Registration at Lord Stirling For Spring, Seasonal Riding Programs

Registration is underway for spring horseback riding classes and other seasonal programs at Lord Stirling Stable, a Somerset County facility at 256 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge.

Lessons are offered to juniors (ages 9-17) and adults, and are offered at levels that accommodate first-time beginners through more advanced riders with jumping experience.

All classes are one hour in length. The ten-week spring session begins the week of April 1.

Class registrations already began last weekend, and are being accepted daily from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the stable office. Students who already have taken lessons at Lord Stirling may register for spring classes online at the Somerset County Parks Commission website.

Online registrations will be accepted through midnight on Sunday, March 24 as space permits, according to the Somerset County Parks Commission. Students wishing to enroll after that date must do so at the stable office.

First time students, as well as those who prefer to pay by cash or check, are also required to register in person at the stable office.

All junior classes meet once a week for ten weeks. Adults above the Beginner 1 level have the option of riding once a week for the full 10-week session or for the first or last 5 weeks. The schedule of classes is available online at the Somerset County Parks Commission website and in the stable office.
 
Riders who have previous experience and can post the trot, but have not ridden at Lord Stirling Stable, must be evaluated prior to registration to be placed in the appropriate level. Those riders are asked to call the stable office to schedule a testing appointment at convenient times.
 
The 10-week program rate for Somerset County residents is $290 for flat (non-jumping) classes. For out-of-county residents the rate for flat classes is $435.

The 5-week one-hour flat class rates are $145 for Somerset County residents and $217.50 for out of county residents. Classes over fences are offered at $330 for county residents and $495 for out of county. Payment is due at registration and is payable by cash, check, MasterCard, American Express, Visa or Discover.
 
Students who reside outside of Somerset County may purchase an annual non-county I.D. Card for $150. This card entitles each individual cardholder to a discounted rate on riding lessons, so savings multiply with each class registration.
 
For additional information, contact the the stable office, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 908-766-5955 or NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with hearing impairment.

Summer workshop registration also underway
 
Junior riders may enroll in summer workshops during spring registration. These are themed five-day programs that begin in June. Most workshops are in session from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily.

Weeks one and two have a special schedule that is available on the county parks website. Detailed information about specific requirements, content information, and rates is available at the stable office and on the Somerset County Park Commission.

Information on this and other events of the Somerset County Park Commission can be found online.