If you’re jonesing to get outdoors and try something new this season – might we recommend horseback riding in New Jersey? Local farmlands host a variety of riding stables and horseback riding lessons for the entire family, date night, or a solo rider to enjoy. Horseback riders of all levels are welcomed at many stables across the state — and the sport combines the great outdoors with education and fun. If this sounds right up your alley, saddle up and keep reading for places to horseback ride in North Jersey.
Acres Away | 926 Route 579, Flemington
Acres Away is a good choice for a date night, as it offers horseback trail riding services including add-ons of picnics, romantic dinners, a s’mores bar plus a bonfire, and more. The Flemington farm strives for safety and teaches you how to ride a horse well. Beginners are welcome, and for the little ones, Acres Away also throws themed birthday bashes with pony rides and a petting zoo. To get in touch with Acres Away, call 908-809-9019. Acres Away has Groupons that will soon be available, where prices range from $37 to $288.
Echo Lake Stables | 55 Blakely Lane, Newfoundland
Echo Lake is known for its stunning trails, beautiful horses, friendly tour guides, night rides, and fun-filled birthday parties. There are a handful of instructors at this North Jersey spot that provide educational horseback riding lessons. With each lesson, riders will be given helpful riding tips that will benefit even the more seasoned riders – and the whole family can enjoy. If you’re not completely sold on horseback rides, Echo Lake also has both hayrides and pony rides to start. For more information on Echo Lake Stables, call 973-697-1257. Lessons here are $70 for 40 minutes.
Garret Mountain Equestrian Center | 1 Park Road, Woodland Park
Located just 20 minutes from the George Washington Bridge, Elite Equine Group is a full-service training, boarding, and lesson facility nestled on 26 acres within Garret Mountain Reservation. The Woodland Park spot invites visitors to take part in exclusive guided trail rides on horseback on over 550 acres of beautiful trails. This equestrian center also offers riding lessons (indoor and outdoor), boarding, leases, summer camps, birthday parties, and more. For more information, call the center at 973-279-2974.
Farrington Farms | 28 Davidson’s Mill Road, North Brunswick
(Photo credit: @farrington_farms_inc)
Farrington Farms is a family-owned and operated horse farm run by the Ippoliti family. At the farm, you can find both half-hour private beginner lessons and one-hour group lessons. Farrington Farms also has an indoor ring for training as well as a great selection of horses for lessons. New customers are by appointment only, so call 732-821-9844 before visiting. Lesson prices range from $48 to $65.
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Kierson Farm | 107 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington
(Photo credit: @kiersonfarm)
Located in beautiful Hunterdon County, Kierson Farm offers horseback riding lessons, training, birthday parties, team building, and summer camps. It has riding lessons seven days a week and evenings year-round. The Flemington-based farm boasts 30 wonderful lesson horses that will take care of any beginner or challenge an advanced rider. For a schedule or to contact Kierson Farm, call 908-528-3307. Lessons are offered via monthly membership rates which range from $250 – $550 per month.
Legacy Riding Stables | 3333 Bordentown Avenue, Parlin
(Photo credit: @legacyridingstables)
Legacy Riding Stables offers horseback riding lessons and trail rides for all skill levels. Bonus: there are also ponies available to ride for the kids – perfect for any animal-lovers birthday party. The Sayreville-area stables also offer a Special Riding Lesson and Trail Ride Package for riders who want to practice before riding. Trail rides take place on and around the Capik Nature Preserve, where you and your group are accompanied by a trail guide. Legacy Riding Stables is open seven days a week, and reservations are not required. Prices range from $34 – $65, depending on what you sign up for.
Legends Riding Stable | 151 Route 94, Vernon
(Photo credit: @legendsridingstables)
Located on over 150 acres of trails and miles of woods, Legends Riding Stables provides horseback rides that venture through some of the most scenic areas in New Jersey. The trail rides go out in a guided trail fashion, meaning that the horses are lined up nose to tail, single file. The Sussex County stable is open all year, five days a week. Rides are by appointment only — you can call (973) 827-8332 to ensure you secure your time slot.
Mortonhouse Farm | 33 Black River Road, Long Valley
All ages and riders are welcome to enjoy a fun bonding experience in nature at this 125-acre farm in Long Valley, New Jersey. The riding arena is where patrons will learn all of the fundamentals or, for more experienced riders, take a horse on one of the many trails. Mortonhouse Farm also offers pony parties and pony rides for younger riders. The farm can be reached at 908-432-7437. You can expect to pay $85 for 1.5 hours with $30 for each additional 1/2 hour.
River Edge Farm | 1575 River Road, Bedminster
(Photo credit: @ref4evr)
From the beginner flatwork to the exhilarating jumping exercises, riders will be challenged and rewarded after each riding lesson at River Edge Farm. Here, you’ll learn from an instructor. Spring lessons are currently being offered, and riders of all ages are welcome at this Somerset farm. For more information, call 908-420-1274. Lessons here come in a 14-lesson package for a fee of $1260.
Saddle Ridge Riding Center | 900 Shadow Ridge Road, Franklin Lakes
(Photo credit: @saddleridgeridingcenterinc)
One of the premier equestrian stables in New Jersey is Saddle Ridge Riding Center, located in Franklin Lakes. The spot offers beautiful horseback trail rides throughout scenic Bergen County. Rides are by reservation only and can be made seven days a week, all year long. Call 201-847-9999 to reserve a spot. All trail riders must be eight years or older, but the rides are small and intimate, ensuring riders get a lot out of the experience.
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Seaton Hackney Stables | 440 South Street, Morristown
(Photo credit: @seatonhackneystables)
Trail rides through Loantaka Park and other parks around the Morristown area are exactly what you’ll find at the scenic Seaton Hackney Stables. Guided, instructed trail rides are offered during the week and on weekends. Both beginner and advanced riders are welcome. The Rusty Riders Program is a good option for experienced riders that have not ridden for quite some time: the program begins with a mini-lesson/refresher course, followed by one hour of trail riding. At Seaton Hackney Stables, you can also experience off-site trail riding in local Harding Township and Morris County Parks such as Jockey Hollow, Lewis Morris Park, and other horse-friendly areas. Off-site trails are scheduled throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall – you can call for upcoming dates. Trail rides must be booked in advance by calling 973-644-3355 on weekdays between 9AM and 6PM. This spot also has a soon-to-be-available Groupon page with prices ranging from $34 to $69.
Silver Bit + Spur Farm | 631 County Road 523, Whitehouse Station
Silver Bit and Spur Farm is located in Whitehouse Station, NJ. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful trail ride on acres of open space and covered woods, or learning the different jumps – Silver Bit and Spur Farm is the place. On the sprawling 61 acres of woods and streams, there is an experience available here to take out a horse for an unguided trail ride. Don’t worry, you won’t get lost as the horses know how to get back. The farm also has summer camp sessions, company picnic affairs, and pony parties available. To inquire about the offerings, call 908-310-1384.
Spring Valley Equestrian Center | 56 Paulinskill Lake Road, Newton
Spring Valley Equestrian Center has been offering horseback riding lessons since 1972. The facility features three outdoor rings and a jumping course, and riding instruction is an option year-round in the indoor arena. Gorgeous trail ride lessons are also available on any day of the week. On the ride, riders will find beautiful fields while enjoying a fantastic view of the Appalachian Trail Ridge to High Point. Visitors are always welcome – you can call 973-383-3766 for additional information. The price for trail rides if $50 per hour, and the summer camp fee for one week of full-day camp is $495.
Top View Riding Ranch | 36 Hess Road, Blairstown
(Photo credit: @topviewridingranch07825)
At Top View Riding Ranch, riders have the pleasure of enjoying the beautiful Skylands of New Jersey on your horse. The trail guides you along the Paulinskill River amongst trees, wildlife, and nature. The Blairstown ranch offers one-hour, two-hour, half-day, and full-day horseback rides – just be sure to call 908-362-1440 to make a reservation. Prices range from $50 – $240.
