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

WARNING - On the following 2012 dates, the Lord Stirling trails will be closed ALL DAY. Your cooperation is appreciated. For your own safety do not ignore this notice. Click here for PDF.

General information
Lord Stirling Stable (LSS) 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 equestrian 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 must weigh less than 240 pounds. For additional information, please visit our website at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Lead Line
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 equestrian helmet is required and small sizes are available for use; the cost is included in 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. 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 group activities. Youth groups, businesses, clubs, and other organizations can design a team-building exercise with a difference. Families and friends may want to try something out of the ordinary, just for fun. Experience 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 $320 ($280 for youth under the age of 18); additional riders may participate for $32 each ($28 for youth rides).

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. Hayrides may be arranged for Saturday and Sunday afternoons; a limited number of Friday and Saturday evening hayrides are also available.

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

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 scout for troops in Somerset County and $10 per scout for out of county troops. Minimum group size is six, with a maximum of 12 scouts. Leaders and chaperones attend free of charge. For more information and to reserve a time, contact the stable at 908 766-5955.

Spring Group Riding Lessons
English Saddle Balanced Seat riding lessons are offered from beginner through advanced jumping levels for youth 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 online or in person at the Stable office. Please refer to the online program registration section for details.

Registration opens on Saturday, March 24, with lessons beginning Monday, April 2 and continuing through June 9.

The schedule of classes will be available two weeks prior to the opening day of registration. Youth must be a minimum age of 9 at time of registration. Riders must be under 240 pounds for flat classes and under 225 pounds for classes over fences. 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.

Spring Private and Semi-Private Riding Lessons
A limited number of private and semi-private one hour lesson sessions with instructors from Lord Stirling Stable are available. The fees per class are:

Equine Mini Workshops
Mini workshops offer the opportunity to gain experience and confidence around horses. In Mini Workshop 101, participants learn the proper way to safely handle, groom, and tack a horse. The parts of the horse, saddle, and bridle are also discussed in addition to horse breeds, colors, and basic horse care. Mini Workshop 102 introduces students to more advanced topics such as nutrition, clipping, bandaging, and basic conformation, and the important role the farrier and veterinarian play in a horse's life. Mini Workshops are open to both youth and adults, and are offered on five consecutive Saturdays from 1pm - 3pm. The winter Mini Workshop 101 is scheduled for January 7– February 4. Winter Mini Workshop 102 is February 11 – March 10. The cost is $55 for Somerset County residents and $92.50 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted until the first day of class. This program does not include riding.

Horse Rentals
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. Trail guides 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 at 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 (within twelve months) is required.

Family Fun Day
One of the largest, longest-running, and free community events offered on the grounds of Lord Stirling Stable, the 29th Annual Family Fun Day is scheduled for May 6, 2012. Children (ages 12 and under) may enjoy rides on a pony or small, gentle horse. The whole family can jump into a tractor-pulled haywagon and take a ride along some of the 18 miles of equestrian trails. The free pony rides and hayrides are offered from 10am-12pm, and again from 1pm–3pm. The festival atmosphere of the day is enhanced by child-friendly arcade games, face painting, and other activities. Local vendors and organizations will be on hand distributing information, performing demonstrations, and offering goods for purchase. Equestrian students hope you'll cheer for them as they play gymkhana-style games on horseback for fun and ribbons. The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable co-sponsors this event, offering food, beverages, and clothing and gift items for sale. For more information, please call the Stable office.

Room Rental
Lord Stirling Stable has a large room overlooking the indoor riding arena available for rental. Amenities include bleachers, tables, and chairs. Audio/visual equipment and limited kitchen facilities are also available. Please call the Stable at 908 766-5955 for prices and availability.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
     • Directions
     • Adult Release & Waiver
     • Minor Release & Waiver
     • Emergency Medical Form
     • Park Map
     • Park Brochure
     • Riding Lesson Brochure
     • Class Cancellation, Make-Up Lesson &
       Refund Information

 SCHEDULES
     • Winter Adult Morning and Saturday Schedule
     • Winter Adult Evening Schedule
     • Winter Junior Schedule
     • New and Special Classes
     • Winter Registration

Friends of Lord Stirling Stable

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