Bring your family to Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary for a delightful meadow ride and engaging farm animal tour. Perfect for young children, this safe adventure combines horseback riding with close animal encounters for a truly memorable outing.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for young children and adults of all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
New Plymouth began as a small agricultural community in the 19th century, with farming remaining a central part of the area’s heritage.
Conservation
Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary promotes humane care and rehabilitation of farm animals, contributing to local animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary
Bring your family to Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary for a delightful meadow ride and engaging farm animal tour. Perfect for young children, this safe adventure combines horseback riding with close animal encounters for a truly memorable outing.
Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary, located in New Plymouth, Ohio, operates as a working rescue sanctuary and riding center offering a range of guided equine and farm-animal experiences. The sanctuary provides supervised horseback rides through meadows, woods, and trails, pony rides for very young children, family-friendly meadow rides with farm tours, and focused trail options for more confident riders. Guests can also book dedicated visits to meet rescued horses, goats, and potbellied pigs, feed treats, and learn the animals’ stories in a sheltered, rain-or-shine setting.
All activities are led by experienced handlers who provide mini-lessons, pre-ride introductions, and safety guidance tailored to each guest. Several offerings outline clear guidelines for riders — for example, pony rides are intended for children under 50 pounds, while some trail rides are suited to confident children over 60 pounds. Options include shorter 30-minute visits, one-hour meadow rides, and longer 90-minute hilltop excursions, so families and individual riders can choose experiences that fit ability and comfort levels.
Pumpkin Ridge emphasizes personalized outings and adaptable pacing, with handlers modifying routes and instruction to match skill level. The combination of sanctuary interactions and guided riding makes the property welcoming for families, novice riders, and those seeking a hands-on rescue visit. Facility policies, rider thresholds, and on-site supervision aim to provide a safe, educational, and memorable visit for all ages.
Location
New Plymouth, OH
Rural sanctuary setting
Tours Offered
7 experiences
Rides and visits available
Animals on Site
Horses, goats, pigs
Meet rescued horses, goats, pigs
Trip Lengths
30–90 minutes
Short family rides to longer trails
Check trip details and rider guidelines, then book the experience that fits your group in New Plymouth, Ohio.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Closed-toe footwear protects little feet during the ride and while visiting the animals.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Arriving early allows time to get settled and hear introductory safety instructions from the handler.
Bring a water bottle
Keep hydrated, especially during summer months when outdoor activities can get warm.
Keep noise levels low
Soft voices ensure animals remain calm and the ride stays safe for all children.
Closed-toe shoes
Protects feet during the ride and animal tour.
Sunscreen
Blocks harmful UV rays for sun protection during the outdoor adventure.
summer
Light jacket
Keeps you warm during cooler spring mornings and evenings.
spring
Insect repellent
Helps prevent insect bites during outdoor activities.
summer