Description
The Miniature Pony Centre, on Dartmoor, is a great ‘hands-on’ family day out filled with lots of cuteness and pony magic for children and adults alike. Unicorns, Miniature Shetlands and their foals, Miniature pigs, Harris, the Suffolk Punch horse, miniature, and mammoth donkeys are all waiting to meet you and your family when you visit the venue.
As well as lots of super cute ponies and donkeys, the centre also offers a truly hands-on and unique experience to interact with the animals as well as taking part in free daily activities.
If you are looking for Best Children's Farms in Moretonhampstead , Devon then you can visit Miniature Pony Centre. Miniature Pony Centre is one of the places in Moretonhampstead Devon for day out with kids and families. If you are searching for Best Children's Farms near me, then you can get all the information here.
MORNING ROUNDS: This is your chance to be like a Dartmoor farmer. Help put the straw in the barn for donkeys to lie on or some hay in the hay nets so that they can munch during the day. Next, you may be bottle feeding some lambs or feeding our hungry goats depending on the time of year. Morning is always a busy time for a farmer.
MEET THE HERD: Join the member of staff by the Main Barn and follow them to the Miniature Pony Paddock to meet and learn about these beautiful little ponies. You can learn about their different colours, their different needs and all of their wonderful and different personalities. Just like us humans, the ponies are all very different to each other. This is great fun for all the family and there will be time to ask questions from the member of staff at the end.
PONY OR DONKEY GROOMING: Help to brush the hair and the dust from donkey's coats so they look all shiny and beautiful. You can fill a bucket with hair in 10 minutes!! You may see jackdaws or sparrows perched on the ponies in the paddock plucking out the loose hair for their nests.
MAMMOTH TALK: The American Mammoth donkeys Jackson and Colorado are a sight to behold. You can learn about the breeds fascinating history and about these boys’ individual personalities.The Mammoth donkeys go out to their field at 3PM to stretch their legs and munch grass until the next morning.
HEAVY HORSE TALK: The two heavy horses Buster a Shire horse and Harris the Suffolk Punch are absolutely stunning. In rural settings like Dartmoor, the British heavy horse was invaluable to farming life. These two gentle giants are the best of friends and their different breeds both have a fascinating story.They will come out of their stable during the talk, and afterwards, you and your family will all have a chance to come and say hello. You may have to pick your children up though as they may not be able to reach them to give them a stroke. Buster and Harris will go out to their field at 3PM and you will not be able to see them after this time.
PONY WALKING: Why don’t you have a go at leading one of the miniature ponies with one of the members of staff? The length of the walk will depend on the number of customers they have in the centre on that day. For this activity you will need to have closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip flops) and the children will have to wear one of the riding hats.
TRACTOR: This is your chance to be like a Dartmoor farmer again. You can sit in the tractor and operate the front loader and tip out the feed sacks. Then you can give the horn a good honk to finish off. Please note that this is not a tractor ride but it is suitable for all ages.
PONY STORY TIME: Meet in the barn with lovely little chestnut pony called Rosemary. Follow her around and listen to her story as she meets some of the other animals here at the centre. A heart-warming tale of dreams and magic for all the family to enjoy.
MEET THE UNICORN: Unicorns are real and they really do exist on Dartmoor National Park. The resident Unicorns are there every single day that the venue is open. You can find them in their rainbow stables during the day and every evening they join the rest of the herd to spread their magic! The ‘meet the unicorn’ activity is a great opportunity for you and your family to meet a Unicorn and tell them your wish, it also makes a great photo opportunity. During busy times, please note there will be two Unicorns at this activity.
PIGGY TIME: Miniature Piggies are just the cutest, friendliest little animals you will meet. They love to say hello and make new friends. Pigs can’t sweat so they like to wallow in mud to keep themselves cool. The mud also acts as sunscreen to help keep those pesky bugs off. During this activity, you will get a chance to meet the gorgeous micro piggies, give them a scratch and learn about how clever they are.
PONY RACES (HOLIDAYS ONLY): Pony races are fun and fast (well, when they are in the right mood). Join for our pony races at 1pm to watch the ponies compete in the classic race games, egg & spoon, sack race and a relay. Come along and cheer on your favourite pony and get a chance to meet them afterwards.
NURSERY CORNER: What’s cuter than piglets, lambs, and goat kids…? Absolutely nothing!! In the newly revamped pet barn and nursery. They will have different baby animals in the nursery throughout the season. During the day, you will have the chance to meet the babies and learn some fun facts about these adorable animals.
PONY HERDING: You and your family can help us get the ponies from the front paddock to the barn. Once in the barn, you can feed them their tea and say goodbye to them and mini donkeys before they all go across the road to their nighttime field.
PONY RIDES: Please note, all of the activities are free for all to take part in, other than pony rides which are for children aged 3 to 10 years and charged at £2.50 per ride.
HOME TO DARTMOOR'S UNICORN: The Miniature Pony Centre is the home of Dartmoor’s unicorns. Yes, unicorns really do exist and with their colourful manes and beautiful horns, they are a sight to behold. Filled with magic, twinkly lights and dream catchers our rainbow stables are opposite our donkey barn. We have unicorns every day we are open. Come and find them, make a wish, and fall in love. For more information CLICK HERE.
POND WALKS AND NATURE: Take a peaceful stroll around the picturesque ponds and wispy willow garden. Discover and enjoy parkland walks and gardens with a wealth of wildlife throughout the Miniature Pony Centre. Surrounded by rolling countryside and also within the boundary of Dartmoor National Park, the Centre is a haven for wildlife. CLICK HERE for more information.
PONY RIDES: For children aged 3 to 10 years, this is a great little lead rein pony ride in the arena. The rides are available for children aged 3 -10 years. Do you want your child or children to experience their first pony ride? The pony rides are perfect for first-time riders and younger children. The friendly and experienced staff are great at leading these rides and making sure the children have a great time. CLICK HERE for more information.
CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINER'S: Extra fun in the holidays. Dan the Hat, Professor Bumble or Marvellous Eventures add extra sparkle to your day. During the school holidays, they add a little extra entertainment, a bit more magic and more family fun with events and in-house entertainers who will you see when you visit. CLICK HERE for more information.
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS: No matter what the weather they have something for all ages. Climb, bounce or slide your way into a great day out. They aren’t just about ponies and farmyard animals at the centre they also have 6 different play areas on-site and something for all weather and all the children.
DARTMOOR CASTLE: This is a great outdoors adventure play park for older children, climb over the wall, travel through the tunnels and find a slide to head down. This is directly outside the pony ride arena so it’s located pretty centrally on the farm. For more information CLICK HERE.
PONY CARE DAYS: A wonderful and fun-packed day where your children can learn about looking after a pony. Take a look at the care day package today. For more information CLICK HERE.
EDUCATION AND SCHOOL GROUPS: At the Miniature Pony Centre, they can offer tailor-made days for Education and School Groups which link into the National Curriculum. The cost is just £8.45 per child – a minimum of 20 (one adult goes free for every 5 paying children). CLICK HERE for more information.
8.71 miles
