Eight months after riding lessons ceased at the Somerset County Park Commission’s Lord Stirling Stable, work will begin on planning how to go forward in the wake of its Covid-related shutdown, which resulted in curtailed offerings at the facility even when it finally was able to reopen its doors.
An advisory group has been created “to study and ensure future equine activities and programs at Lord Stirling Stable,” according to a statement from Somerset County and the county Park Commission.
The group “is made up of representatives of stable stakeholders and equine industry experts,” according to the announcement dated Dec. 31 and received on New Year’s Day, but no names of those on the committee have been announced.
The good news is that it indicates the property in Basking Ridge will continue to host equestrian pursuits, something that should reassure its many supporters, who were concerned it might permanently cease operations. The stable had been losing $500,000 a year, even before it shut down in April due to Covid and the school horses were sold. It has since resumed limited operations, but only those boarding horses at the barn can ride there now.
“Lord Stirling Stable is an absolute jewel of the Somerset County park system, and we are committed to maintaining it for the enjoyment of our residents and guests,” said Freeholder Melonie Marano. “I look forward to hearing the results of the stakeholders and experts on the advisory group for a going forward plan rooted in cost efficient, community inclusive programming.”
The first job of the advisory group will be developing a strategic business plan that identifies “necessary and desired programs for the future of the stable and a comprehensive financial road map for the future.”
“How exciting,” said Nancy Brown, president of the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable auxiliary group, on hearing the news today.
“We are pleased Somerset County Park Commission is planning to eventually reopen the stable to the public. We also look forward to having the park open to all Somerset County residents and guests with new programming. FLSS stands ready with volunteers willing to continue supporting the stable and the Park Commission as plans develop.”
Current activities and programs at the Stable will continue as they have throughout 2020, though at the reduced level necessitated by the COVID pandemic and executive orders from the state government. These include the boarding of horses, horse activity including use of the outdoor rings and riding along trails, regular organized dog walks, and more.
“Our goal is for every one of our parks to be a welcoming place for all Somerset County residents and guests to share in the beauty of nature and to have health and educational recreational opportunities,” said Park Commission Director Geoffrey Soriano. “Lord Stirling Stable is a vital component to reaching that goal, and we will work hard with the county to ensure its continued active service.”
Lord Stirling Park, on the western portion of the Great Swamp, has been designated solely for environmental and equestrian activities. The 429-acre former Astor property that forms the foundation of the stable basin was purchased by the Somerset County Park Commission on Dec. 21, 1967 to fulfill the Park Commission Master Plan designating that a riding stable be built in the northern part of Somerset County. Lord Stirling opened in the spring of 1969 with 30 horses.
The facilities on the 450 acres of Lord Stirling Stable consist of the main barn and office building, a viewing area overlooking the 80’ x 240’ indoor ring, a pony party pavilion, maintenance areas, and three outdoor rings — a dressage arena, a round ring and a stadium jumping ring. There are also 14 miles of trails in the fields and woods.
