Do you live in or want to visit the Berkshires this summer? Need a safe place for your kids to have fun while you enjoy The Clark Art, Mass MoCA, the Norman Rockwell Museum, go hiking or biking, or visit Trustees of Reservations and other historical sites?

Let your child or teen discover farm life, learn to ride, or advance his or her equitation and horsemanship skills. This year Bonnie Lea Farm is offering two options – Horse Sessions and Farm Sessions.

Life on the farm is about getting your hands dirty and finding a sense of accomplishment. Whether a horse, cow or duck, every animal teaches us – to be more patient, to be calm and caring and to be aware of how our actions affect the animal’s health and behavior.  Life on the farm lets us learn about ourselves, become confident, meet new friends, and have tons of fun.

Bonnie Lea Farm has been nurturing and training riders and horses for over 30 years. We believe strongly in the importance of safety, honesty and riding because it brings joy. We have talented instructors with proven teaching practices and years of continuing education and learning. The Summer Horse Program is a perfect opportunity for beginners to start riding and for intermediate and advanced riders to have the time to focus on their technique and improve riding by improving overall horsemanship.

For 2014, Bonnie Lea Farm is expanding the Summer Program to include Farm Sessions, in addition to the Summer Horse Sessions. Please see our SUMMER PROGRAMS link above for more details on these sessions. We had previous riders that requesting the opportunity to work with a wider variety of animals and younger students not quite ready for the Horse Program. As a result, Farm Sessions for those 5 years and up.

We have already had inquiries for additional weeks and extended days of Farm Sessions. Please let us know if you have any special requests or suggestions so we can try to accommodate where possible. Your feedback is appreciated.

Riders and animals are part of the DeMayo’s extended family, which grows every year. This year, young farmers will join the ranks. We hope to include you in the Bonnie Lea Farm Family!

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY –

• Meet our horses, cows, goats, chickens, ducks and our newest additions to the farm. We have chicks, calves, and hopefully the foal will have arrived.
• Learn about our Summer Horse and Farm Programs.
• Get details on our lessons, instructed trail rides, leasing, boarding and pony rides.
• Support the IEA team and have a pony ride. ($5 suggested donation).
• Join the BLF Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Team.
• Discover how you can buy grass fed beef.
• Lesson package special will be available.
• Find out about our Adult lesson schedule.

Due to the many animals at the farm, please leave your dogs at home, but don’t forget to participate in the Humane Race before you come to  the farm!  ( http://humanerace.org/)

Don’t forget to wear your boots!

A few parents of current riders have requested time on the lesson schedule to get back in the saddle.  If you are a beginner or have not been riding in a while, please come join the fun!

Lessons will be available on Sundays at 11 am and Thursdays at 4:30 pm.  You will want to come about 15 minutes prior to the lesson to tack up (with plenty of help if you need it). $45 per lesson. Please be in touch via email, stop by the barn , or call Lisa.  (See Contact page.) The Sunday schedule will likely change during the show season, but it will be a great way to kick off the spring.

Hope to see you soon.

SPECIAL  VACATION LEASE

Available to current BLF youth and adult riders

Lease Packages for April 19 – 27

1.) Lease package includes a maximum of 7 rides including one mandatory lesson. Free rides must take place in the morning between 9am and Noon.      $150 (including lesson)

2.) Unrestricted free ride time, maximum of 7 rides including mandatory lesson.      $200 (including lesson)

 Please see Lisa with questions and horse & rider match approval.