Horses Receive Gold Medal Care

Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, has been selected as a “Gold Medal Horse Farm” by the New Jersey Equine Environmental Stewardship Program (NJEESP).

Lord Stirling Stable, located at 256 South Maple Avenue, is only the fourth facility in the state to earn this honor.

The NJEESP is a joint project of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University (NJAES), the Rutgers Equine Science Center, and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA).

The Gold Medal Horse Farm program and award recognizes outstanding equine farms for management practices; stewardship of the land; the health, safety, and well-being of the horses; programming; and dedication to environmental sustainability. Further, it underscores the efforts of the New Jersey equine industry to maintain the beauty of the Garden State.

“Stable staff works very hard to ensure that we take proper care of our horses, protect our land, and provide a rewarding riding experience for our guests,” commented Stable Manager Marge Margentino. “The Gold Medal Award is a tribute to their efforts.”

Established in 1968, Lord Stirling Stable is located on the site of the former John Jacob Astor estate within the Great Swamp Watershed. It is home to 80 horses and ponies and serves the recreational equestrian needs of Somerset and nearby counties.

The award recognizes the Stable’s accomplishments including a new Nutrient Management plan developed to benefit the stable and the entire park system. The on-site composting facility transforms manure and stable waste into an organic, nutrient-rich material which is used to fertilize the pastures and plants at all Somerset County Park locations

Additional management practices include non-chemical control of weeds, dragging pastures to break up manure, pasture renovation, and daily removal of manure from smaller paddocks and turnouts.

Lord Stirling Stable joins Woodhollow Farm (2014), D’Arrigo Racing Stable LLC (2013) and Showplace Farms (2012) as the state’s only Gold Medal Horse Farms.

For information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities visit www.somersetcountyparks.org. Or on Facebook and Twitter.