Western Riding Club Riding Into Sunset

At Pidgeon Meadow Road and Auburndale Lane along the southern edge of Flushing Cemetery is a remnant of the rural past: the Wesern Riding Club serving the Kissena Park bridle path. It’s surprising to see an active stable in any New York City neighborhood, but Auburndale remained semirural in character until well into the early 20th Century.

Unfortunately the century-old stables may not be in Auburndale much longer, as reports have surfaced that its owner has put it up for sale to local developers, who may build mixed-use residential and commercial buildings on the site.

Equestrian recreation is well-established in this mid-Queens residential area. The stable is positioned near Kissena Park, whose southern acreage is maintained as a nature preserve run through with bridle paths. It’s not unusual to see horses and riders crossing busy 164th Street, which separates the park from Kissena Park Golf Course.

Unless an angel shows up at the last month to purchase the stables and maintain them, Queens riders will have to settle for the bridle trails in Forest Park.

Kevin Walsh’s website is Forgotten New York. His book, with the same name, is also available.