Thorncroft Equestrian Center

10/08/2025

Behind the scenes at Thorncroft is a team of irreplaceable volunteers whose dedication and energy drive our mission forward.

Their commitment touches every aspect of our work. From providing support to a rider learning to steer, to spending the extra minute to make a horse's coat shine, to lending an ear to chat with a parent after a lesson, their kindness grows our world of belonging, welcoming all who come through our doors.

Our work would not be possible without their tireless commitment and trust. We are honored to have their support.

10/07/2025

🌾🐴 Last chance to join Farm Friends at Thorncroft!

Our Farm Friends program gives children the chance to explore the barn, meet our horses, and connect with nature in a hands-on, welcoming environment.

✨ Enrollment closes soon—don’t miss out on this special opportunity!

👉 thorncroft.org/farmfriends

10/06/2025

🎉 Behind the Scenes at Thorncroft 🎉

October is a special month at the Farm as we celebrate seven of our incredible team members’ birthdays! 🥳

These moments are the perfect way to share some of the (many!) friendly faces who help make Thorncroft the place it is.

Join us in wishing Sarah, Tiffany, Ingrid, Maddie, Maire, Shelley, and Missy a very happy birthday! 💚🐴

Pictured L-R: Instructor Sarah Hofgesang, (with instructor Claire), Executive Director Tiffany Meyer, Volunteer Ingrid Cantarella-Fox, Head of Comms. Maddie Iacobucci, Instructor Maire Guggenheim (and Duncan!), Instructor Shelley Shultis, and Instructor Missy Zepka.

10/03/2025

Welcome to fall at Thorncroft! The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and there are so many ways to celebrate the season here at the Farm! 🍂🐴

🍂 Volunteer with us this season – lend a hand in lessons or help care for our horses while enjoying autumn days at the Farm.

🎃 Purchase a pumpkin decoration crafted by our Adult Horsemanship Program, created with natural objects from the Farm (Link to purchase in comments-very limited quantities!)

🌾 Give back in the harvest spirit – consider a donation to help us grow opportunities for our community.

🍁 Spread the word – share Thorncroft’s mission with friends and family to bring more people into our herd.

10/03/2025

In our community: Willistown Conservation Trust's Run-A-Muck!

Join for an afternoon of adventure on the trails followed by an evening of celebration—featuring food, drinks, live music, bonfire, lawn games, prizes, and more! Whether you’re running the 5K or mucking the trail, this is a day you won’t want to miss.

Proceeds support the preservation of the beautiful Willistown countryside.
https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewtownSquare/RunaMuck

🌟 RUN-A-MUCK is back on Saturday, October 4, 2025! 🌟

Join us for an afternoon of adventure on the trails followed by an evening of celebration—featuring food, drinks, live music, bonfire, lawn games, prizes, and more! Whether you’re running the 5K or mucking the trail, this is a day you won’t want to miss.

👉 Pre-register by September 30 to lock in the best price! After that, ticket prices go up.

📅 Gates open at 2:30 PM | Race starts at 3:30 PM | Celebration continues into the night!

🎟️ Adults & Juniors (16+): $50
🎟️ Youth (6–15): $25
🎟️ Kids 5 & under: FREE

Proceeds support the preservation of the beautiful Willistown countryside. 🌱
https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewtownSquare/RunaMuck

10/01/2025

Farm Friends at Thorncroft! offers so much fun for our youngest friends!

Caregivers and their children, aged 3-5, of all abilities can learn, play, and explore on our 70-acre horse farm. Learn about farms, horses, and the surrounding nature!

Activities include:
"Try this!" - Meaningful movement to develop fine and gross motor skills
"Please touch!" - Exposure to novel tactile experiences
"What's that?" - Cognitive development for skills such as objects, colors, sizes and shapes
"Thank you!" - Emotion recognition, empathy, and relationship development

Learn more at the link in the comments. Enrollment limited to five children.

10/01/2025

09/30/2025

🌱🐴 Enrollment is now open for our new fall pilot program, Farm Friends at Thorncroft!

Our Farm Friends program invites children ages 3-5, and their adult, to learn about the barn, horses, and surrounding nature.

✨ Enrollment is still open – sign up today and let your child discover the magic of the farm!

👉 thorncroft.org/farmfriends

09/29/2025

Dressage Explorers Day at Dressage at Devon!

Thank you to Dressage at Devon for inviting Thorncroft to be a part of your Dressage Explorers Day!

Winston, Hugo, and Bella greatly enjoyed meeting new friends and sharing about their important work as adaptive and recreational riding horses!

A thank you to Barn Manager Amber, Volunteer Coordinator Angela, Shift Manager Allison, and volunteers Jill, Peggy, Noni, and Kim, for representing Team Thorncroft. It was a great day!

09/26/2025

Visit our equine ambassadors Winston, Hugo, and Bella at Dressage at Devon's Dressage Explorers Day this Sunday!

Dressage Explorers Day offers a full lineup of family-friendly fun! From hands-on activities to horse-themed adventures, there is something for every young equestrian enthusiast.

Kids and adults can explore the grounds, meet exhibitors, and cheer on freestyle performances in the arena. It is a day built to spark curiosity, creativity and connection!

See link in comment for all the info!

Pictured L to R: Winston with Barn Manager Amber and staff member Allison with Hugo.

09/24/2025

September welcomes US Equestrian Safety Awareness Week!

Did you know riding helmets expire after five years, even if you have only ridden in them a few times?

No matter the number of rides, the materials in your helmet can begin to degrade after a certain number of years.

Not sure if your helmet is over five years old?
Check the tag on the label located inside the helmet. Purchased your helmet in 2020, or are not sure of the date of purchase? Time for a new helmet!

Did you know you should always have your helmets professionally fitted?
Shopping online is a great way to see styles, but you should make sure to have your head and helmet correctly measured in a store with a fitting specialist before purchasing online.

Remember: All riding helmets must meet one of the three international equestrian safety standards or marks PAS015:2011, VG1 01.040 2014-12 and ASTM F1163:2015. Each standard stringently tests different impacts and accident scenarios involving a horse, so the more the better. Cycling and motorbike helmets do not offer the same level of protection and are unsuitable for horse riding.

Always replace your helmet after a fall, no matter how hard the impact, even if you don't see visible damage.

Most importantly, always wear a riding helmet when riding a horse.

09/23/2025

Today, and every day, we celebrate the hard work and excellence of our riders and participants.

Horseback riding and horsemanship demand dedication, resilience, and flexibility. It challenges us to communicate with an animal, to build a partnership based on respect with a team of horse, volunteer, and instructor. It asks us to bring strength and focus, to practice understanding, to work through frustration, to celebrate every breakthrough, and to honor our perseverance in accomplishing meaningful moments with our horse, guided in our own way and at our own ability.

To ride and work with horses is an achievement of purpose, commitment, trust, and joy. We are proud to walk along our friends on their journeys as equestrians.