Lord Stirling Stable
256 S. Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ • 908 766-5955
Lead Line Schedule; Riding Lesson Brochure; Summer
Adult Schedule;
Summer Junior Schedule; Summer Schedule Descriptions; Summer Workshop Description (PDFs)
Directions; Adult Release & Waiver; Minor Release & Waiver; Park Map; Brochure (PDFs)
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 riding helmet and shoes or boots with a smooth, hard sole and a moderate and definite heel. Helmets and boots may be rented for $3.00 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.
Spring Open House
June is New Jersey’s Month of the Horse! Celebrate at Lord Stirling Stable on Sunday, June 14 from 10am - 4pm. Stroll through our Open House for information about the many events and activities held at the Stable throughout the year. Then stop by the indoor arena to see our horses and riders in friendly competition at the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable Horse Show. Admission and parking are free for both events, and FREE pony rides will be offered. For more information and directions, call the stable at 908 766-5955.
Introductory Rides
Introductory Rides are offered to people who are new to horseback riding or have never ridden English. Rides will be held on May 17; June 7; July 5 & 19; August 2 & 23; September 6; and October 11, 2009. Each ride begins at 10am with a mini-lesson followed by a one hour trail ride led by one of our certified Instructors. Open to riders 12 years of age or older. Registration must be done in person and begins two weeks before each ride. The fee is $32 for Somerset County residents and $40 for non-residents. Approved riding helmets and boots are required and available for rental.
Lead Line Pony Rides
Lead Line is the perfect way to introduce your child to horses.
A staff member will demonstrate how to lead a gentle pony or horse. Then it’s your turn to lead the pony, with your child astride, for a half hour of bonding and fun in the outdoor pony ring or the covered Pony Pavilion. Children must be old enough to sit up and hold onto the saddle without assistance. Riders are required to wear an approved equestrian helmet provided by the stable; adults must wear close-toed shoes to lead the ponies. Lead Line is available daily; please call for hours. The cost is $10.00 for Somerset County residents and $12.00 for out-of-county residents on weekdays, and $11.00 and $13.00, respectively, on weekends. Gift certificates and discounted books of ten rides are available.
Pony Parties
Treat your child to a two-hour birthday celebration with equestrian flair! First, your young guests will experience the thrill of riding a gentle pony or small horse led by you or adults from your group. Then everyone moves to the climate-controlled party room, where tables and chairs have been set up to accommodate your guests as they enjoy pizza, cake, or other fare that you provide. An empty pony piñata is supplied for you to fill with your own goodies. Various games are available to rent for a modest fee; please call for details. Pony-themed party favors, invitations, paper goods, and special souvenirs (appropriate for girls or boys) are available for purchase. The fee of $160 for Somerset County residents and $230 for out-of-county residents includes the use of two ponies/small horses for 45 minutes; a staff member to deliver and supervise the ponies at the appropriate times; setup of tables and chairs; and removal of trash after the event. Pony Parties are available seven days a week; please call at least two weeks before your intended date to make your reservation. A maximum of 30 people, including host, parents, and siblings, is allowed in the party room.
Summer Riding Lessons
English style riding lessons are offered from beginner through advanced levels for juniors and adults. Drill team, trail, jumping, and various specialized flat classes are also offered. Sixty minute lessons are offered once a week for 10 consecutive weeks. Juniors also have the option of riding twice a week for five weeks, and adults may choose to register for a special five week session. Summer Workshops and Mini Workshops are available, as well. Lessons begin Monday, June 22 and end Saturday, August 29, 2009.
Program registration begins at 8am on Saturday, June 13 online and in the Stable office, where walk-in registrations will be accepted until 3:30pm. Online registrations will continue to be accepted, space permitting, through Monday, June 15. Registration after that date must be done in person in the Stable office. Riders who wish to pay by cash or check, or who are enrolling for the very first time, are also required to come to the Stable office.
The schedule of classes will be available one week prior to the opening registration day. Junior riders must be at least 9 years old at the time of enrollment. Riders must weigh less than 240 pounds for flat classes and less than 225 pounds for classes over fences. New students with riding experience need to be evaluated for a classification card prior to the registration date; please call the stable office for more information. There is a $10 fee for testing. Lesson fees for ten 1-hour classes are:
Somerset County Residents |
Out of County |
|
| Flat class | $260.00 |
$420.00 |
| Jumping Class | $310.00 |
$470.00 |
New this year, out-of-county residents have the option of purchasing a Non-County I.D. Card for $150 at the stable office. Each Non-County I.D. Card entitles one person to discounted lesson fees for one year.
Summer Workshops
Workshops for junior riders (ages 9-17) at D-3 level and above are conducted from 8:30am until 1:15pm, Monday through Friday. A one hour riding lesson starts the day, followed by hands-on learning experiences. The day ends with a fun event or ride either in the ring or on the trails. Each workshop is for one week. Enrollment is conducted at the time of summer lesson registration and may be done online or in person, as described in the “Summer Riding Lessons” section. New for 2009, each camp will have a different theme. Complete details for each session will be available in the office May 1st.
Fees are as follows:
| County resident | $200 | |
| Out-of-County | $300 | |
| Summer Workshop dates are: | ||
| June 22 – 26 | July 20 – 24 | |
| June 29 – July 3 | July 27 – 31 | |
| July 6 – 10 | August 10 - 14 | |
| July 13 – 17 | August 17 – 21 |
Participants may elect to remain at the stable for extra activities, which may include swimming at Warrenbrook Pool, arts & crafts, and more “horse time.” All must be picked up at the stable by 5PM. There is an additional fee for this option; please call the stable office for more information.
Beginner Trail
Beginner Trail Rides are one-hour guided rides along the equestrian trails, open to LSS students at D2/Beginner 2 and D3/Beginner 3 levels. Summer rides are scheduled for May 24, June 28, July 12, August 9, and August 30, 2009. Registration begins online and in person two weeks before each ride date. Fees: $28 in county/$36 out of county. For more information, contact the Stable at 908 766-5955.
Horse Rentals
Experienced English saddle riders who can post the trot and are secure and comfortable at the canter may rent horses for an hour’s ride in our large indoor ring, two outdoor rings, or 18 miles of well-maintained trails. Riders must be at least 9 years old (12 years old for trail riding) and weigh less than 240 pounds. Trailguides are available on Sundays through June; thereafter, they will also be available on weekdays at 2pm and on Saturday afternoons throughout the summer. Groups depart every half hour with a minimum of two people.
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.
Hours for hacking vary and may be cancelled due to a high heat index. Please call the stable office 908 766-5955 ext. 32 for daily information. Riders choose horses on a first come, first served basis. Hourly hacking fees are as follows:
| Weekdays - | Somerset County residents | $22.00 |
| Out-of-County residents | $29.00 | |
| Weekends - | Somerset County residents | $25.00 |
| Out-of-County residents | $33.00 | |
| Ten ride hack books | ||
| Somerset County Residents | $209.00 | |
| Out-of-County residents | $275.50 | |
Equine Mini Workshops
Revised and expanded Equine Mini-Workshops are offered for individuals seeking competence and confidence around horses through a combination of non-riding activities and hands-on experience. Classes will run from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on five consecutive Saturdays. The basics of horse care will be covered in Equine Mini-Workshop 101 from June 27 to August 1, 2009. Equine Mini Workshop 102 will include additional and more advanced subjects from August 8 to September 5, 2009.
There is no riding involved in the Mini-Workshops. Participants will learn general horse care, how to groom and tack the horse, understand the different breeds and colors, and become familiar with the role of the veterinarian and the farrier. The cost is $55 for Somerset County residents and $92.50 for non-residents. Online and in-person registrations will be accepted up until the first day of class as space permits.
Private Horses
For an annual fee, people who have their own horses may enjoy the trails or outdoor rings, weather and ground conditions permitting. The Trail Permit and Button cost is $20 per calendar year for Somerset County residents and $32 for non-residents. Single day passes are also available for a fee of $8 for Somerset County residents and $12 for non-residents. The spacious indoor ring may also be used for $10.50 per hour. A current negative Coggins is required.
Spring Junior Horse Show
Each spring, the public is invited to watch Junior Lord Stirling Stable students compete in a horse show and display their skills. This year’s show is being held on June 20 beginning at 8:30am. Sponsors include The Coach Stop Saddlery, Ltd., of Bedminster and the law firm of Mauro, Savo, Camerino and Grant, located in Somerville. Classes vary from first time riders who have completed 10 lessons to advanced classes over fences. There will be a performance by the Junior Drill Team at 1pm. Free pony rides will be available from 11am - 12noon and 1:30pm - 2:30pm.
Girl Scout Horse Fan Badge
Junior Girl Scouts ages 9 and older will learn skills to help them earn the Horse Fan Badge. Topics include safety in the barn and around horses; an introduction to breeds, colors, and parts of the horse; and the important roles of the veterinarian, the farrier, and the equine dentist. Each scout will have the opportunity to gain hand-on experience learning to groom a horse. The fee for this program is $8 per girl for troops in Somerset County and $10 per girl for out of county troops. Minimum group size is 6 with a maximum of 12 participants. Leaders and chaperones attend free of charge. For more information and to reserve a time, contact the Program Coordinator at 908 766-5955 x28.
Room Rental
Lord Stirling Stable has a large room overlooking the indoor riding arena available for rental. 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) is a group of riders and other equine enthusiasts 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, the Friends 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 currentlyavailable online.
Mother's/Father's Day Rides
These rides are the perfect opportunity for non-equestrian family members to join "the rider in the family" on a leisurely and relaxing trail ride at a walk. Mother's Day is May 10 and Father's Day is June 21. Each ride will be conducted from 11am - 12noon; please check in at 10:30am. Registration is necessary; forms are available on the FLSS website at www.flssnj.org and in the Stable office.
Team Tournament
On June 7, the public is invited to see Lord Stirling Stable students compete in the annual Team Tournament. This three phase competition includes Cross Country Jumping, Stadium Jumping, and the Flat Phase. Teams of four riders will be formed by the tournament committee and a choice of four Lord Stirling Stable horses will be available for each team to select. Private horse owners are invited to bring their own horses and team members to compete in a separate division. This exciting event begins at 8am. Parking and admission are free.
Spring Adult Horse Show
The public is invited to cheer for Lord Stirling Stable adult students as they compete in the annual Spring Horse Show on June 14, beginning at 8:30am. Each division consists of 3 classes: Equitation, Pleasure, and special "tests" of a pattern on the flat or over fences. The Adult Drill Team will perform at 1pm. Come watch our students of all riding levels show off! This year’s show will run concurrently with the Stable Open House.
Dog Walks
Dog Walks are available every Saturday. Summer check-in time (May 30 through August 29) is from 6:30pm - 7pm, with the walk from 7pm - 8pm. Spring hours remain in effect through May 23; check-in begins at 10am and the walk commences at 10:30am. For more information, please contact Martha at 973 635-8672 or by e-mail at pandmwells
@msn.com. For directions, please call the Stable.
Gail Field Centered Riding Clinic
Gail Field will return to Lord Stirling Stable for her annual Centered Riding™ clinic from August 30 – September 4. Gail is a Level IV Centered Riding Instructor and holds a British Horse Society Assistant Instructor Certificate, as well as certification from the American Riding Instructors Certification Program. Her friendly style and extensive experience have helped make this program a favorite summer event. For more information, please visit www.flssnj.org.
Canine Scavenger Hunt
August 30 will be the date of a “howling” good time. Come with your dog or by yourself to hunt for “treats” on our equestrian trails. Registration is from 4pm – 5pm; hunt from 5pm - 6pm.
Salute to Horse Power
The 12th annual Salute to Horse Power, an "all-breed" antique car, classic car, street rod, custom car, and motorcycle show, will be held 9am-3pm on Sunday, August 16. Free pony rides and tours of the stable will be offered. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Rain date is August 23. For more information, please visit the web at www.flssnj.org.