing.