West Hempstead equestrian center opens

The New York Equestrian Center opened its doors in West Hempstead last weekend, with two days of tours, demonstrations and rides.

Once the site of the Lakewood Stables, the new facility, renamed and redrawn, has been transformed from “a former run-down relic to a state-of-the-art, year-round indoor arena,” says owner Alex Jacobsen, a real estate developer from Baldwin Harbor.

The new facility, located at 633 Eagle Ave. in West Hempstead is a climate-controlled arena with a 30,000 square foot enclosed riding area, 53 new stalls, a seating area with 100 seats and a large parking area.

Jacobsen said that he had bought the property with a though to tearing down the stables and building condos, but had a change of heart.

The near century old stables was one of the community’s oldest landmarks and Jacobsen decided to enhance the community while maintaining the history of the area.