Have horses and thinking of moving Eastern Pennsylvania area, but not sure if the area is equestrian friendly? It certainly is horse friendly even with the development going on.
You will find many events, clubs and things to do involving horses.
Do you have horse crazy children wanting to learn about horses? There are clubs geared toward the youth to learn about horses and their care, such as numerous 4H horse clubs and local chapters of US Pony Club, both of which I have been involved with. They offer excellent programs for the youth, even if you do not own a horse.
Are you an adult craving to learn more about horses? No problem. The Lehigh Valley Horse Council offers many opportunities to learn about horses. At their bi-monthly meetings there are speakers or demonstrations (during the nicer months) on assorted topics. For instance, this year, there is a Native American pony painting demonstration scheduled. And the speakers are many ranging from topics such as traveling with your horse, caring for an elderly horse and even what to do in case of an emergency.
You will find numerous riding stables in Eastern Pennsylvania, where riding lessons are taught in any discipline (English pleasure, Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Western, etc.) and at any level. You can also learn driving (no, not driving a vehicle, but driving a horse and cart). You can bring your own horse or, if you don’t have one, most of the stables do have lesson horses you can use.
Don’t have a horse but enjoy working with horses? There are many volunteer opportunities available in the area. Many events and shows are held during the year that are always in need of volunteers. Or, you may assist with the handicapped riding programs. (Training for this program is provided by the stable.)
Enjoy working with kids and horses? 4H horse clubs and programs are always looking for volunteers. You don’t even need horse knowledge. You just need to be over 18 and willing and able.
Enjoy just relaxing with your horse with a nice trail ride? Eastern Pennsylvania offers several areas with horse trails for different levels of riding. Ride and relax on the horse trails in Jacobsburg State Park in the Nazareth area, or go for a historic ride through the battlegrounds of Gettysburg. On a nice weekend, you will meet numerous horse people out on the trails.
What if you enjoy horse showing instead of trail riding? Many shows are offered in Eastern Pennsylvania, from small schooling shows all the way up to circuit shows and upper level shows. The Devon Horse Show in Devon, PA, and the Penn National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA just to mention a few. There are also rodeos that you can attend in the area. Something for everyone.
The Bucks County Horse Park in Bucks County has much to offer, also. There are riding rings, cross country courses, trails, and even schooling shows. All available to its members.
Interested in pursuing a career with horses? Pennsylvania offers that, too. Delaware Valley College offers many agricultural courses as does Pennsylvania State University (which has many campuses throughout the state, with the main campus being in State College), along with other smaller colleges throughout.
Wait, I’m not done yet. Just want to sit back and relax? Eastern Pennsylvania also has a polo team. Every weekend during the summer you can go down to Bucks County to see a polo match played at Tinicum Park. Let me tell you, that is quite exciting. Wow!!
As you can see, there is much available for the horse enthusiast in Eastern Pennsylvania, even with the rapid development occuring in the area. I guess the difficult part will be deciding what to do first.