Novice Trail Rides and Hay Rides in Basking Ridge

By Rich Reitman

The Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable, located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, is offering programs to introduce people to the enjoyment of trail horseback riding along with opportunities for group outings and corporate team-building exercises.

Novice Trail Rides are guided rides available to individuals who do not have prior experience with horses. The special walk-only, English saddle trail rides are available Mondays through Fridays from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. with check-in time at 12:30 P.M. The program is not available on weekends or on weekdays when other programming is scheduled for the novice-level horses.

Experienced trail guides will accompany at least two riders on the trails. All riders must be at least 9 years of age and weigh less than 200 pounds. Participants between the age of 9 and 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Approved equestrian helmets and boots are required and may be borrowed from the Stable office. Fees are $35 for Somerset County residents and $45 if residing out of county. To register, call the Stable office at 908-766-5955 at least one day before the intended visit.

Group Trail Rides and Hayrides are available as a team-building exercise or as an entertaining group outing with friends. Rides will traverse the 14 miles of beautiful equestrian-use trails through Lord Stirling Park at the Great Swamp. No equine experience is required for either ride.

Group rides for adults and youth include a brief lesson with a certified instructor who will guide the one-hour trail ride. Guided rides are available on Sundays and weekday afternoons.

The flat rate for 10 riders or fewer is $330 ($300 for youth groups under the age of 18). Call the Stable office at 908-766-5955 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 for large groups of up to 30 people.

A flat rate of $80 covers up to 10 people; additional participants may attend for $8 each.

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