UPDATE: Fall Horseback Riding Lessons to Begin, For 10 Lessons, or 1

Starting Saturday, the Somerset County Park Commission will conduct registration at for English-style, balanced seat riding lessons, to begin the week of Sept. 12, and also the mini-workshop program on the stable property at 256 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge.

In addition, an introductory ride for those who might want to get on a horse before deciding whether to sign up for more lessons is scheduled for Sept. 4, with walk-in registration to continue through Aug. 31.

The full slate of fall lessons is available for juniors (ages 9-17) and adults, and are designed for the absolute beginner through more advanced equestrian levels with jumping experience.

The ten-week fall session will begin the week of Sept. 12. Current students have the option of registering for classes online.

From 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, class registrations will be accepted in the stable office and on the Somerset County Park Commission website, www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Online registration closes at midnight on Sept. 7, according to information from the park commssion. Registrations will continue to be accepted in the stable office as space permits.

First-time students, as well as those who prefer to pay by cash or check, must register in person at the stable office by the entrance to the park.

Riders who have previous experience and can post the trot, but have not ridden at Lord Stirling Stable, must be evaluated prior to registration to be placed in the appropriate level, according to the facility. Those riders should call the stable office to schedule a testing appointment.

The class schedule is available both online and in the stable office.

Adults above the Beginner 1 level have the option of riding once a week for the full 10-week session or for the first or last 5 weeks (tentatively scheduled to begin during the week of October 17). Juniors may ride once a week for ten weeks.

The 10-week, one-hour program rate for Somerset County residents is $260 for flat (non-jumping) classes, and $420 for out-of-county residents.

The five-week one hour flat class rates is $130 for Somerset County residents, and $210 for out of county residents. Classes over fences are offered at an additional fee.

Payment is due at registration and is payable by cash, check, MasterCard, American Express, Visa or Discover. New students who live in Somerset County must show a driver’s license, motor vehicle ID card or local tax form as proof of residency.

The stable office now is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and may be reached at (908) 766-5955 or NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with hearing impairment. Information on this and other events of the Somerset County Park Commission can be found online.

Introductory Ride Scheduled for Sept. 4

Lord Stirling Stable also is offering an Somerset County Park an introductory English-style horseback ride at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4. Walk-in registration will be accepted at the stable office through Wednesday Aug. 31, 2011 between 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Space is limited.

Participants will enjoy a mini group lesson with one of Lord Stirling Stable’s riding instructors followed by a one-hour guided trail ride through Lord Stirling Park. The Introductory Ride is an opportunity for novices who are considering riding lessons to sample a trail ride on horseback and see if they enjoy the experience.

It is also a great “refresher” for those who have not ridden in a long time. The ride will take place rain or shine, and may be held in the indoor ring in the case of inclement weather. Youth and adults who weigh less than 240 lbs. and are at least 9 years of age are eligible to participate. Riders between 9 and 18 years old must be registered by a parent or legal guardian. Participants 9 to 11 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the ride.

A certified equestrian helmet and shoes or boots with hard, smooth soles and a definite heel are required and may be borrowed from the Stable for the ride. Fee for the ride is $32 for Somerset County residents and $40 for out of county residents.

Payment by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover is required at the time of registration, according to a news release from the park commission.