What age groups are the pony rides suitable for?

Pony rides are mainly for children between 2 and 12 years old, with weight limits under 90 pounds.

Can adults participate in pony rides?

Adults can't ride ponies but can join the new equine encounter designed for ages 12 and up.

Is prior horse experience needed?

No experience is required; all grooming and handling skills are taught during the session.

Are these activities available year-round?

Yes, but availability and the nature of activities can vary seasonally due to weather.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Visitors can bring snacks and water; hot dog roasts and campfire add-ons are offered for extended stays.

Are sessions private or group-based?

Sessions are typically small groups, but private booking options may be available upon request.

Pony Rides & Adult Equine Encounters at Jireh Hills

Tucked into the rural edges of Alvinston, Ontario, Jireh Hills Family Homestead offers a distinctly hands-on equine experience designed for all ages. This isn’t your typical pony ride operation; it’s a genuine opportunity to deepen your understanding and connection with these approachable, gentle ponies, from the pint-sized Sapphire and Champ Chickadee to the larger Meadow and Winchester. The homestead’s Pony Brigade invites families and adult riders alike to get involved at a pace that suits their curiosity and skill.

For kids weighing under 90 pounds, the family-friendly pony rides are an ideal way to introduce young adventurers (ages 2–12) to the rhythms of caring for and riding ponies. Participants don’t just hop on and go—they learn to groom, halter, saddle, and even design an obstacle course tailored to their pony’s temperament. This interactive format cultivates respect for the animal’s needs and natural behavior, transforming a simple ride into a memorable, educational encounter.

New in 2025, the Adult Equine Encounter provides an enriching experience for pony enthusiasts aged 12 and up who want more than just a ride. This session focuses entirely on grooming, leading, and communicating with ponies, emphasizing emotional connection and practical equine skills. It’s well-suited for older children, teens, and adults seeking a meaningful, low-impact outdoor activity that touches on animal behavior and stewardship.

Jireh Hills thrives as a local outdoor destination by bridging family-friendly activities with authentic, hands-on agriculture. The undulating farm landscape and approachable animals create a peaceful setting where visitors can momentarily shift out of urban routines to meet and work alongside these charismatic ponies. Whether you're tucking children into a pony saddle or gently leading a pony through an obstacle course, the experience fosters genuine connection — making Jireh Hills a standout spot in Ontario’s rural adventure scene.

About Jireh Hills Family Homestead

Jireh Hills Family Homestead is a family-run farmstay and education homestead located in Alvinston, Ontario. It offers a mix of overnight stays, hands-on workshops, and animal encounters designed for families, groups, homeschoolers, and learners of all ages. Accommodation options include two nature lodges — “The Slumbering Alpaca,” a newly constructed lodge with modern comforts, and “The Sleepy Goat” — plus a 32' glamping RV called the “House on Wheels” available mid‑April through late October. Overnight guests can also choose farm camping with BYO RV or off‑grid sites.

Onsite experiences focus on practical skills and farm connection: hands‑on cheesemaking classes teach fresh feta, cheddar, and kefir and include traditional goat milking; a goat’s‑milk soap workshop offers “farm to tub” crafting; and goat‑keeping classes introduce basic animal husbandry. Animal encounters include goat snuggles, alpaca meet‑and‑greets, pony rides for children, equine encounters for adults, and the family favorite “Whiskers, Hooves & Paws” farm immersion tour.

Educational programming includes the Little Farmers fall session (four weekly classes) and the “Kindred Co‑op” homeschool farm school experience. Several programs are customizable for special needs and support local children’s programs. Jireh Hills emphasizes hands‑on learning, small‑group experiences, and authenticity—combining comfortable lodging, practical workshops, and supervised animal interaction in a rural Ontario setting. The homestead provides safe, guided interactions with animals, clear pre-booking information, and optional add-ons like goat milk soap making and adult equine grooming sessions. Visitors often combine an overnight stay with daytime classes to maximize learning and family bonding on the property. Bookings are available seasonally online.