"Ride Through History" on Oct. 10 at Lord Stirling Stable

Lord Stirling, the namesake of so many local sites, was a real person. And the Somerset County Park Commission's Lord Stirling Stable on this Sun., Oct. 10, will offer an introductory English-style horseback rides narrating the history of Lord Stirling, William Alexander, a Revolutionary War general.

Rides will be available at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m., leaving from the stable at 256 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge. Registration will be accepted  through Thurs., Oct. 7, between 9 a.m until 4:30 p.m. in the stable office.

Space is limited for the ride to introduce horseback riding to novices, or serve as a refresher course for those who haven't ridden in a while. The fee is $32 for Somerset County residents and $40 for out of county residents.  Payment by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover is registration. 

In addition to a mini group lesson with one of Lord Stirling Stable's riding instructors, participants on the one-hour guided trail rides will be treated to an historical narrative highlighting the important role that William Alexander, Lord Stirling, played during the American Revolutionary War. The background of the Lord Stirling Stable facility, which was also home to John Jacob Astor IV, will unfold. Light refreshments will be offered at the conclusion of each ride.

The ride is just one week after the county's 1770s Festival, a recreation of life in the time of Lord Stirling, which was held on Oct. 3 at the site of Lord Stirling's manor house off Lord Stirling Road.

In addition to entertaining and informative historical anecdotes, novices who are considering riding lessons will have the opportunity to sample a trail ride on horseback to see if they enjoy the experience. It is also a great "refresher." The rides 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 nine years of age are eligible to participate.  Riders between nine and 18 years old must be registered by a parent or legal guardian. Participants 9-11 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the ride  An ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmet and shoes or boots with hard, smooth soles and a definite heel are required and are available for rental at $3 each. 

For additional information, please contact the Stable office at 908-766-5955 or NJ Relay 711 for individuals with hearing impairments. 

Information on this and other Somerset County Park Commission events can be found on the park commission's website.