Black Horse Stable

Did you ever think about taking riding lessons? Well, the first step might be to step away from the refrigerator! After taking a look at the web site for Hillsborough's Black Horse Stable, I quickly discovered that the weight limit for lessons was 160 pounds. I don't imagine this cuts into their business very much, as the lessons are really geared to kids. In fact, Black Horse Stable runs some programs in conjunction with Hillsborough Recreation and the local Girl Scouts, who weigh nowhere near that much - even if it is cookie season.



On Saturday, Black Horse Stable hosted Family Fun Day, with volunteer help from the Girl Scouts of the Delaware Raritan Council and Rutgers University. This event was one of the many outings throughout the year for kids with special needs and their families that is presented by the Organization for Autism Research.


Kids learned about saddles and tack and feed, and then got a chance to meet some of the horses.



We got to visit the horses in their stables....




...and learned all about grooming.




But the best part of the day was getting up in the saddle for a long ride inside the barn and outside around the grounds. If your kids are used to riding a pony at the carnival or fair, they will be amazed at what a difference it is to be on a full-sized horse, twice as high off the ground!




All of the kids and their families had a great day, thanks to Black Horse Stable owner Arthur Stafford Taylor, his staff, and all of the volunteers. And even though I'll never weigh 160 again, the smiles on the kids' faces are enough for me.