Mount Up for Mini Riders Program in Stonington

Friends Kelly Adams and Brianne Casadei are raising their young children around animals, mostly because Brie owns Terra Firma Farm in Stonington and Kelly owns Heartwood farm in North Stonington. The two friends took it for granted how lucky their four kids are, growing up surrounded by chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, cows, and horses.

They soon realized, however, that in the 21st century, their kids are the exception, not the rule. Most kids raised in our suburban towns these days have little — if any — interaction with animals other than the family dog, cat, or guinea pig.

So they launched Mini Riders in April 2016, a program designed to introduce little people to horses and other farm animals, safely.

The program uses miniature horses — 7 in all, owned by either Kelly or Brie and rotated through two per class — that are “patient, well-trained and gentle.” During the 45-minute ‘Mommy & Me’ style class, the children learn how to approach, handle and groom a mini horse. They then have the opportunity to take a couple of laps around a grassy area on one of the mini horses.

The child must be under 3 1/2 ft tall and under 45 lbs. to ride the mini horse, since the animals are so small. Ages are 1-5 years old. Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate in their child’s one-on-one learning experience. During and after the riding, the children can meet and play with some of the farm’s other animals, including rabbits and chickens.

“Our focus is to teach both child and parent how to work safely around the animals, while having a fun and positive experience with the horse,” Kelly said. “We want to let kids be kids, and have an all-natural, organic childhood. Providing a connection to the animals, and the farm experience in general, accomplishes that.”

Each class costs $30. Classes are held at Terra Firma Farm, 330 Al Harvey Road, Stonington, April through November, at 10 and 11 a.m., on Saturdays. You can sign up for one class, or multiples. Email info@terrafirmafarm.org for information about private 30-minute classes. Check schedules and register online at http://www.terrafirmafarm.org/miniriders/. And be sure to have your cameras ready, these are moments with your child you'll want to capture forever!