Bobby Ginsberg, a native Long Island horseman, began his career as a young rider at the age of 10. At 15, he started competing as a junior with Harry De Leyer, a Long Island trainer known for his great success with the horse “Snowman” and later on Dutch Crown. As a junior rider, Bobby began showing in the Florida show circuit known today as The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival located in Wellington, Florida. The show circuit led Bobby to a higher level of competition and training. Bobby’s riding career grew under the instruction of Ralph Caristo, Robert Hoskins, and the legendary George Morris. Bobby began showing in Junior Jumpers, Junior Hunter and Equitation competitions. A 16-2 hand Thoroughbred gelding named “Holland’s Wisdom”, a half brother to “Dutch Crown” bred by Mr. De Leyer, led Bobby to winning numerous Junior Jumper and Amateur Owner Jumper titles. In 1979, he was the Long Island Junior Jumper Champion and was second in the Zone Horse of The Year standings. He was invited to compete on the Junior International Team in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania under the instruction of another horse legend, the late Ms. Frances Rowe. The team placed 4th in the Zone awards. 

In the early 1980’s, Bobby Ginsberg continued his career as an amateur rider under the instruction of double Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Fargis, and Gold and Silver Medalist Conrad Homfeld at Sandron Farm in Petersburg, Virgina. Bobby was considered to be one of the “top amateur riders”, as quoted by Horseplay Magazine. He placed 7th in The Hampton Classic Grand Prix aboard a Canadian Thoroughbred (Gelding) “State Hill”. Around the same time, he also represented the US in the International Horse Show in Quito, Ecuador. He successfully jumped the horse in the Quito competition Puissance class at 6’7” . The horse was provided to the rider by a local owner/rider in Ecuador and had never been ridden by Bobby before the show. 

In 1989, Bobby graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Boston University. He became a professional rider in the early 1990’s. He then continued his career as a Grand Prix show jumper and trainer. As a trainer Bobby began his schooling program at the historic Southampton Hunt and Riding Club located in Southampton, New York. The facility was once home to the Southampton Horse Show, known today as The Hampton Classic Horse Show. Located in the heart of Southampton, the club was the playground of Long Island’s elite socialites. Photos at the farm of young Jacqueline Bouvier and her family are published and may be viewed in a variety of books sold today.

In 2001, Bobby showed at the prestigious Devon Horse Show where he earned Reserve Champion title in the First Year Green Hunter Division on a horse that he imported from Holland. The horse, then called “La Mirella” and today know as “Sister Parrish”, was sold on the day of the winning to a prospective buyer for a six-figure sum. 

Bobby began showing again in the Grand Prix arena in recent years on a 17-2 hand Dutch Warmblood mare “Pomme Lady”, the offspring of Double Olympic Gold Medalist in Atlanta “Jus de Pomme”. Aboard “Pomme Lady” Bobby has placed in numerous Grand Prix such as the; $25K Equestrian Sport Production Spring 3 Show Series, $35K Garden State Horse Show, $10K HITS on Hudson Brook Ledge Open Welcome, Fairfield Hunt Club Open Welcome Jumper Stake, $50K HITS on Hudson IV and the $33K Winter Equestrian Festival Grand Prix. 

Bobby’s Puerto Rican heritage led him to an opportunity to ride and represent the Commonwealth after 40 years of riding for the US. In 2013, Bobby was accepted by The Federación Puertorriqueña de Deportes Ecuestres in Puerto Rico. 

Additionally, Bobby has earned all his colors as a huntsman and occasionally foxhunts with The Smithtown Hunt as he did since he was a child. Today he still resides in the original clubhouse of The Southampton Hunt and Riding Club located in Southampton, NY.

Bobby Ginsberg is available for lessons for intermediate and advanced riders who are looking to improve their skills and rise to the next level. The riding styles include:

• Hunters
• Jumpers

Lessons will be held on Thursdays and occasional Wednesday’s (weather permitting).

To schedule lessons, please contact Equestrian Director Debbie Moore at (631) 974-0794 or email dmoore@knoxschool.org.

The Knox School reserves the right to refuse any rider for any reason, including situations where the instructor believes the rider may pose a threat to his or her personal safety or the safety of others. Parent or guardian must sign a waiver of liability prior to the first riding lesson.