Horse Play: Trail and Wagon Rides

1) Take a trail ride in nearby Franklin Lakes at the Saddle Ridge Riding Center. Groups of 5 or less and by appointment only. Children must be 8 years old to ride. Trail rides are available 7 days a week. 1/2 hour ride is $40, 1 hour ride is $50. Lessons, birthday parties, and camps too. Call 201-847-9999.

2)  Guided horseback trail rides in the most scenic part of the East Coast. Legends Riding Stable has 350 acres of woods located  in Vernon, New Jersey. Experienced wranglers lead every trail ride. You can be any experience level to enjoy the horses and trails. Open all year, they do go riding in the snow, so make sure you dress warmly! Post-ride: Get something to eat at Kites in the Minerals Hotel across the street.

3) Spend a day being pulled by Clydesdale horses in Long Valley, NJ at Willow Grove Farm. Take a wagon ride with these gentle giants along the Columbia trail, passing through the farmlands of Morris and Hunterdon counties.  The wagon can take groups of 8 for a 1-2 hour ride through farm country.  This farm is in a beautiful location where you will want to relax and take in the sites. After your time with the horses: Travel over to the historic Long Valley Brew Pub for some food and drink. The Long Valley Pub and Brewery resides in a breathtakingly restored 200-year-old stone barn, and usually have live music in the outdoor garden on the weekends. WHAT TO BRING: Boots, and comfortable clothing. Bring shoes you wouldn’t mind getting messy. 

 DIRECTIONS:  458 West Mill Rd, Long Valley NJ.  An hour’s drive from Ridgewood, Take Route 80 West to exit 27A for Rt 206 into Chester and turn on County rd 513 traveling west.