Lord Stirling Stable
256 S. MAPLE AVENUE, BASKING RIDGE, NJ
908 766-5955
Lord Stirling Stable offers a full complement
of riding activities for riders of most ages and abilities. The stable
is located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, and the office
is open daily from 9am to 5pm or may be reached by calling 908 766-5955.
Riders may also call the activity hotline at 908 766-5955 ext. 32. All
riders are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved English riding hard
hat with a permanently attached chin strap and hard smooth soled shoes
or boots with a moderate and definite heel. Hats and boots may be rented
for $1.75 each. Somerset County residents are required to show some proof
of residency. All riders must be at least 9 years of age and under 240
pounds.
Lead Line Schedule (PDF)
Salute
to Horse Power & Car Show (PDF)
August 19, 2007 9:00am – 3:00pm
Summer Activity Brochure (PDF)
Summer Adult Lesson Schedule (PDF)
Summer
Junior Lesson Schedule (PDF)
Introductory Rides
Introductory rides are offered to introduce people to English saddle riding and
to assist them in deciding whether to invest in a full set of lessons. Rides
will be offered on Sunday, September 16 and October 7, 2007. Each ride begins
at 10am with a brief talk on horses and riding techniques, followed by an hour
trail ride led by a certified instructor. Riders must be 12 years or older
and, with instruction, must be able to mount and dismount as well as maintain
a balanced body position. Registration must be done in person, two weeks before
each ride. The fee is $32 for Somerset County residents and $40 for out-of-county
riders.
Lead Line
Lead Line is the perfect way to introduce children to riding. Ponies
or gentle horses are rented by the half hour. The child must be old
enough to sit up and
hold onto the saddle without assistance. The parent or guardian leads the pony
or small horse around an outside fenced in area or in the Pony Party Pavilion.
A stableworker will demonstrate how to lead the pony or small horse. An approved
hard hat is required and small sizes are available for use. Lead Line is available
daily; please call for hours. The cost is $9.60 inclusive of tax for Somerset
County residents and $11.40 for out-of-county residents for weekdays, and $10.10
and $12.15 respectively on weekends. Books of ten rides and gift certificates
are available.
Pony Parties
Pony Parties are two hour parties offered around an equestrian theme. Parents
lead two ponies around the Pony Party Pavilion for the first 45 minutes of
the party. Partygoers spend the remaining time in the party room, adjacent
to the indoor ring. An empty pony piñata is provided for you to fill
with your own goodies. The cost is $160 for two hours for two ponies/horses
and $230 for out-of-county residents. For a $10 deposit, a Little Tykes horseshoe
set is available. Reservations must be made at least two weeks prior to the
party date. Pony Parties are available seven days a week. A maximum of 30
people is allowed
Fall and Winter Riding Lessons
English Saddle Balanced Seat riding lessons are offered from beginner
through advanced jumping levels for juniors and adults. Drill team, trail,
and various flat (non-jumping) classes are also offered. Lessons are
offered 1 hour a week for 10 consecutive weeks. Adults also have the
option of a five week session. Ninety-minute classes are also available
on select days and times. Students may register online or in person at
the Stable office. Please refer to the online program registration section
for details.
Fall Registration Dates
Registration for the fall lesson program begins at 8am on Saturday,
September 8 online and at the Stable office.
Lessons begin Monday, September 10 and end Saturday, November 17, 2007.
Winter Registration Dates
Registration for the winter lesson program begins at 8am on Saturday,
December 8 online and at the Stable office.
Lessons begin Wednesday, January 2 and end Tuesday, March 11, 2008.
The schedule of classes will be available two weeks prior to the opening day of registration. Please call the stable office for more information. Junior riders must be a minimum age of 9 at time of registration. Riders must be under 240 pounds for non-jumping classes and under 225 pounds for jumping classes. A Classification Card is required to be shown for all riders except basic beginners. Riders without a Lord Stirling Stable Classification Card need to make an appointment to be tested prior to registration. There is a $6 fee. Lesson fees for one hour classes are:
Somerset County Residents Out of County |
Out of County |
|
| Adults and Juniors | $240 |
$360 |
| Addit. Family Member/class | $220 |
$340 |
| Jumping Classes | $256 |
$384 |
Beginner Trail Ride
The Beginner Trail Ride is a one-hour guided ride along the equestrian
trails. The ride is open to D-2/Beg. 2 through D-3/Beg. 3 level
LSS riders. The rides
are scheduled for September 23 and October 14 and 28, 2007, weather permitting.
For more information, contact the Stable at 908 766-5955.
Line Dance Lessons - NEW
Learning to dance is a great way to build confidence, increase self-esteem,
and keep a sharp mind. Lord Stirling Stable now offers Line Dancing Lessons
for all who wish to learn how to “boot-scoot”. Participants
will be introduced to many different styles of dance, including the following
basic steps: The Shuffle, Grapevine, Basic Apple Jack, spins, and pivot
turns. These dance steps will be incorporated into a new dance each week.
Dances include; the “Boardwalk,” “Alabama,” “Line
of Fools”, “Butter Beans,” and “Electric Reel.”
This is a great activity for the whole family. All ages are welcome.
The class will take place on five Saturdays, September 22, October 6
and 20, and November 3 and 17 from 4pm - 5pm. The fee for the 5 class
course is $55. Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat
shoes with a leather sole. Cowboy hats optional!
Horse Rentals
Riders who can post the trot, feel secure and comfortable at the canter,
and are 9 years or older may rent a horse by the hour. A parent or
legal guardian
is required to sign the paperwork for riders under the age of 18.
Riders must be at least 12 years old to ride on the trails. The large
indoor
ring, two
outdoor rings or 14 miles of well-maintained trails may be used.
Trailguides are available
on Sundays. Riders who can control the horse at the walk, trot and
canter, know their leads and diagonals, have a secure, balanced
seat and can
sit the canter
without bouncing may be tested for a trail card. The trail card entitles
riders to take one other "experienced" English saddle rider
out on the trails with them. Please call for a testing appointment.
Riders may choose from over 55 horses on a first come, first served basis.
Hours for hacking vary. Please call the stable office 908 766-5955 ext
32 for daily
information. Hacking fees inclusive of tax are as follows:
| Weekdays - | Somerset County residents | $20.25 an hour |
| Out-of-County residents | $28.30 an hour | |
| Weekends - | Somerset County residents | $22.25 an hour |
| Out-of-County residents | $31.30 an hour | |
| Ten ride hack books | ||
| Somerset County Residents | $202.00 | |
| Out-of-County books | $283.00 |
Private Horses
For an annual fee, people who have their own horses may enjoy the trails
or outdoor rings. The Trail Permit and Button cost is $15 a calendar
year for
Somerset County
residents and $27 for non-residents. Also available is a special
one-time per person group rate of $5 for in-county and $9 for out-of-county.
The
large indoor
ring may also be used for $10.35 an hour inclusive of tax. A copy
of a current negative coggins is required.
The large outdoor jumping course and stadium jumping ring are also
available for training and schooling. The jumps are a wide variety
but not higher
than 2'6", perfect for young/green horses. Reservations are
required. The cost is $15 per horse for two hours. Pony Clubs and
Riding Clubs
are welcome. A ground
person is recommended and there is ample parking. All riders are
required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved hard hat with a permanently
attached (and
fastened)
hard hat.
Mini Workshop
The mini workshop was developed to offer people a chance to gain
experience and confidence around horses. Participants learn the
proper way to groom
and tack
a horse. The parts of the horse, saddle, and bridle are discussed.
Participants learn the different colors and breeds of horses, as
well as the important
role the farrier and veterinarian play in a horse's life. The workshop
is offered
on five consecutive Saturdays from 1pm - 3pm. The Fall Junior Mini
Workshop (for ages 9 - 18) will be held September 22 - October
20. The cost is
$55 for county
residents and $92.50 for non-residents. This workshop does not
include riding. Registrations will be accepted until the first day
of class.
Girl Scout Horse Fan Badge
This program gives Junior Girl Scouts ages 9 and older the opportunity
to learn skills to help them earn the Horse Fan Badge. This two
hour program includes
learning about safety in the barn and around horses; learning
about breeds, colors and parts of the horse; and hands on learning
how
to groom and
lead a horse.
Fee for this program is $6 per girl for troops in Somerset County
and $8 per girl for out of county troops. Minimum group size
is six, with
a maximum
of
12 girls. Leaders and chaperones are free of charge. For more
information and to
reserve a time, contact the stable at 908 766-5955.
Jr. and Adult Horse Shows
Each spring and fall, both junior and adult riders at Lord Stirling
Stable compete in horse shows. While the shows are open only
to students participating
in lessons
at the Stable, the public is invited to attend. Each show offers
a demonstration by the drill team at 1pm. Free pony rides are
available during the Junior
Show. The Adult Horse Show will be held on December 1. The
Junior Horse Show will
be held December 2 and is sponsored by Peapack-Gladstone Bank.
Room Rental
Lord Stirling Stable also offers a large room for rental, which
overlooks the Indoor Riding Ring. Bleachers may be pulled
out or pushed back
against the
wall. Tables and chairs may be set up as desired. Audio/visual
equipment and kitchen
facilities are also available. Please call the stable at
908 766-5955 for prices and availability.
Friends of Lord Stirling Stable 
The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable (FLSS) are a group of riders who support the equestrian activities of the Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable by contributing their ideas, volunteering their time, and donating revenue generated from sponsoring events to help provide a continuous and expanding program of activities. Additional information about the Friends is available at www.flssnj.org. Registration for FLSS events is not currently available online.
The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable
are a group of riders who support the equestrian activities of the Somerset
County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable by contributing their ideas,
volunteering their time, and donating revenue generated from sponsoring
events to help provide a continuous and expanding program of activities.
Registration and additional information about the Friends and these events
is available on the internet at www.flssnj.org
Private Horse Hunter Pace
If you have your own horse and enjoy riding in Hunter Paces, Lord Stirling
Stable is where you will want to be on September 29 and 30. The goal
of a Hunter Pace is to ride a marked course in teams of two or three
riders setting a safe hunting pace. The distance is 6 to 8 miles with
25 to 30 fences. The jumps along the well-marked trail vary in height
from two to three feet with ample room to go around. Participants may
register beginning at 9am, and the last team departs at 1pm. The event
includes three divisions - Open, Family and Junior (under 18 years old).
All riders must wear a riding helmet that meets ASTM/SEI standards. Western
riders are welcome. There is ample parking for cars and trailers.
Dog Days and Dog Walks
On October 14, The Friends will sponsor the 11th Annual Dog Days at 3pm
(registration is at 2pm). Classes will be held in the large indoor ring
with an air-conditioned viewing room available. Classes for dogs and
their owners include: Biscuit Toss and Catch, Water Bobbing Contest,
Biscuit Race, Best Trick, Best Dressed (Costume), Tail Waggin’,
Pet Owner Look Alike, Smallest, Largest, Most Medium, Obstacle Course,
Best Bark, Most Obedient, and many others. There will also be a dog walk
along the equestrian trails at the conclusion of Dog Days. Entries for
each class are $3. Pre-entries are encouraged.
Dog Walks are available every Saturday. Through September 22, check in
time is 6:30-7pm with the walk at 7–8pm on our equestrian trails.
From September 29 through April 26, 2008 (when the time returns to the
evenings) check in time is between 10-10:30am with the walk from 10:30-11:30am.
The cost is $3 per dog
.
Fall Nature Ride
This leisurely horseback ride at a walk along the trails is set for September
23 with check in time at 7am. The hour long ride goes from 7:30 - 8:30am.
This ride provides individuals with little or no English saddle riding
experience the opportunity to enjoy the trails and nature from the back
of a horse. The fee is $30 for Friends of Lord Stirling Stable members
and $35 for non-members.
Riding Clinics and Dressage Show
Riding Clinics will be held on October 21 and November 4. The clinicians
will be announced.
December Break Lessons are being offered again this year. Lord Stirling
Stable’s certified instructors will be available on certain days
and times to share their experience with one to three students for an
hour lesson. This can be video taped with the option of going over the
tape with the instructor afterward. The clinics will be held November
26 through December 22. Registration is necessary.
Winter Holiday Festival
On the weekend of December 1 - 2, the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable
will host its 9th Annual Winter Holiday Festival. Planned for the daily
festivities will be free hay rides through the woods to visit Santa at
Santa’s House; free pony rides at designated times throughout the
day, and photos with Santa or a pony. Enjoy seasonal music and refreshments,
while browsing through the enticing array of gift baskets at the School
Horse Retirement Fund Silent Auction.