March 28, 2024
Horseback riding around the Main Line

Make it the Year of the Horse!

 

There are any number of summer camp options for parents to consider these days. Probably enough horseback at Reinbow's End Farmto make your head explode! I see you nodding your head, so you know they range from computer camps, to science camps, to acting camps, to camps that teach you how to camp!?

I guess I was fortunate to have grown up in a time when summer meant ‘no more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks’ and we had roughly 3 months of freedom to sleep in late, play, swim, explore, build forts – and all without adult supervision. I felt sorry for the kids who had to go to summer camp. They just seemed to be missing out on all the summer shenanigans with the neighborhood kids. Maybe I was wrong.

Well, times have radically changed and a fair majority of children attend summer camp for one reason or another. I think it’s wonderful if it’s something they enjoy. But I also think kids should be allowed some room to stretch, to explore a passion, without the helicopter Mom and Dad hovering. You’re nodding your head again…you all know parents like that!

horseback riding2Animals are a passion of mine, as they provide a sense of balance and comfort in my life. They deserve our respect and compassion, which I learned at any early age from my parents, who were serious animal lovers. I had the opportunity to take horseback riding lessons in college and when I did, wished that I had done it earlier in life.

The art of horseback riding develops skills like coordination, self confidence, discipline, and definitely a sense of accomplishment which are true assets in any humans development. But it also gives you a sense of freedom and a chance to commune with one of God’s more gorgeous creatures. And THAT makes it a worthwhile adventure!

So this summer, even if you send your tykes to one of the camps that offers the usual fare, take time to check out some of the local horseback riding farms and camps just as an aside. You may find you have an Equestrian in the making – Devon can always use some new blood!

And even if they never bring home a blue ribbon, they may just thank you down the road for letting them ride wild and free. Giddyup!

(For more info on each of the Farms or Camps, click on the name to visit their website)

Reinbow’s End Farm

1086 Green Lane Road
Malvern, PA
T: 484-238-5939
email: reinbowsendfarm@gmail.com

Reinbow’s End Farm offers a variety of professional English riding lessons – for children (ages 4 and up) and adults – taught as private or group sessions. We instruct beginners thru advanced riders in equitation, hunters, and jumpers. With both indoor and outdoor riding arenas lessons are not weather dependent. Rain or shine – open year round (many evening classes available too)! Riders taking lessons at Reinbow’s End Farm are offered many added opportunities to enrich their talents with competitions, clinics, and special events that increase rider knowledge and skills. These activities allow our students to progress faster and master the requisite skills necessary to attain the next level in their riding. Our riders compete successfully at the local and national level and we are able to create an environment where riders of all ages and abilities can excel.

WillowMay Farm

5255 West Chester Pike
Newtown Square, PA
T: 610-240-9951
email: willowmayfarm@aol.com

Full boarding facility. Wonderful people relaxed atmosphere Adults and children welcome, we accept both mares and gelding we are a small family run farm that offers excellent care in a warm and friendly atmosphere. We offer full board with turn out paddocks (access to running water) our horses live in a happy herd environment. We live next-door to the farm so we are never far away. We have a wonderful team of professionals that service the farm. Chiropractor also a DVM, Dentist, Farrier – (Journeyman) and Vet. Of course you do not have to use them and are welcome to use your own. There are no extra fees for blanketing or holding for the professionals that service our facility. We have both indoor and outdoor arena and access to miles and miles of trails we boarder both Ridley Creek State Park & Radnor Hunt. Full board rate is $500 per month. We do have a junior show team & we attend Jumper shows, we also attend clinic’s and further training seminars for both horse/rider and staff. Please let me know if you would like to schedule a visit.

Fox Hollow Farm

Glenmoore, PA
T: 610-942-9001
email: info@foxhollow.org

Lessons are available at Fox Hollow Farm to children (ages 3 and up) and to adults. We instruct beginners thru advanced riders in hunt seat riding, beginning dressage and Western lessons including instruction in reining and cutting. Our instructors are friendly and knowledgeable and have a genuine interest in helping you learn. Our lesson horses and ponies have been selected for their kind natures and they come in all sizes, shapes and colors. These animals will keep you safe while allowing you to learn. We have horses and ponies for all levels of rider. Bring the whole family!

Book Family Farm

251 S. Sandy Hill Rd.
Coatesville, PA
Scottie Book
T: 610-857-9127
email: hallelujahhorses@verizon.net

We are a Christian based riding stable that provides Basic English hunt seat, and Western Riding Lessons by a CCHI certified riding instructor. We also have summer day camps and do Pony Parties for any occasion. Riders will have the time of their lives at the Book Family Farm Summer Day Camp. Children, ages 9 and up will learn everything from the basic care & feeding of horses to the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for good horsemanship.

Cairn O’Mount Stables

289 E. Boot Road
Malvern, PA
T: 610-220-8084
email: COMStables@gmail.com

Cairn O’Mount Stables is a full service horse facility operated by international event rider Susie Beale. We offer riding lessons, training, and boarding with a special focus on eventing. Whether you are beginning your riding experience or are an advanced competitor, you are promised an opportunity to ride and compete in a safe and fun environment. Located in the heart of beautiful Radnor Hunt country, we enjoy a year round competition schedule traveling to up-state New York in the summer and as far south as Aiken, SC, in the winter months. Our mission is to help our clients define and achieve their individual horsemanship goals.

Durango Farm

1469 Morstein Road
West Chester PA
Barn Phone: 610-344-0753
Joe Lerch Owner/Manager 610-416-3460 (mobile)
Beth Orem Owner/Trainer email: cactusbelle6@aol.com

We offer top notch care and instruction for horse and rider in a fun and relaxed environment. We specialize in hunters and hunt seat equitation and compete on both a local and national level. We are the proud home of several state champions and nationally ranked riders. Our setting is an ideal environment for both horse and rider. We are located on a beautiful 80 acre estate with large stream fed ponds and miles of lush turnout. Our deluxe facility offers both a large indoor arena and two all weather footing outdoor rings.

Laureleye Farms

528 Brandywine Creek Rd.
Coatesville, PA
T: 610-486-6943
email: zalidog@gmail.com

Our lessons are designed to teach the beginner through advanced riding skills and overall knowledge of horses in a fun low pressure situation. Safety is one of our main concerns so all lessons focus on the safety and comfort of horse and rider. Our riding lessons are primarily designed to teach adults and children about caring for the animals, riding safely and compassionately. We aim to give each rider a deep sense of pride, confidence and accomplishment.

Sunset Valley Farms

880 Valley Creek
West Chester, PA
T: 855-783-0301 toll free or 484-798-8365
email: maria@sunsetvalleyfarms.com

Sunset Valley Farm Equine facility located in beautiful in West Chester, Pennsylvania. We provide a variety of services throughout the year (boarding, Lessons, Birthday parties, summer camps, scout programs, and horse transportation.) Our beautiful setting allows for year round clean and spacious stalls, a lush turnout, riding areas, and recreational trails. Tired of having lessons in overcrowded rings with dozens of instructors who pay little attention to detail and your child’s riding ability? We specialize in teaching children in a fun and friendly manner that reduces stress and helps them learn quickly. At Sunset Valley Farm, we guarantee that during a private lesson, there will never be more than 2 instructors in the ring and no more than 4 students during a lesson.

Gateway Stables Riding Center

949 Merrybell Lane
Kennett Square , PA
T: 610-444-1255
Located in the heart of historic Brandywine Valley, Gateway Stables was founded in 1976 and continues to provide recreational horseback riding services to the public. Gateway is recognized for its safety practices, its multi-faceted programs and its rider to instructor / trail guide ratio. We offer english or western riding lessons 7 days a week, year round to both children and adults. No experience necessary.