Union County Celebrates 100 Years Of Equestrian Fun
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation are excited to announce the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Watchung Stable. The milestone event will take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Watchung Stable, 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside.
“Watchung Stable has long been a beloved part of this community. This celebration is our way of honoring the rich history of the Stable, the passionate and committed staff behind the scenes, and the joy it continues to bring to families today,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We welcome everyone to join us for a day filled with fun and adventure.”
The Watchung Stable Anniversary Celebration promises a day of exciting activities for all ages, featuring live music from New Jersey-based band enjoy!, a petting zoo, and guided barn tours where visitors can get hands-on experience brushing and grooming horses. There will also be a selfie station featuring some of the stable’s horses, engaging arts-and-crafts activities, and horse-riding demonstrations.
Watchung Stable has been a fixture in Union County since it opened in 1926. It has been owned and operated by the county since 1933. Originally located in Summit, the stable was relocated in 1985 to its current location to allow the completion of Route 78.
The complex houses nearly 100 horses, both county-owned and privately-owned, along with four riding rings, a show ring, and an outdoor hunter course. The facility is modern and barrier-free, including an isolation barn, paddocks, and ample storage for hay and straw.
The county has made several recent improvements to the facility, including the addition of Indoor Riding Rings to enhance accessibility for residents. In 2025, an Adaptive Riding Ring was added, providing opportunities for residents with cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges to engage in equine-assisted activities.
Visitors are welcome to explore the facility Tuesdays through Sundays during regular business hours. Guided tours and programs are available for groups, including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, preschoolers, and senior citizens. Please note that pets are not allowed at Watchung Stable.
About Watching Stables
Located in the Watchung Reservation, Union County’s Watchung Stable has a long and rich heritage. Owned and operated by the County since 1933, its goal is to provide the opportunity to learn how to ride, enhance equestrian skills or just enjoy the natural beauty of the 26 miles of bridle paths that weave through the Reservation, a 2,000-acre forest preserve.
The Watchung Stable complex consists of a main barn which houses nearly 100 County and privately owned horses, four riding rings, a show ring and an outside hunter course. A state-of-the-art facility, it is barrier-free and includes an isolation barn, paddocks, and a substantial hay and straw storage area.
The administration building includes, a general assembly room and a tack shop. Visitors are welcome to tour the facility at their leisure during regular business hours. Scheduled guided tours and programs are available for Girl/Boy Scouts, pre-schoolers, senior citizens, and organizations serving people with disabilities.