Union County Improvement Authority Invests $5.5 Million into Enhancing Watchung Stables and Building Adaptive Riding Ring

On Thursday, December 18, UCIA and Union County Commissioners participated in a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the $5.5 million renovation of Watchung Stables, which includes a new Adaptive Riding Ring.

Mountainside, New Jersey – The Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, December 18 to unveil the comprehensive upgrades to Watchung Stables in Mountainside. A Union County landmark for more than a century, Watchung Stables has long served generations of residents, and the completion of $5.5 million in renovations ensures it will continue to provide important benefits.

A central feature of the upgrades is the construction of a new Adaptive Riding Ring, which expands access to equine-assisted therapy and recreation for individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. The new Adaptive Riding Ring – the first-of-its-kind at Watchung Stables – is designed to foster an inclusive, supportive environment for individuals across Union County with varied needs, including people who are on the spectrum, as well as veterans and others experiencing PTSD.

“UCIA’s investments will ensure that Watchung Stables continues to serve as an inclusive, accessible resource for all Union County residents for generations to come,” said Bibi Taylor, Ed.D., Director, UCIA. “We look forward to seeing the meaningful benefits the Adaptive Riding Ring will provide residents with diverse needs from across the county.”

Equine-assisted therapy and adaptive riding programs have been shown to improve balance, flexibility, confidence, and socialization – offering benefits that extend well beyond the ring. Construction on the Adaptive Riding Ring began in September 2024.

"Our equestrian community is absolutely thrilled to welcome an adaptive riding program. There is no doubt that the benefits of being around horses go far beyond recreation — they foster confidence, connection, and healing,” said Brigid Robertshaw, President of the Watchung Stable Auxiliary. “There's a growing demand for inclusive programs like this that are tailored to meet individual abilities and needs. Adaptive riding opens the door for more members of our community to experience this joy and empowerment - it is wonderful the county recognizes this, and we are proud to support it."

This project builds on the last major modernization of Watchung Stables in 2016, when the County constructed an energy-efficient indoor riding ring, renovated or built three outdoor riding rings and six paddocks, installed new fencing and landscaping, and added new barn doors to improve energy efficiency during the winter months.

The ribbon-cutting was attended by UCIA Commissioners and Union County Commissioners.

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About the Union County Improvement Authority

The Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA) plans, develops and manages public improvements in Union County. The UCIA’s role varies from project to project and includes planning and permitting, selection and oversight of design/development teams, requests for proposal and contract administration, contractor oversight and coordination, infrastructure construction and post-construction monitoring. The UCIA is unique because of its financing capabilities and extensive project management experience. This distinctive combination enables the UCIA to provide assistance to ensure public projects are completed in a cost-effective and professional manner. For more information about the UCIA, visit https://ucimprovementauthority.org/.