Monastery Stables — Local services in Philadelphia

MonasteryStables, dba Kitchens Lane Stables, is a hidden gem within Phila city limits. It abuts Forbidden Drive and has numerous hiking trails connecting the grounds. The complex which comprises the large barn and surrounding fields horse turnouts and riding arena, the Mansion, and the cottage with another smaller barn behind it located next to the Kitchens Lane public parking lot. The complex is privately leased from Phila by Friends & Stewards of the Monastery, a non-profit organization responsible for upkeep of the complex. Kitchens Lane Stables manages the barn which currently houses 21 horses and two miniature donkeys, all privately owned but taken care of by a terrific and devoted paid staff. Hikers are welcome to visit the horses while they're outside during the day, however there is no public parking on the grounds and vehicles are not permitted beyond the Kitchens Lane public lot. There are also no public restrooms available, but there are plenty of trees in the...

Monastery Stables is a site steeped in history and equestrian tradition. Built in 1747, it stands on the grounds where the Brethren Church in America first began. The stables are part of the historic stone house known as The Monastery, located on Wissahickon Creek at Kitchens Lane. While its monastic connections are more legendary than certain, the area was once home to German mystic Johannes Kelpius. Today, the stables are maintained by a local nonprofit organization, continuing the legacy of horseback riding and care within the lush...

I used to love coming here to see the horses and the people were so friendly and happy to teach me about their horses. The new management is awful. Very unwelcoming and the managers scream at people for no reason. The barn manager doesn’t seem to know what she is doing and there were horses out of the paddocks in the open field by themselves! That seems incredibly unsafe. I saw some manager yelling at one of the riders and telling her she was the boss, super unprofessional. What a huge loss for...