willow grove farm

I took a trail ride with Willow Grove this past summer with my mother. I was specifically looking for a place that was open on weekdays, had nice people, had horses strong enough to accommodate my 220lbs, and gentle enough to keep my senior mother safe. Willow Grove delivered on all accounts and then some! Before our ride, Win (owner) took us all around the stables for a little tour while our horses were being groomed and saddled. The stables were clean and had fans on the stalls for the hot summer months. These horses are in gorgeous condition - obviously well cared for and loved! They were gentle and interested in us, had good feet and shiny coats. There is a clean port-o-john for customer use, but no sink or flushing toilets.The ride is on a public path through trees and fields. The horses were obviously used to trail-riding as they automatically formed a line while walking, but unlike a lot of trail horses, I was impressed that my horse was sensitive and he responded to my cues to slow down or go faster, or to walk beside my mom instead of just in front of her. What gentle giants! I'm so sorry that I can't remember the name of the girl who guided us - she was a sweet girl helping the farm while on break from college and while one of the owner's daughters was on pregnancy leave. She was very friendly and obviously loved what she was doing.When we got back, Win brought out their new colt who was just 4 months old - he was as tall as Win! What a sweet baby! I cannot say enough about what a great experience we had. We never felt rushed - in fact, I think we could have stayed for another hour without them blinking an eye. Highly recommend and would definitely do it again!