This May we are visiting The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank, run by Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, for our No Child left Inside Program. This past Friday we were lucky enough to stumble into a Horse Show hosted by the farm. Check out the slideshow above.
After a quick look at riders spiffying up their horses we took a wagon ride around the farm to see all the animals and their new additions. We rode past horses, ponies, pigs, llamas and cattle. This is the time of year at the farm to see all the brand new babies, and how cute they are! The kids fed handfuls of snacks to already full sheep, goats, ducks and the donkey too. There was even enough time to play in the outdoor nature center where you can climb on what looks like Max's sailboat, bang on drums, paint on slates or dig in the dirt. We will be planting seeds in this area on one of our visits soon.
We all have our favorite animals...I absolutely loved seeing all the horses. When I was little I really wanted to take riding lessons one Summer but I got a camera instead..and I'm glad that I did! I know one of our littlest patrons loves horsies, if your child likes them too here's a couple of good books to read:
Everything but the Horse by Hollie Hobbie
Our favorite author of the Toot & Puddle series writes and illustrates this quaint picture book recounting her childhood growing up on a farm in the country. This farm had every animal...every animal that is BUT a horse! A horse was what Hollie really, really wanted. She dreamed about horses, drew pictures of horses and pleaded for one for her birthday. Read the book to find out what her present was! Holly Hobbie's beautifully detailed watercolor illustrations will leave you wanting a horse of your own! If a real horse isn't in your future, check out NetEquestrian here and you can pick out your very own stuffed horsie friend. They have lots to choose from along with horsie crafts, decor, toys and games.
Classic Horse Stories compiled by Christina Rossetti Darling & Blue Lantern Studio
Saddle up with your kids for classic short stories and poems about horses. Brightly colored illustrations reminiscent of the pictures in Marguerite Henry's famous horse stories (a short story by this author is included in this compilation) accompany excerpts from Black Beauty, The Black Stallion, The Red Pony and many more.
