EQUESTRIAN CENTERS : For those who want to brush up on their equestrian skills, venture off on a nostalgic hayride or take “Mommy and Me” riding classes, there are many riding centers and hundreds of trails in Los Angeles.

1. RED BARN STABLES

* 327 S. Latigo Canyon Road

(Calamigos Ranch & Restaurant)

Malibu

Old-fashioned stagecoach and hayrides are available for groups of 20 to 25, from $200 to $250 an hour. Guided trail rides ranging from one hour to a full day cost $20 an hour. Riders will visit some destinations along the unbeaten path, overlooking the beach and city. The stables also provide two-hour sunset rides, full moon rides once each month, and private lessons. (818) 879-0444

2. STONEY POINT RIDING CENTER

* 10861 Andora Ave.

Chatsworth

In a “Mommy and Me” class, children and parents are taught how to groom the pony or horse, how to saddle it, and how to mount and dismount. Parents take their children through the course by leading the pony or horse. Children are taught terminology, and how to walk and trot on horseback. These once-a-week lessons are offered through Mason and Northridge parks and Learning Tree University. Lessons begin July 2 and are geared to 4- to 7-year-olds for six weeks at $70. The center also offers clinics, workshops, trail rides, play days, boarding and holiday celebrations. Call Northridge Park (818) 349-7341 or Stoney Point Riding Center (818) 775-3839.

3. LOS ANGELES EQUESTRIAN CENTER

* 480 Riverside Drive

Burbank

The area in Burbank along Riverside Drive, east of the studios and west of Victory Boulevard, is home to a number of riding stables, thanks to its proximity to the trails in Griffith Park. The riding stables lack day guides but offer horse rentals for $13 an hour. A two-hour guided night ride, by reservation only, with a barbecue afterward, costs $40 per person. For reservations call (818) 840-8401 or for equestrian events, call (818) 840-9066.

4. WHITTIER EQUESTRIAN CENTER

* 12191 Rooks Road

Whittier

This 20-acre site with 35 horses and almost 300 miles of trails is in a bucolic setting near the Whittier Narrows Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary. During the summer, riders can travel across the shallow river and through the tall clusters of bamboo that grow in pools every winter. It is open seven days a week beginning June 27. Private riding lessons and guided trail rides cost $15 per hour. (310) 699-5911.

5. INDUSTRY HILLS EQUESTRIAN CENTER

* 16000 Temple Ave.

City of Industry

Reservations are required to book hayrides in the rustic area near the 300-acre equestrian center and the hills beyond, which offer panoramic views of Los Angeles, Mt. Baldy and the San Bernardino Mountains. Rides can begin or end with a catered barbecue by arrangement. Hayrides are $5 per person, with a 40-person minimum. City dwellers may delight in guided one- and two-hour trail rides for $15 and $25; private lessons at $20 per half-hour; horse and livestock shows, which include camel and ostrich bareback events; charity rodeos and snail and armadillo races. (818) 854-2370.

6. WILL ROGERS EQUESTRIAN CENTER

* 1603 Will Rogers State Park Road

Pacific Palisades

Families can picnic while watching polo matches every weekend. It’s a chance to enjoy horses and watch polo as humorist Will Rogers did here long ago. There is a $5 parking fee. At the equestrian center, a guide can take small groups on trail rides for $35 an hour, by appointment only. Private riding lessons cost $50 an hour. (310) 454-8212 or (310) 573-7270.

7. LAKEWOOD EQUESTRIAN CENTER

* 11369 E. Carson St.

Lakewood

The 38-acre, country atmosphere site with 200 horses is just east of the San Gabriel River, and it sports everything from three riding schools and seven large arenas to pony rides and a petting zoo. Boarding and training provided; private lessons cost $30 for 30 minutes and the same for one-hour group lessons. No rentals. (213) 425-1905.

8. LARRY’S PONY RIDES

* 7600 Spring St.

Long Beach

Belgian draft horses pull hay wagons along the roadway of rustic El Dorado Park in Long Beach. Hayrides, along with picnics and barbecues, may be scheduled any time until midnight for 120 people. Hourlong rides are $7.50 per person with a $75 minimum; half-hour rides are $5 with a $75 minimum. Buggy rides, with a coachman in tails and top hat, are $100 an hour. Other festive options include pony rides and a petting zoo that will travel to the party site. (213) 865-3290.