Willow Grove Stable Inc.

08/14/2025

How many of us got our start and we continue to give back. We live this at Willow Grove everyday. ❤️🐴

She comes from a big, chaotic, love-filled family with five kids, a small farm, and a passion for horses that runs deeper than our pockets.

08/03/2025

Still wondering if you should get the pony? Wonder no more. 🐴✨

We’ve always known horses are good for kids—now the research proves it. 💡

A study sponsored by the American Youth Horse Council looked at young riders involved in 4-H, Pony Club, the American Quarter Horse Youth Association, and the National High School Rodeo Association. The results?

A significant positive relationship between horsemanship and life skills like decision-making, problem-solving, and goal-setting. 🎯🙌

This research, published in February 2006 and co-authored by Dr. Ann Swinker of Penn State University, confirms what every horse parent has felt in their bones: horses raise confident, capable, thoughtful kids.

So if your child loves animals and you want to help them build life skills that stick—yes. Yes to the pony. Yes to the barn boots. Yes to all of it. 🐎💕

08/02/2025

Pony Squishing 101: The Art of Friendship, Learning & Laughing on Horseback🐴💖

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like a little pony squishing to round out a summer day. Whether you’re riding ba****ck, backwards, or just plain being goofy, these ponies are the real MVPs—patient, fluffy, and slightly confused about what’s happening (but going along with it anyway, bless them).

And the best part? Doing it all surrounded by friends who cheer you on, squish beside you on ponies, and share your love for hay-scented adventures.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about riding—it’s about connection, confidence, and maybe a little dust in your boots.

07/16/2025

Someone to share your secrets with. No judgment—just ears and understanding.
⠀
There’s something sacred about the quiet moments with a horse.

When words don’t come, they don’t need to.
⠀
You can tell them anything—your worries, your wins, your heartbreaks, and your hopes—and they’ll just listen.

No advice. No interruptions. Just presence.
⠀
They won’t try to fix you.
They won’t tell you to calm down or be strong.
They’ll simply lean in closer, breathe you in, and remind you that you’re not alone.
⠀
In their company, the noise of the world fades.
⠀
There’s no filter. No pressure. Just trust.

And in that trust, something shifts. You start to feel whole again.
⠀
Maybe that’s the real magic of horses.

Not just what they carry on their backs, but what they carry in their hearts—for us.
⠀

07/11/2025

Why Kids and Horses?
⠀
“Lessons learned on the back of a horse are just more engaging and powerful to youth, yet they’re the same fundamentals we aspire to teach all youngsters.” - Trish Mrakawa
🐴

The difference is that, with horses, the kids are excited to see and learn these lessons—as opposed to receiving them as a command from parents or authority figures.
🐴

If your child likes animals and you’re concerned about that child’s problem-solving, goal-setting, or decision-making skills, definitely get him or her involved with horses.
🐴

As to developing kindness and empathy, Trish notes that having a horse counteracts a child’s natural self-centeredness.
🐴

“When youth are responsible for the care of a horse, they learn how to put others’ needs before their own and grasp the bigger picture of life,” she says.
🐴

And what a magical way to learn.

Are you interested in trying out some riding lessons for you and any members of your family drop a horse 🐴 in the comments or message us today.

07/09/2025

The Power of People Who Show Up

Behind every confident rider is a team that cheers louder, laughs harder, and always shows up.

From ring-side support to barn aisle pep talks, this crew proves that friendship, mentorship, and horse show vibes go hand in hand.

Together, we rise, ride, and occasionally share snacks in our show jackets. 💫

Huge thanks to Delyth, Holly, Cali and Ava for all the wisdom, heart, humour, and fun you bring to the team—on show day and every day.

07/05/2025

🎉 Maple Leaf Camp – Our Grand Finale! 🇨🇦🐴

The barn was bursting with red and white today as we wrapped up Maple Leaf Camp with a full-on Canadian celebration!

Our campers got creative decorating horse shoes and their horses (glittery hooves included ✨), and showed off their skills in a fun showcase for proud family members.

From obstacle courses to horse trivia, grooming to group games, these riders displayed teamwork, bravery, and barnyard joy in every moment. Our mini horses and goats made a few celebrity appearances too, offering nose boops and photo ops to anyone with snacks.

The horses looked fabulous. The kids looked confident. And the parents? Beaming.

We’re so proud of all the growth we saw this week—on and off the saddle. Thank you to our coaches, volunteers, barn team, and of course, our incredible horses for making the magic happen.

🌞 Ready to join the fun? We’ve got more camps coming up this summer, and we’d love to welcome you to the Willow Grove family!

📩 Message us for camp dates & details!

07/03/2025

“Horse Camp Magic: Day One Done Right!”

🌟 First day of Maple Leaf Camp? A ten out of ten — with extra carrots on top! 🐴🍁

Some of our campers had never even met a horse before. Others had done the odd pony ride. A few are already regular lesson pros. But all of them? Left with big smiles, new friends, and some serious horse magic in their hearts 💖

We rode, we laughed, we learned… and yes, we had a few “which way does the bridle go again?” moments (don’t worry, the horses were very patient 😂).

A huge shoutout to our incredible team — who pivoted, stayed flexible, and shared their horsey wisdom all day long. And to our many fabulous volunteers: thank you. You are the village, and we love you for it 💪❤️

Whether your child is brand new to horses or already dreaming of blue ribbons, there’s a place for them here. 🐎✨

📸 Here’s a peek at just a few of the awesome moments from Day 1. (More to come!)

Join us this summer — the horses are waiting. 💕

CTA:
📅 Ready to saddle up? Join us for a summer your kids will never forget! Message us to grab your spot in an upcoming camp. 🌟