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The Somerset County Park Commission’s award- winning Lord Stirling Stable at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, sits on 500 acres of Lord Stirling Park along the western edge of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

Stable facilities include a main barn and office building, a viewing area overlooking the 80′ x 240′ indoor arena, and three outdoor rings. There are 14 miles of well-maintained equestrian trails that weave through fields and woods. The Stable is the recipient of the 2015 Gold Medal Horse Farm award from the New Jersey Equine Environmental Stewardship Program.

Lord Stirling offers a full range of equestrian activities for the novice rider through the experienced equestrian. Programs include public trail rides, English- and Western-style riding lessons, horse rentals, pony rides, pony parties, summer camps, and introductory trail rides for people who may have an interest in pursuing equestrian activities. The Stable is a PE Option II provider for high school students. Private horse owners may purchase trail permits to enjoy the beautiful trails or to use the indoor arena.

Trail rides for people with little or no riding experience are offered 7 days per week beginning at 10AM. The rides are at the walk only and will accommodate 2 to 4 participants. The last ride may be booked for 3PM daily during the Fall season. Non-riding, hands-on Horse Care Workshops for adults and youth who are seeking to gain experience and confidence around horses are also offered year around. Participants in these 5-week classes will learn the proper way to safely handle a horse, groom, and tack up. The parts of the horse, saddle, and bridle are discussed, in addition to horse breeds, colors, and basic horse care.

Moonlight Trail Rides for private horse owners are also available throughout the year. The evening rides, led by an experienced trail guide, take place on the trails of Lord Stirling Park.

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 arena, two outdoor rings, or along the well-maintained trails. Riders must be at least 9 years old (12 years old for trail riding) and weigh less than 200 pounds. Trail guides for two or more riders are available on Sundays with groups departing every half hour during posted hacking hours.

Group Trail Rides and Hayrides are available as a team-building exercise or as an entertaining group outing with friends. Rides will traverse the beautiful equestrian-use trails through Lord Stirling Park at the Great Swamp. No equine experience is required for either activity.

The Stable office is open daily from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and may be reached at 908- 722-1200, ext. 5010. All riders are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved equestrian helmet and shoes or boots with hard, smooth soles and a moderate and definite heel, both of which may be rented on site.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

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