FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2010

Beginners Are Encouraged to Learn Horseback Riding With Union County’s Watchung Mounted Troop

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Spring will be here before we 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 March 19.

“Horseback riding in the Watchung Reservation is a real treat,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Deborah Scanlon, liaison to the Union County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “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 proud to say that more than 40,000 girls and boys have participated in this wonderful activity.”

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 19, and will culminate with the Spring Troop Horse Show. 

Watchung Stable also features adult lessons, for people 18 years of age and older, beginning the week of March 21. Classes for adults are available on Sunday afternoons at 12:45 p.m. and on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m.
 
The cost to participate begins at $210 for ten classes, and varies with Union County residency status and troop assignment. Uniforms and helmets are required and must be provided at the rider’s expense. Registration opened on January 5 and is ongoing until classes are full. Forms, fees and proof of age for new riders must be submitted in-person at the Watchung Stable, which is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

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