256 S. Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ • 908 766-5955

General information
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 hard, smooth soles and a moderate and definite heel. The “sneaker” type riding shoe is also approved. Helmets and boots may be rented for $3 each. All riders must be at least 9 years of age and under 240 pounds. Somerset County residents are required to show some proof of residency.

Introductory Rides
Introductory Rides are offered to people, ages 9 and older, who are new to horseback riding or have never ridden English. Rides will be held on September 4 and October 10, 2010. Each ride begins at 10am with a mini-lesson followed by a one hour trail ride led by one of our certified Instructors. Participants between the ages of 9 and 12 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 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 children to riding. Parents or legal guardians may rent a pony or small, gentle horse for a half hour and lead their child(ren) around the outdoor pony ring or the covered Pony Pavilion. A stableworker will demonstrate the proper and simple technique for leading the pony/horse. Children must be old enough to sit up and hold onto the saddle without assistance. An approved riding helmet is required and included with the program fee. 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. Books of ten rides and gift certificates are available.

Pony Parties
An unforgettable way to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion is unbelievably simple with a Lord Stirling Stable Pony Party! Our two-hour package includes the use of two ponies for the first 45 minutes, plus a staff member to provide, supervise, and remove the ponies at the appropriate times. Adults from the party lead the ponies. Guests spend the remaining time in the climate-controlled party room, where two tables with chairs have been set up; a third table holds your gifts, food, etc. An empty pony piñata is supplied for you to fill with your own goodies. The fee is $175 for Somerset County residents and $250 for out-of-county residents. Inflatable Pin the Tail on the Donkey, ring toss, horse shoes, and other children’s games are available to rent for $10 each. Pony-themed party favors, invitations, paper goods, and special souvenirs (appropriate for girls or boys) are available for purchase. Call or stop by the stable at least two weeks prior to the desired date to make your reservation! Pony Parties are available seven days a week. There is a maximum of 30 people (adults and children combined) allowed in the party room.

Group Trail Rides and Hayrides
Lord Stirling Stable has unique program options available for your group. Whether you are looking for a team-building exercise with a difference, or just want to try something out of the ordinary with friends, we have an opportunity for you. Savor some of the 18 miles of beautiful equestrian-use trails from the back of a horse or from our tractor-pulled hay wagon. No ‘horse experience’ is required!

Group rides for adults and youth include a mini lesson with a certified instructor who will then guide your one-hour trail ride. Guided rides are available on Sundays and weekday afternoons. The flat rate for 10 riders or fewer is $300 ($250 for youth under the age of 18); additional riders may participate for $30 each ($25 for youth rides). Please call the office for date availability and reservations.

Tractor-pulled hayrides are an excellent option for those who would love a trail experience but are not sure about riding a horse. They are also an option if your group is very large (up to 30 people) or if there is a broad age range to accommodate. A flat rate of $80 covers up to 10 people; additional participants may attend for $8 each.

By horse or by wagon, the trails of Lord Stirling Stable are definitely worth a visit. Call today to book your group’s
special trail experience!

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 available. Classes are scheduled one hour a week for 10 consecutive weeks. Adults also have the option of a five week session. Students may register on-line or in-person at the Stable office. Please refer to the on-line program registration section for details.

Fall Registration Dates
Registration for the fall lesson program begins at 8am on
Saturday, August 28 on-line and at the Stable office. On-line registration closes on September 7 at midnight.

Lessons begin Monday, September 13 and end Saturday,
November 20, 2010.

Winter Registration Dates
Registration for the winter lesson program begins at 8am on Saturday, December 11 on-line and at the Stable office. Online registration closes on December 21 at midnight.

Lessons begin Monday, January 3 and end Saturday, March 12, 2011.

The schedule of classes will be available two weeks prior to the opening day of registration. 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 for all riders except first-time beginners. Riders without a Lord Stirling Stable Classification Card may call for a testing appointment prior to registration; a $10 fee applies. Lesson fees for one hour classes are:

Students who do not reside in Somerset County may purchase an annual Non-County I.D. Card for $150.00. This entitles each individual card holder to a discounted rate on riding lessons. Savings multiply with each class registration. Please call the stable office for more information.

Beginner Trail Ride
Beginner Trail Rides are one-hour guided rides that are open to LSS students at D-2/Beg. 2 through D-3/Beg. 3 levels. Registration begins two weeks before each ride date. The rides are scheduled for October 24 and November 28, 2010, weather permitting. 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 a one hour 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. Groups depart every half hour with a minimum of two people.

Hours for hacking vary and may be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. 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:

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 fee for a Trail Permit 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 and seasonal cross-country course may also be used for $10.50 per hour. A current negative Coggins is required.

Equine Mini-Workshops
Newly 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 1pm to 3pm on five consecutive Saturdays. The basics of horse care will be covered in Equine Mini-Workshop 101 from September 18 through October 16, 2010. Equine Mini Workshop 102 will include additional and more advanced subjects and will be held October 23 through November 20, 2010

There is no riding involved in the Mini-Workshops. Participants will learn general horse care; how to groom and tack a horse; understand the different breeds, colors, and disciplines; and become familiar with the role of the veterinarian, farrier, and other industry professionals. The cost is $55 for Somerset County residents and $92.50 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted up until the first day of class as space permits.

Girl Scout Horse Fan Badge
Junior Girl Scouts, ages 9 and older, have the opportunity to learn some of the skills required to earn their Horse Fan Badge. This two hour program includes instruction about safety in the barn and around horses; information and live examples to illustrate different breeds, colors and parts of the horse; and a hands-on grooming lesson. 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 six, with a maximum of 12 girls. Leaders and chaperones attend free of charge. For more information and to reserve a time, contact the stable at 908 766-5955.

Junior and Adult Horse Shows
Each spring and fall, junior and adult riders at Lord Stirling Stable are eligible to compete in our schooling horse shows. While the competition is 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. The Fall Adult Horse Show will be held on December 4. The Fall Junior Horse Show will be held on December 5 and is sponsored by Marcello’s ll Restaurant in Stirling.

Room Rental
Lord Stirling Stable also 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.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
     • Directions
     • Adult Release & Waiver
     • Minor Release & Waiver
     • Park Map
     • Park Brochure
     • Riding Lesson Brochure
     • Cancellation Policy

 SCHEDULES
     • FallAdult Morning & Saturday Lessons
     • Fall Adult Evening Lessons
     • Class Cancellation, Make-Up Lesson &
        Refund Information
     • Junior Fall Lessons
     • New and Special Fall Classes
     • Fall Registration

Friends of Lord Stirling Stable

   E-mail Lord Stirling Stable with any questions or    comments.