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Introduce your child to the joy of horses with a gentle hand-led pony ride at Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary in New Plymouth, Ohio. This 30-minute experience includes a mini lesson and feeding session, perfect for young riders under 50 pounds.
Introduce your child to the joy of horses with a gentle hand-led pony ride at Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary in New Plymouth, Ohio. This 30-minute experience includes a mini lesson and feeding session, perfect for young riders under 50 pounds.
Book with Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary
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Operated by Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary · New Plymouth, Ohio
Pony Time at Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary in New Plymouth, Ohio, offers a wonderful introduction for young children to experience horses in a safe, hands-on environment. Designed specifically for riders under 50 pounds, this private 30-minute adventure features a hand-led pony ride, providing gentle guidance and confidence-building for little riders. The session begins with a brief, engaging mini lesson where children learn about pony care and handling. After the ride, kids have the exciting opportunity to feed the ponies, creating lasting memories and fostering a deeper bond with these gentle animals. Located in the heart of Ohio’s countryside, Pumpkin Ridge emphasizes animal welfare and education, making each visit enriching for both children and their families. This activity is not only a delightful way to introduce children to equestrian activities but also a chance to enjoy time outdoors with animals that are well-loved and cared for. Families will appreciate the personal, attentive approach from the sanctuary’s experts, ensuring safety and enjoyment. Whether visiting for a special occasion or as a casual outing, Pony Time combines fun, education, and a touch of gentle adventure, ideal for little ones taking their very first steps around horses.
easy.
30 minutes.
Suitable for young children under 50 lbs with no special fitness required.
Pony Time is designed for children weighing under 50 pounds, typically toddlers and young kids.
The full experience lasts approximately 30 minutes, including the ride, mini lesson, and feeding time.
Yes, parents can walk alongside their child and the instructor throughout the pony ride for safety and support.
No prior experience is needed; this is a beginner-friendly activity designed especially for young children.
Comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, and weather-appropriate attire are recommended to ensure safety and comfort.
Yes, private bookings are available and make a unique and memorable celebration for young riders.
Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary began as a local rescue to provide loving homes to retired and neglected horses in Ohio.
The sanctuary focuses on humane animal care and environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable farming and education.
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.
Book with Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary