What ages can participate?

This event is for children ages 5–10, as listed in the booking details.

How long is the session?

Sessions run approximately 1–1.5 hours—typically 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

What is included with a ticket?

Each child receives a gentle pony ride, games with ponies, a Thanksgiving craft to take home, hot chocolate, and cookies.

Is parking available?

Parking is typically available on-site or on a nearby lane; staff will direct arriving vehicles at check-in.

Are tickets refundable?

Due to limited space, pony party tickets are non-refundable—please book carefully.

Can parents stay with children during rides?

Parents can assist with check-in and spectate; trained staff handle mounting and pony control during rides.

Thanksgiving Pony Rides in Galena: The Great Gobble Pony Bash

The Great Gobble Pony Bash is a short, joy-filled Thanksgiving event for kids held in Galena, Illinois. At 200 N. Brodrect Rd, Galena, IL 61036, the pony party runs as a morning session designed for children ages 5–10. In a half-day format (10:00 to 11:30 a.m.) small groups of up to twelve riders move through gentle pony rides, themed crafts, and warm treats—hot chocolate and cookies—so families can step out of their routines and into something seasonal and simple. What makes this experience stand out is its focus on young riders and holiday play rather than speed or spectacle. The ponies are handled one-on-one by trained staff, letting novice equestrians meet a calm animal in a controlled setting. The course isn’t a trail through wilderness but a fenced riding area on working property, framed by Galena’s fall colors and open pasture. Children learn basic grooming, approach etiquette, and how to sit confidently on a pony before each short, supervised ride. A hands-on Thanksgiving craft gives them a take-home reminder while the snack break—steaming hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies—keeps little hands warm. Practical details are intentionally tidy: tickets are limited to preserve a gentle pace, and organizers note that pony party tickets are non-refundable. That smaller group size means more instruction, safer interactions, and better photos. Parents should expect close supervision, brief briefing for guardians, and a compact schedule that works alongside other holiday errands or weekend plans. Arrival logistics are straightforward: arrive a few minutes early to check in at the meeting point, 200 N. Brodrect Rd, where staff will review safety basics and match each child to the appropriate pony. Parking is typically on-site or on a nearby lane; organizers will direct vehicles. Because sessions are short and focused, parents should plan only a light extra wait time. Tickets sell out for weekend holiday slots, so reserve spots in advance and note the strict no-refund policy. This event is a good fit for families visiting Galena who want an accessible outdoor activity that’s both festive and age-appropriate. It’s not a deep riding lesson or trail adventure, so those seeking a longer horseback experience should plan separately. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toe shoes for children, and a camera to capture the earnest concentration on tiny faces as they pat a pony or sip cocoa. The Great Gobble Pony Bash offers a memorable, low-stress way to begin the holiday season: a mix of animal connection, tactile crafts, and simple comforts in a small-group setting. If you’re in Galena with young kids between 5 and 10, this morning of ponies, cookies, and seasonal cheer is the sort of outing that becomes a family photo framed on a mantel for years to come.

About Shenandoah Riding Center

Shenandoah Riding Center, located in Galena, Illinois, is an equestrian facility offering trail rides, clinics, events, and short-term horse boarding. The center operates on well-maintained grounds in the Galena Territory and provides indoor and outdoor arenas, a renovated stall barn, individual tack lockers, and extensive trail access.

Guided trail rides include the Evening Experience Trail Ride that highlights rolling hills, scenic overlooks, and a concluding herd run. Seasonal family events such as the Memorial Day Pony Party and Horses & Hot Rods combine pony rides, games, concessions, and community-focused activities.

Educational opportunities include clinics and multi-day programs led by recognized clinicians. Examples are the 3-Day Beginner Cow Clinic with Matthew Jobe and horsemanship clinics by TJ Clibborn and Veronica Painter, covering liberty work, trick training, groundwork, and group trail exercises. Specialized events like Pony, Prosecco & Polaroids and the Harvest Trail Obstacle Course offer themed social and competitive experiences for adults and families.

Short-term horse boarding at Shenandoah Riding Center emphasizes comfort and convenience for horse owners, with heated viewing areas and access to arenas and forty miles of trails. The facility prioritizes horse welfare through structured amenities and supervised activities.

Visitors and riders can expect professional wranglers, structured programming, and clear safety practices. The center’s diverse calendar, range of services, and on-site amenities make it a reliable destination for riders of varying skill levels seeking recreational rides, instructional clinics, or family-friendly events. Seasonal scheduling and online booking options simplify planning, while staff maintain clear communication, guest support, and consistency.