Winter Glen Farm, Schenectady

Contrary to its name, the equestrian training and boarding facility Winter Glen Farm is actually an ideal spot for year-round riding. Thanks to the farm's indoor and outdoor arenas, students can practice their horsemanship skills whatever the season. The farm also boasts 12 resident horses, and a highly experienced staff of instructors. This staff includes decorated equestrian coach Paige Faubel and manager Peggy Aedjian, who's trained horses and humans alike for the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden. They offer English-style riding lessons to riders as young as 8 years old. Each session is personalized to the student; it can be tailored to cover advanced principles or the basics, such as mounting one of the resident steeds, easing it into a trot, and chasing down a rival king's spies.