First Farm Inn

During the two-hour horsemanship experience, you'll learn grooming basics and help tack up. We help you mount and fit the saddle to you before heading to the riding arena where we work on becoming the horse's leader and crossing the species line to communicate when we want stops, starts and turns.

Then we head for the hills, along the ponds and through the woods to see what kinds of farm animals, birds and wildlife we can see. The experience ends with removing tack, feeding treats and bathing or grooming, depending on the weather and the day's schedule.

Please do not ask to ride if you weigh over 225 pounds or if you are not physically fit enough to get up on a horse. Anyone who is fearful may be led on horseback. (We've helped numerous people recover from negative experiences with horses elsewhere.)

Riding is physically strenuous and requires good posture, balance, concentration, thoughtfulness and the ability to listen.

Dress for the weather and expect to get dusty and smell like horses. Wear straight-legged jeans (you will be uncomfortable in sweats, silky, baggy, tight or low-cut pants) and hard-soled shoes (but not cleated hiking boots). Before you come to ride, practice good posture, stand against a wall, heels, head and shoulders touching. Posture is the key to balance. Balance is the key to riding.

Please try to arrange riding as much in advance as possible, although sometimes it's possible to get in on a ride the day you call.

Even the quietest horses can be unpredictable. By coming to the farm, you accept responsibility and all liability for your experience on the ground or riding. You may bring carrots or apples as treats if you'd like. Overnight boarding is available.