“Trailside at Watchung Stable”

“Some people are so much sunshine to the square inch.” Walt Whitman, Camden, New Jersey resident, 1873-1892. Should we apply the words of the great American poet to animals? The sentiment does come to mind when encountering the gentle horses at Watchung Stable in Mountainside, New Jersey. Like people, horses have personalities and communicate their thoughts. Enjoy a trail ride on the beautiful, leafy grounds of the Watchung Reservation and find out which horse is sweet, outgoing, or independent, though “friendly” would describe them all.

The stable, part of the county parks since 1933, features English riding in a new, state-of-the-art, indoor riding ring, three outdoor rings, and six paddocks. Trail rides wend their way through 26 miles of the 2,000-acre reservation, which is stunning with fall colors right now. Rides are on Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and are ideal for beginners as an introduction both to riding and the individual horses. Along the trail, you will also meet sociable people out enjoying the woodland paths with family, friends, and dogs

A trail ride at Watchung Stable is wonderful. Previously, my horse-riding experiences were like many of ours, mostly Western-style childhood pony rides with visits with horses at farms, zoos, or vicariously as a “Heartland” fan a few years back and now via some generous Instagrammers like Equestrian Canada, The West Coast Equestrian, and Horse-Training Resources who kindly follow on Instagram. On a trail ride last Saturday at Watchung, the guide was incredibly kind to two young equestrians in the group and shared some insights about horses when asked how best to approach them. When getting to know our state animal, let them smell your hand first so they may get your scent and then pet them. Though horses do not understand words as dogs do, they understand tone. Ears forward means that a horse is alert. If the ears go back while on the trail ride, they may be listening, though pinned back may indicate annoyance that another horse is getting too close. In competitions, however, ears back indicates focus. Ears turned to the side with a lowered head shows that horses are relaxed. A swishing tail means a good mood.

Unexpected fun is that the stable is a venue for birthday parties and festivities were in full swing in a beautiful setting. Parties with 30 minutes of a guided, or lead line, horse ride are for children ages 9 and younger. For those children who catch the riding bug, if they have not already, classes offer an opportunity to learn formally and are available for all ages, adults included. Riding troops and a summer riding camp are other fun options for young riders. The talented young equestrians in riding habits were an impressive sight in the outdoor riding ring.

The entire venue is striking with its modified Mission Revival Style architecture, serenely situated in the landscape. This began as the site for a US Army base during the Cold War and later segued into a peacetime role as a home to the horses, many bought at auction to start new lives. For those of you who wish to feed the horses apples, you may do so when the horses are in the paddocks and not ready to ride, but please check with staff beforehand to align your generous thoughts with theirs.

A practical note: Signing a waiver is required before riding. Riding helmets are not necessary on a trail ride. In retrospect, as a novice, though the trail ride was delightful and went smoothly with an excellent guide and a well-trained horse, my personal choice would be to wear one. If you find that you enjoy riding and want to invest in one, they may be purchased online, though it may be better to get one fitted at a saddle and tack store. (Look for an ASTM/SEI certified label.) Prices for trail rides, riding lessons, lead line rides, shows, parties, and boarding are on the website with a reduced rate for Union County residents: Watchung Stable. Groups may also schedule barn tours, not only to see the facility, but to learn about how to take care of horses.

If you want outdoor fun in this incredible weather, Watchung Stable is a great place to go. Fall hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In winter, the stable is closed on Mondays, but open Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., then 1 p.m. till 4 p.m. More details are on the website or call: (908) 789-3665. Some enjoyable sleuthing is in order on my next visit for a lesson with the welcome hunch that there is “Sunshine” among the aptly named horses.