The Alternative Press

Spring is here and Union County’s Watchung Stable is offering guided trail rides on Sundays starting April 1, for everyone nine years of age or older.

“Horseback riding in the Watchung Reservation is a real treat – you see so much of the park and also get some exercise!” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Watchung Reservation is a 2,065-acre park that offers everyone a chance to experience the natural beauty of a forest, right here in Union County.”

The trail rides are held on Sundays at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., weather permitting. Groups of 15 or more people at a time ride along bridle trails in the woods. The rides are on a first-come, first-served basis and are available to anyone with or without riding experience.

Watchung Stable also features special private group rides for individuals or groups of up to 15 people. These private rides need to be set up in advance at a mutually convenient time and have a full deposit for all riders before the set date. The cost of the private group rides includes the rental fee (In-county $28; Out-of-County $39 per rider) and an additional $30 for the instructor.

For those younger riders under nine years of age, Watchung Stable offers leadline rides on Sundays from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. Leadlines are also held during the week if weather permits and are held on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost for a leadline ride is $15 for Union County residents and $23 for out-of-county participants. Leadlines are half-hour rides only.

The trail rides and leadline rides are offered at Watchung Stable, which is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. daily.

Watchung Stable is a facility of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For further information, call 908-789-3665 during the normal office hours; visit the web site www.ucnj.org/stable, or email questions to stablequestions@ucnj.org.