The Paddock Club (Mendham, NJ)
The Paddock Club is located right near Jockey Hollow in lovely Mendham. It's certainly not the fanciest place, and of course, I mean that in the best way possible. Kids ride, get muddy and learn a ton from instructor Maria Banco who offers lessons and summer camp for kids 6+ (she'll happily offer lessons to the younger crowd though if you call..) She also offers one of the most affordable summer riding programs in the county that includes private lessons, arts and crafts, and swimming each day. 908-727-0283.

Watchung Stables (New Providence, NJ)
Watching Stables is located in the Trailside Nature Center and offers all the usual; trail rides, group and private lessons and horse shoes. Another neat perk most don't know about is that if you call up the stables and they aren't busy you can (for a small fee) take one of the horses out for a ride. I was able to lead my daughter around on one of those non-busy days and it was a lovely way to end our trip to the nature center! 908-789-3665.

Dapple Hill Farm (Whitehouse Station, NJ)
We've written about Dapple Hill farm before; it's nothing short of beautiful and the staff are some of the kindest people around. They offer private and group lessons, an indoor rink with heated viewing room (a luxury during the bitter months) and this spring they have several foals that were born and will be included in their summer program! 201-725-0047.

Horse Sense Therapeutic Riding Center (Howel, NJ)
Horse Sense offers all the usual and more; they have a class called “So you want a horse...” where kids can learn the basics of owning their own horse including; horse care, walking on a lead, mucking the stalls and basic riding. 732-910-7855.