|
Whether it's the exercise, getting outside, improving balance and coordination or the fun of having a friend who's 6 feet tall, horseback riding has a lot to offer kids. Several Delaware Valley farms and stables furnish ponies, which can thrill young children and spark an interest in horses. Other providers offer lessons, trail or arena rides, summer camps and therapeutic riding for kids with special needs. When choosing where to try horseback riding, one consideration is whether you want your child to form a relationship with a horse. Sarah Mongnoni, owner and manager of Labrador Hill Farms in Waterford, NJ, has strong views on this subject. "If you are not willing to take the time to get to know a horse on the ground — as an equal and companion and a partner — do not ride!" she says. "Riding is only 20 percent of horsemanship. The other 80 percent is a thorough exploration of the animals' intellect, emotions and behavior." |
Joanne Moore, who with her husband, Abe, has operated the Haycock Stables in Perkasie, PA, for 47 years, sees it differently. Although Haycock offers lessons, its primary emphasis is on trail riding in nearby Nockamixon State Park. Moore uses trail guides who "know all the horses and names and personalities. Most of the riders are beginners and without a guide, the horses just wouldn't go."
"Once you get to know your horse, feel free to request a favorite," she adds. In addition to whether rides are guided, she suggests parents find out where the riders go, and about safety equipment such as a hard hat. At Labrador Farms, trail riding is a function of lessons. "For independent riding off site, a minimum of two months of weekly lessons is expected," says Mongnoni. "Some kids take considerably longer than that to establish real control. Age is important also." If you think horseback riding might interest your child, have your questions ready and contact one of these providers. |
|||||||||
|
DELAWARE HORSE RIDING
C Line Stables Carousel Farm Riding Deer Antler Riding Camps Fair Hill Stables Sunset Stables Whispering Meadows Equestrian Center, LLC Windswept Stables |
PENNSYLVANIA HORSE RIDING
Ashford Farms Brigadoon Equestrian Center Chamounix Equestrian Center Durango Farm Epona Unlimited Foxhollow Farm Gateway Stables Haycock Stables Inc. Heaven's Gate Farm, LLC Hickory Run Farm Memory Lane Farm Pegasus Riding Academy Platz Horse Company Rainbow Ridge Farm Red Buffalo Ranch Reinbows End Farm Rosefield Farm Saddlebrook Equestrian Center Sandy Hill Farm Sebastian Riding Sheeder Mill Farm Special Equestrians Three Diamonds Stables Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc. WillowMay Farm Worcester Stables at Our Farm |
SOUTH JERSEY HORSE RIDING
A Yesterday's Dream D&D Stables Field of Dreams Farm Labrador Hill Farm & Studio Liberty Bell Farm MJP Stables North View Farm Riding High Farm Saddlebrook Ridge Equestrian Center Woodege Stables and Equestrian School |
||||||||