All of my children love animals and horses are in a class of their own — there’s just something about an animal that you can ride. We’ve been planning the perfect day of horses for them and here are the details in case you have a child who likes horses too!
Stop in to visit Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg. In addition to lessons, arena rides and trail rides, they have animals that they encourage you to come visit. Like a petting zoo…sort of. Bring along cut up apples, some carrots and stale bread to share with the miniature horses, chickens, ducks and goats. You can also bring your own lunch to eat on their grounds.
If you want another place to try out horse back riding, Fort Harrison State Park has a space for children to take a pony ride in the arena. Parents are required to assist. If your children are a little older, you might try one of the 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 mile trail rides.
A fantastic weekday option is a visit to Prancing Ponies (1306 W 193rd St, Sheridan). On Wednesdays, Prancing Ponies offers Play Days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. $5 admission for pony rides, a petting zoo, and fun zone.
In the evening take a 25 minute carriage ride ($60). Be sure to make reservations because this is a very popular activity during the spring – fall. Dress for the weather! Carriage rides start at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Monument Circle and Steak ‘n’ Shake. Visit www.indycarriage.com orwww.blueribboncarriages.com for rates and info.
Another fun thing to check out with kids is the horse track. Our kids love watching the horses run around the track so quickly!
When all else fails, we get a quick “horse fix” by riding the penny pony at Meijer or riding the carousel at the Children’s Museum.