06/03/2026
Love this. The iceberg analogy applies here, all the stuff under the water that you dont see to prep for that "quick ride".
One of the most common questions we receive is:
“Can we bring our child by for a quick pony ride to see if they like it?”
We completely understand where this comes from. Horses are exciting, and committing to lessons or camp can feel like a big step. Wanting to “try it out” first makes perfect sense.
However, what many people don’t realize is that a pony ride at our farm is not a quick or simple activity.
To safely give even a short ride, we must:
• Catch the horse from the field
• Groom and prepare them properly
• Tack them up
• Supervise/lead the child while riding
• Untack, care for, and return the horse
This process takes about an hour—the same as a lesson—and requires trained staff, planning, and appropriate scheduling.
Additionally, most of these requests come:
• Last-minute
• On Saturdays (our busiest day)
Unfortunately, that makes it impossible for us to accommodate safely or fairly without disrupting scheduled students and the care of our horses.
And just as importantly—our horses are not “ride machines.” Their time, energy, and well-being matter deeply to us. We structure their workload carefully to keep them happy, healthy, and willing partners.
So what can we offer?
We’d love to welcome you to the farm!
• You are always welcome to visit, meet the animals, and see our environment
• If your child is ready to try riding, we offer a “try-it-out” lesson
This gives your child a real, safe, and positive introduction to horses—with proper instruction and support—rather than a rushed or incomplete experience.
Our goal is not just to see if a child likes it…
It’s to help them fall in love with it the right way.
Thank you for understanding and supporting the care of our horses and the quality of our program.
Ms. Hannah
www.wildewoodfarm.com
Www.wildewoodfarm.com
