FOUNDER’S SPRINGTIME BLOG

First Day of Spring 2010!!!!


Spring has sprung here at Pony Farm. As I sat outside my little Cottage yesterday, overlooking the beautiful hay field in front, the paddocks of ponies on all sides, and a ring full of horses being schooled to start lessons this week, my heart was brimming over to welcome spring this year. The robins, all 18 of them, mightily picked the worms that would help the hay grow tall and firm. The clouds rolled by over the drying up mud puddles and the snow banks ebbed away, leaving greening grass, tender sprouts of crocus and snow brights in their wake.
What more could a body want on a sunny Sunday filled with joy and wonder of the seasons on a farm!!!!

The only thing missing in this springtime splendor was YOU! We are ready, eager and excited to be kicking off our lesson programs this week. Despite depressing nightly news on every channel, I am delighted to announce that Pony Farm and Horse Power have a full lesson riding, driving and horsemanship program….with a waiting list! It thrills me that people are taking the time to join together to do something fun, interesting, healthy and outside. Hooray for our students and staff. The horses may still be shedding and getting into their ‘fit zone’ but they are most eager to welcome you a’board. Let’s all enjoy the coming warm weather together as we stretch those winter muscles, clear out the cobwebs in our brains, and rekindle lovely friendships with fellow animal lovers here at the farm.

Plans are also taking shape nicely for our upcoming Pony Farm residential summer riding camp, proudly in its 39th year of successful operation. Where does the time go?!? We have an excellent fill for camp this year. However, we do have a few spots remaining in the first and last one week session, so if you have not yet had a taste of the ‘crème de la crème’ of summer riding experiences, call the farm number today at 603-654-6308 and snag one of those last bunks for your kiddo. I guarantee you will not regret your decision…..

We are also gearing up for our Annual Father Daughter Weekend (April 9th to the 11th) and Family “Spring Fling” Weekend (May 14th to the 16th). Young or old, or somewhere in the middle, we highly recommend taking a ‘weekend away’ and experience the sights, sounds and joys of the farm from early morn to the starlit night. We will eat yummy food, ride with gusto, jump, trail ride, vault, carriage drive, have a picnic ride if the weather permits, play with the small animals, eat some more, build a bonfire, cook S’Mores and sing our hearts out to the moon. What a simple, fun, pleasant and refreshing way to welcome in the spring and the season of earthly delights.


One of my personal favorites of both weekends is to prepare the three main farm gardens using the draft horses and a plow. Imagine walking behind one of the big, friendly draft horses, holding the reins steady while we steer that plow straight and narrow, making the furrows which will soon grow flowers and vegetables for us to enjoy together…. Join us to share in the special magic of these weekends. For first time campers, it is a great way to get ‘your feet wet’ at the farm with Mom or Dad right by your side. For older campers, it is the perfect way to come
‘back one more time’ before that resume building summer job beckons. For family, friends, and relatives, it is just plain a good time to share the simple, peaceful joys of being on a working farm. Do call today to reserve your spot. Kris or Lauren will happily fill you in on the details. The number is 603-654-6308. Join us for a great time.

Pony Farm is also offering two professional development clinics/workshops this spring. The first is a Centered Riding Workshop (May 7th and 8th) to be facilitated by well known and revered Heidi Potter, Level IV Centered Riding Clinician. Heidi is top drawer and a truly gifted teacher. Whether you wish to hone your skills to the next level, or are dealing with fear and anxiety as you return to riding as an adult, Heidi is the clinician for you. Bring your own horse or use one of ours…..Lodging is on site at our wonderful log cabin lodge, filled with all the comforts of home. Call Lauren or Kris today for more details and sign right up….The price is right!

The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) is also hosting its annual five day clinic (June 7th to 11th) and certification workshop here at Pony Farm. This is an exquisite educational experience for anyone wishing to learn how to teach group riding lessons more effectively. It covers all the topics needed to truly excel at teaching riding and horsemanship in either the English or Western disciplines. In a supportive, warm, welcoming and knowledgeable atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, teachers of all levels will hone their skills and greatly advance their knowledge. Do find out more about this important clinic today. Call 603-654-6308 and let us talk you into coming. You will not regret it for one minute.

I hope that the whole spirit of this Blog makes you glad that springtime has sprung! Hurry up and come visit. As the ring footing dries out, the fences get painted, and the horses leg up, we can’t wait to ‘sit a spell’ and visit with you, catch up on your news, tell you about all the many exciting changes in the works here at the farm and dream of the coming of our 40th year of successful operation. Wow….there are great things in store and we will surely be letting you know about all the creative, important, exciting, challenging and thrilling things that are bubbling just under the surface of the farm….Like the beautiful flowers about to bloom, the farm is alive and well….just waiting to burst forth with new life, vim and vigor. It is all most exciting. I can’t wait get back up on a horse with YOU!!!! Hurry up and come visit.

Warmly and with joy,


Isabella (Boo) Martin, Founder & Executive Director