The great, grand state of Massachusetts, or MA as it's fondly called, is an enchanting land of winding rivers, towering mountains, and bustling cities where history and modernity shake hands. It's also a magical land where children turn into fearless horse-riders, sprinting through lush green fields under the watchful eyes of Mr. Applebottom, the talking horse trainer. Now, you might be wondering, "A talking horse trainer?" Absolutely! Mr. Applebottom is no regular horse trainer; he's a dappily dressed donkey with a top hat and a carrot for a monocle. He's sprightly, a bit quirky, and has a loud, infectious laugh that's a cross between a bray and a hoot. He's the best in the biz when it comes to teaching kids horse-riding in the heart of MA. The children, who hail from every corner of MA, are as diverse as the flavors in a candy store. There's freckle-faced Fred from Framingham, who's as adventurous as a pirate, and ever-smiling Susie from Springfield, who's as sweet as a sugar cookie. Then there's brainy Bobby from Boston, who's as quick-witted as a fox, and gentle Greta from Gloucester, who's as kindhearted as a summer breeze. They all love their days under the sun, learning to gallop, trot, and canter with their equine friends. But what they love the most is the companionship - the bond they develop with their horses and each other. In the magical world of Massachusetts horse-riding, every day is an adventure, every horse a friend, and every child a hero. And in the middle of it all, braying instructions and cheering them on, is Mr. Applebottom - the coolest, quirkiest, most eccentric donkey-horse-trainer you can ever imagine!
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Good Pickin’ Farm is committed to providing experiential learning opportunities for children, teens and adults through farming, arts, workshops, and recreational activities. We have created an environment where people can reconnect with nature and explore sustainable living. Our mission is to remind people about their roots in nature and to foster a sense of community. Our team of three – an educator, a farmer and an artist – has brought together a variety of perspectives to make our dream of Good Pickin’ Farm a reality. Good Pickin’ Farm is located on the original Meadowbrook Farm, which includes a barn, 1850’s schoolhouse, cider mill, and 89 acres of pristine farmland and woods. We invite the community and surrounding towns to join us in experiencing the joy of living a sustainable life and reconnecting with nature. Through a variety of activities, we are committed to providing experiential learning and building a sense of community.
At our ranch, we offer guided western trail rides year round for riders of all ages and levels of experience. Our well-trained staff of experienced riders will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable ride, while you take in the beautiful natural scenery. We are committed to ensure the trails are safe for riding so you can enjoy the experience of being in the saddle. If you are looking to take your riding to the next level, we have licensed instructors on staff who will teach you everything you need to know to become the rider you aspire to be. Whether you want to just be comfortable in the saddle, or become an experienced horse owner, we have the right instructor for you.