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Community Corner

Horse Around at Ridley Creek State Park

Media Patch takes you to Hidden Valley Farm, where people of all ages can experience horseback riding.

The fall season is upon us, and so are the lovely days full of bright sunshine, crisp air and colorful leaves. It’s the perfect backdrop for a romantic stroll through a park, a family adventure picking apples and pumpkins, or a nice time to try a new outdoor activity, such as horseback riding. What many people don’t realize is how accessible and reasonably priced horseback riding is in the greater Media area.

Enter into off Sandy Flash Drive, and you are greeted by a charming farmhouse, rolling hills, and horses grazing on the lush grass. Hidden Valley Farm is a full-service equestrian facility that offers a variety of services and caters to all levels of people, from a child on his or her first pony ride, to highly educated and experienced equestrians who compete. 

Hidden Valley Farm offers a 4.7-mile trail that begins in Picnic Area #8 in the park, which is equipped with horse trailer parking as well. The facility, renowned for its intimate, family atmosphere, provides lessons, boarding, pony rides and parties, and a hands-on program.

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Lessons

Hidden Valley Farm has lessons for beginners through advanced riders. They have eight seasoned school horses, and a team of well-trained instructors to help students become successful both in the saddle and out of it. 

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Boarding

Currently, there are 35 horses and ponies at the farm. There are 40 acres of pastures available for the animals to roam, large stalls, two large training rings, a heated tack room for your equipment, and other tack-up areas, and outdoor washing areas.

Carol Rubin, one of the founding members of Friends of Ridley Creek State Park, lives on the perimeter of the park, and for years, rode her horse, Cookie Monster, through the trails. She boarded her horse at the farm and has nothing but positive things to say.

"It’s a wonderful place and they took very good care of my horse. They go by the rules, and keep everything very neat. Aesthetically, to see the horses grazing and to watch lessons in the arena, it’s heavenly really, quite beautiful," says Rubin.

Pony Parties and Rides

Pony rides for children of all ages run from the first weekend in May through the last weekend in October on the weekends. You can also celebrate your child’s birthday on the farm, which includes the rental of two ponies, and a fully-equipped party area and kitchenette.

Hands On the Horses

For kids six and older, the Hands On program allows children to learn about horses. The staff works with each child on the basics of horsemanship, grooming and tacking, plus the basics of riding.

For more information and pricing on lessons, boarding, children’s pony rides and parties, as well as other general questions, visit Hidden Valley Farm’s website.

Also, be sure to check out our other Ridley Creek State Park features, , the and the  

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