Community Corner

All At Lord Stirling Stable: Ride a Horse, or Walk Your Dog on Fall Days

Somerset County's Lord Stirling Stable offers opportunities for a brief getaway on horseback or just wandering along trails with your best (canine) friend on early fall days.

Fall is a magnificent time to be out on trails through woods or fields, and in Basking Ridge, part of the Somerset County Park Commission, is offering that chance whether you are on horseback or strolling alongside your best friend (the canine kind).

Each week, Patch's Great Escape column tells you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot enjoyable.

This week, we have two ideas, but both taking place at the stable property at 256 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge.

Lord Stirling Stable also is offering an introductory English-style horseback ride at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4. Walk-in registration will be accepted at the stable office through next Wednesday Aug. 31, 2011 between 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Space is limited.

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Participants will enjoy a mini group lesson with one of Lord Stirling Stable’s riding instructors followed by a one-hour guided trail ride through woods and fields. The Introductory Ride is an opportunity for novices who are considering riding lessons to sample a trail ride on horseback and see if they enjoy the experience, and perhaps

It is also a great “refresher” for those who have not ridden in a long time. The ride will take place rain or shine, and may be held in the indoor ring in the case of inclement weather. Youth and adults who weigh less than 240 lbs. and are at least 9 years of age are eligible to participate. Riders between 9 and 18 years old must be registered by a parent or legal guardian. Participants 9 to 11 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the ride.

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A certified equestrian helmet and shoes or boots with hard, smooth soles and a definite heel are required and may be borrowed from the Stable for the ride. Fee for the ride is $32 for Somerset County residents and $40 for out of county residents.

The stable office now is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and may be reached at (908) 766-5955 or NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with hearing impairment. Information on this and other events of the Somerset County Park Commission can be found online.

Payment by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover is required at the time of registration, according to a news release from the park commission.

Meanwhile, the ever-popular Saturday Dog Walks at, hosted by The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable, will continue weekly.

Check-in time for owners and their pets will begin at 6:45 p.m. every Saturday. The guided trail walk will begin at 7 p.m. and last for approximately one hour. Registration is $3 per dog and all pets must be leashed and kept under control at all times. These sanctioned Dog Walks offer participants the only opportunity to explore the beautiful equestrian trails of Lord Stirling Stable on foot.

For more information, contact Martha at 973-635-8672.  For directions, call Lord Stirling Stable at 908-766-5955.


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