echo lake stables

Boarded my buckskin Quarter Horse Shanendoah at Kat's original family run stable (Westwind) in Pomptain Plains NJ back in the early seventies. She was and is the best horse person I've ever met. She just breathes it. When she sold Westwind and built Echo Lake, you just knew that it was the correct decision. No one does it better than she does, grab your kids and trek up Rte 23 and find this jewel. I promise you that you will not be disappointed.

I'm a horse person. That's an understatement. From the time I could talk I made up songs about BEING a horse (or a unicorn, which was the initial desire until I was old and cynical enough to modify my wish into something a tad more realistic). I begged my mom for every horse magazine available. I begged for horses so desperately she took me when I was eight on my first trail ride in Mexico and serenaded the trail guide in Spanish even though she is, shall we say, not exactly a horse person. Well, she created a bit of a monster. A horse-loving monster.I worked at a few ranches training and trail guiding and scooping poop (which I love to do), and before this becomes a bio instead of a review ("TOO LATE," you might be thinking), I will say this:I love Echo Lake Stable.For several reasons:It is unique to not have reserved (and possibly cancelled) trail rides. My friend and I showed up at 12:15 and we were on two horses with our excellent trail guide (I think her name was Miranda??? Oy, I'm terrible with non-horse names: long blonde hair, willowy, super kind and knowledgeable) at about 12:30. Amazing.Every single staff member was phenomenal. It had been a woefully long time since I'd been on a horse (five years!) and I was so so thrilled to just be around them again. And the place is gorgeous. And the horses are gorgeously kept. And the staff is great. I've been on ranch staff. They can be, shall we say, ornery. Everyone was awesome.The ride wound through beautiful leafy trails in a vast foresty place so pretty I expected fairies to pop out. And it was bloody hot today. But you wouldn't have known it in the breezy shade of the trails.The ONLY ONLY thing I would have changed is that there is one trail speed: walk. I love to trot and canter. But no worries. This is a horse experience. There is one priority: BE WITH HORSES. With everything else in perfect order, that's all that mattered in the end: being on a beautiful, happy horse in a gorgeous setting with a wonderful trail guide. And oh, did I mention the price? $35 for an hour, on-call, at your service, whenever you show up. That is unheard of. We charged $50 for 45 minutes at the ranch I wrangled at over a decade ago. The one I trained at six years ago was at about $100 for a half hour lesson.Go here. I'm so glad I did.

I recently went to Echo Lake Stables for the first time. We had a great experience. Myself and my two boys (ages 14, 12) went on a one hour trail ride. I have been on many trail rides before but basically we are all beginners. The trails were beautiful and shaded. The horses seemed well kept, the people were friendly, and the cost was very reasonable. My horse was very obedient, more than any other trail ride horse I've been on. I will definitely be back.I just read the review from Sandy about the ride and bonfire, sounds like a lot of fun! Didn't know they offered that but I plan to look into other activities there. Thanks!

Just returned from this place. What a fantastic night! One and a half hour horseback ride in the mountains followed by a hayride to a bonfire in the woods where we enjoyed burgers, dogs, roasted marshmallows and twinkies, a great dj and line dancing. Both of my teenage boys were dancing. I repeat, BOTH OF MY BOYS WERE DANCING! The staff could not have been nicer. Please consider this gem of an experience when you are looking for a fun way to spend an evening with family and friends. You will not be disappointed.

We took two of my granddaughters, ages 10 and 8, horseback riding here. Neither one had ridden before and we weren't sure how they would like it. We had been coming to this stable since their parents were young! It was a great morning. We did a 1/2 hour trail ride since this was their first time and they loved it and can't wait to go back for the 1 hour ride. The stable is clean and very welcoming. Prices can't be beat, $25.00 for 1/2 hour ride and $35.00 for the one hour ride. Can't wait to go back in the fall!

I've been riding since I was 5, and had my own horse growing up. I visited this stable with a friend for a 1 hour trail ride. Upon approach there are clean well-kept paddocks off on the right hand side of the ranch property. Ample parking. The facility is laid-back, clean and the horses are obviously well cared for with plenty of food during their turn outs. They are happy and content. The guide was wonderful on our ride and looked like a real cowboy. He stopped half-way and offered to take photos of us on the ride along with anyone else who may want photos with their camera or phone. It was a full our ride on up and down trails with some flat areas. Trails were picturesque and clean. It was quiet up in the woods - this was a Tuesday ride. Our ride was $35 per person, plus my friend and I each tipped generously as it was a very lovely ride. Easy to find, and fun. No nonsense kind of place. If you want to wear a helmet I would bring one to wear as I did not see any lined up or offered. You will find this location off of Route 23.