Have you taken your child horseback riding? Marmon Valley Farms in Zanesville offers trail rides for children as young as six years old. We went with a slew of little girls, and I was impressed by how Marmon catered to children. The riding instructor gave easy to follow instructions, they offered ponies and horses (depending on your size and fear factor), and the trail ride was the perfect distance for littles whose attention span was short. Horseback riding should definitely be added to your summer bucket list.
The farm was an easy shot out 33 West and about 45 minutes to an hour from Columbus. They provided different packages depending on the number of people in a group. We made reservations a month in advance for a group of about 25 people, but groups do not need to be that big. 
You can go with a family of three or four.
Marmon Valley Farms was well taken care of and had lots to explore. Some parents stayed behind with younger siblings while their older child rode, and there was plenty for them to do. Just think of ponies, goats, bunnies, and deer to pet and feed. Deer love dandelions and there was a machine where corn could be purchased for 25¢. A play area that resembled a barn kept the children busy too, in addition to the swing sets and other outside fun. Marmon also had $5 pony rides for younger children.
Children 18 and under were required to wear helmets. Being a good role model (even though I wanted to opt out…I like to live on the wild side…?) I put my helmet on too. With helmets on and eagerness in our hearts it was time for the crash course on commands and how to ride. Trainers picked the horses for us and each person got hands on attention getting onto the horse and a basic tutorial.
The horses were lovely, docile and well-trained, but we were reminded they are “still animals” and have unique personalities. They prepared our children and informed them that horses may bend over for a nibble or a drink, or try to walk/gallop ahead of other horses. A little advice here – please tell your child to stay calm if the horse decides to eat/drink or gallops ahead. The Marmon staff is excellent and will lead horse and rider back with the group or to the barn. No freaking out, please.
Once we were all prepped, we headed out into the arena to practice. This was the time for scared children or nervous adults to back out – no one backed out. The horses and staff were awesome. All in all, we probably spent about two hours getting prepared and taking the ride. Back at the barn we dismounted, said good-bye to our horses, and headed in front of the main building for a hay ride. A weenie and s’mores roast followed and then we were on our way back to Cbus.
Marmon Valley Farms offers individual horseback riding, summer camps, “Mommy and Me” weekends, and birthday parties. For more information, please click here.
Marmon Valley Farms
7754 State Route 292S
Zanesville, OH43360
937-593-8000
Plan a trip:
- Call ahead and make reservations – be sure to inquire about packages that may help your party save $$.
- Wear long pants and sturdy shoes.
- If your child freaks out, it is okay. It happens. Just be sure to state up front that your child is nervous. That way they will put them on a smaller horse or pony. My girl rode a short pony named Buttercup.
- Bring sunscreen and water, lunch or snacks (they have plenty of picnic tables).
- Bring quarters for the food machines to feed animals.
- Bathrooms are located in the main building. There is also a gift shop, so be prepared.
- Strollers would be okay, just a rocky ride in some areas.
- Bring hand sanitizer – especially for after feeding animals (my son is always putting his fingers in his mouth…or up his nose..)
- Don’t forget your camera.
