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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for young children under 50 lbs with no special fitness required.
Wildlife
History
Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary began as a local rescue to provide loving homes to retired and neglected horses in Ohio.
Conservation
The sanctuary focuses on humane animal care and environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable farming and education.
Pumpkin Ridge Animal Sanctuary
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.
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 Comfortable Closed-Toe Shoes
Ensure your child wears closed-toe shoes to protect their feet around ponies and during the ride.
Arrive 10 Minutes Early
Arriving early allows for a calm introduction and ensures you don't miss important safety instructions.
Prepare for Weather Conditions
Check the forecast and dress your child accordingly; ponies are outdoors, and the activity runs rain or shine.
Respect Animal Space
Encourage children to be gentle and calm around the ponies to create a safe and positive experience for everyone.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Provides foot protection around ponies and during the ride.
Light Jacket
Keeps your child warm during cooler spring mornings or evenings.
spring
Sun Hat
Protects from sun exposure during warmer months.
summer
Bug Spray
Helps keep insects away for a more comfortable experience.
summer