Northwestern Stables, Inc. (NWS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to connect people with horses, creating a community that fosters leadership, responsibility and self-confidence through horsemanship. NWS offers both boarding for privately-owned horses as well as high-quality riding lessons, training, and community programs for novice through advanced riders.
Located at the edge of Fairmount Park near the Wissahickon Creek and Chestnut Hill, the NWS facility has two barns housing approximately thirty horses, including the historic barn built in 1929 and fully renovated in 2009. The second barn is the former home of the Philadelphia Police Department Mounted Unit. They offer straw bedding in large box stalls and frequent turnout in numerous paddocks. NWS has a large outdoor arena surrounded by trees and a meadow, as well as a 100-foot by 160-foot lighted indoor arena with a base just leveled in December by Footing First, featuring a new European geotextile footing.
Excellent, experienced instructors focus on developing the full potential of each rider and horse. NWS boarders enjoy English riding and trail riding on the miles of trails in Fairmount Park, only steps away from the barn. NWS offers group and private hunter and equitation lessons to children and adults. Jumper and beginning dressage lessons will be offered in early 2017. In addition to boarding, training, and clinics, NWS enjoys activities such as hosting a summer camp, hosting the annual Fairmount Park horse show every May, public open barn days, field trips for community organizations, and participating in multiple holiday horse events.
As a nonprofit, NWS is dedicated to reaching out to the community and offering special programs (particularly for children and school groups) focused around horses. This engages the surrounding community and creates a special feeling of community amongst riders and boarders. For more information, call (215) 242-8892.