MOUNTAINSIDE – Autumn is on its way and Union County’s Watchung Stable is offering guided trail rides on Saturdays and Sundays for everyone nine years of age and older.
The public trail rides are held Saturdays at 1 and 2 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 3 p.m. weather permitting. Groups of 15 or more people ride on the bridle trails in part of the wooded 2,000-acre Watchung Reservation in Mountainside. The rides are on a first come, first served basis and are available to anyone with or without experience. The cost of a trail ride is $32 for Union County residents and $45 for out-of-county riders.
Watchung Stable also features special private group rides for individuals or groups of up to 15 people. These rides need to be arranged in advance at a mutually convenient time and can be held on weekdays or weekends. The cost of the private rides is the rental fee and an additional $32 for the instructor.
For younger riders under nine years old, Watchung Stable offers lead lines on Sundays from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Lead lines also are held during the week if the weather permits and are held on a first come, first served basis. The cost for a lead line is $18 for Union County residents and $26 for out-of-county riders. Lead lines are half-hour rides only.
Watchung Stable is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Office hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. daily. For more information, call 908-789-3665 during the normal office hours or email [email protected].