Registration for Watchung Stable in Mountainside

Spring will be here before you know it, and Union County’s Watchung Stable in Mountainside is busy preparing for the start of a new season of riding lessons. Register now for classes that begin Friday, March 16, 2012.

“Horseback riding in the Watchung Reservation is a real treat,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon.  “Our lesson program at Watchung Stable is a great way to learn how to ride.  The riding program has been in existence since 1935 and I am pleased to say that more than 40,000 girls and boys have participated in this wonderful activity.”

Registration opens on Tuesday, January 3, 2011 and is ongoing until classes are full. The cost to participate is $231 for Union County residents for ten classes, and $324 for out-of-county participants.  Uniforms and helmets are required and must be provided at the rider’s expense.  Forms, fees and proof of age for new riders must be submitted in-person at Watchung Stable, located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside.  Registration hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

All applicants for riding lessons must be nine years of age or older.  Class and troop assignments are based upon riding ability as determined by the Stable management.  Applicants with previous experience may be asked to demonstrate their riding ability in order to be placed in the appropriate group.  Classes are held Tuesdays through Saturdays.  The Spring Troop program will last for ten weeks beginning March 16, 2012 and will culminate with the Spring Troop Horse Show. 

Watchung Stable also features adult lessons, for people 18 years of age and older, beginning Sunday, March 18, 2012. Eight-ride class sessions for adults are available on Sunday afternoons at 12:45 p.m. and on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

For further information and to obtain registration materials, call (908) 789-3665 or email stablequestions@ucnj.org.