Fall Troop Program

1. Introduce participants to the lifelong recreational activity of horseback riding.
2. Teach basic knowledge and fundamentals of good horsemanship.
3. Encourage good sportsmanship and friendship.
4. Teach the English style of riding according to the accepted standards of hunt seat equitation.

Instruction is a “do-it-yourself” technique.  Experienced instructors explain and demonstrate, but each trooper is in control of his or her own mount.  Troopers are assigned to squads according to their riding ability as determined by the Stable management.  New members with previous riding experience will be asked to exhibit their riding ability prior to squad placement.  Horses are specially selected for squads based upon their suitability to a particular level of riding.  Troopers will ride a different horse each week and will experience a variety of sizes and temperaments.

Will be held October 28, 29 & 30 for ratings D2 and higher. Separate Horse Show Registration forms and payment must be submitted to participate. Troop classes will not be held on these dates. Beginners will have their own show in their last class. Each participant will be awarded a ribbon based on the order of their finish starting with 1st place.

There will be a new riders meeting, sponsored by the Watchung Stables Auxiliary, sponsored by the Watchung Stables Auxiliary, on Tuesday September 6, 2016 at 6:30 PM to introduce new members into the program.

All troopers must wear the following: ASTM/SEI certified equestrian riding helmet with a fixed harness, a powder blue long-sleeve shirt with a Watchung Troop Insignia, a yellow or gold neck-tie and a riding crop.

Additionally, all troopers rated D2 or higher must also wear jodhpurs and paddock or jodhpur boots, or breeches and tall boots. Brown or black half chaps are permitted for troop, not for horse shows.

Only first season beginners rated D4 may wear jeans or slacks and a hard sole shoe or boot with a heel. 

Bicycle or all sport helmets, sneakers, including riding sneakers, chaps or leggings. 

For Boys and Girls 9 years of age and older with or without previous riding experience.  All new members must present a birth certificate and proof of residence.

For ten lessons of riding instruction, one lesson per week.  Refunds will only be given prior to the second lesson of the troop.  If there is a refund made, there is a *$35.00 administrative charge plus the per diem cost per lesson taken.  Lessons are seldom canceled due to weather.  Troopers must have appropriate clothing available.  If severe weather occurs, troop will be canceled one hour prior to the ride.  Postponed lessons will be added to the end of the season, generally at the usual day and time.  Should a member be unable to attend a scheduled lesson, a credit will be issued ONLY if the Stable is notified at least two (2) hours in advance

Only 2 credits will be given for missed classes. Credits can be used to make up the session in another class or for ring rentals only. They will not be accepted for private lessons or clinics.

For Boys and Girls 9 years of age and older with previous riding experience.  Troopers must have achieved a riding rating of “A” or higher.   Class time 1 hour.

• Cost for County Residents: $350
• Cost for Non-County Residents: $450

Please note that there is no discount for any Sr. Troop Classes including a  second Sr. Troop Class.

Adult Troop Membership is for people 18 years of age or older and is offered for eight, one-hour rides on Tuesday morning and Sunday afternoon.

• Cost for County Residents: $300
• Cost for Non-County Residents: $390

Refunds will only be given prior to the second lesson of the troop. There will be a *$35.00 administrative charge if a refund is made.  Should a member be unable to attend a scheduled lesson, a credit will be issued ONLY if the Stable is notified at least two (2) hours in advance.

A maximum of two credits will be issued for each riding season.  No exceptions.  A riding helmet and shoes or boots with a heel are required. Students will be placed in one of the following riding classifications based on experience and the Stable management’s determination

• Beginner (BEG)
• Advanced Intermediate (AI)
• Advanced Beginner (AB)
• Advanced (ADV)
• Intermediate (INT)