Special Experiences for Children
Children & Ponies
a magical combination
The Pony Ride Experience
Children ages 2 and older are invited to spend a magical hour learning all about ponies in a calm, welcoming farm setting. During the Pony Ride Experience, children discover how to safely interact with ponies, what they eat, how they’re groomed, and how to care for these gentle animals — all at a relaxed and joyful pace.
There is plenty of time for riding, along with attentive guidance to help children feel confident and safe every step of the way.
What makes this experience especially meaningful is that each visit is customized to meet children exactly where they are. Some children arrive bursting with excitement, while others may feel shy, cautious, or unsure around animals or new environments. Both are perfectly welcome here.
Many parents are surprised to see how children who begin quietly observing or holding a parent’s hand gradually relax, smile, and build confidence as trust develops naturally with the ponies. There is never pressured to perform or rush. Children are invited to move at their own comfort level, whether that means watching first, helping groom, leading a pony, or eventually enjoying a ride when they feel ready.
The ponies have a special way of helping children feel calm, capable, and proud of themselves. By honoring each child’s pace and personality, the experience often becomes a gentle confidence-building moment that families remember long after the visit ends.
Our goal is not performance — it is connection, comfort, and positive experiences that help children feel successful in their own way.
Pony Ride Experiences are held at the beautiful Taylor Hillside Farm & Ranch, surrounded by the rolling hills of Newberg’s world-class wine country. This backdrop creates a peaceful setting where children can slow down, connect with nature, and experience the joy of being with ponies.
NOTE: Up to 60-pound weight limit for The Pony Ride Experience.
NOW AVAILABLE for BOOKING in 2026
BOOK NOW your child’s Magical Pony Ride Experience
“Thank you for providing our daughter Eleanor with such an enjoyable experience with Black Beauty. Eleanor is still talking about it and is anxious to get back on the horse soon. You guys did an incredible job making her feel comfortable around the ponies. I am amazed how much she was able to do in just an hour.”
“My daughter learned more in one session with Oregon Dream Ponies than she learned in all of her lessons she has taken so far.”
“I just wanted to say how thankful I am for today’s lesson with Samantha. You were absolutely incredible with her. The grace and patience you showed when she got emotional honestly meant the world to me. Watching you gently guide her through that tough moment is something I’ll never forget. The most important lesson she learned today, how to push through when things get hard, is one that will stick with her for a long time. When she came home and told her dad and brother all about D and what you taught her, it was so clear you left a special mark on her heart. You are such a gift to the kids you teach. Thank you again for your time and your kindness.”
Lessons - “Pony Discovery Sessions”
Lessons with Oregon Dream Ponies are offered as “Pony Discovery Sessions” and follow the experienced based model like “The Pony Ride Experiences”. These sessions are available for children starting as young as 3 years old. Your child is immersed in the world of horses with rich experiences exposing them to a whole array of equine activities including Western Riding, English Riding, bareback riding, horse care, groundwork experiences, tricks and more.
Horses(and ponies) are beautiful life lesson teachers reflecting to us what they see, hear and feel. The greatest success comes when children learn how to connect with the horses. Peaceful, calm, patience, kind ways fill the air as children develop a bond enriching their souls for life.
Sign-ups available now with session series starting in April. Scheduling and pricing are the same as The Pony Ride Experience.
Lessons are held on Fridays and Saturdays and are offered in a series of 3 one-hour sessions.
Email connect@thejoypathway.com with questions or sign up HERE for email notification when scheduling and other opportunities are available.