Anyone who’s ever wondered about the horses and riders that share the Wissahickon Park with all the humans that use it are invited to Monastery Stables on Sunday, Oct. 9, for a free interactive day learning about horses and their history here in Northwest Philadelphia.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children, adults, families, school groups, youth groups, seniors and community members can participate in barn tours, historic tours, and arts and crafts projects. There also will be horseback riding demonstrations, lessons on how to harness miniature donkeys, an introduction to riding equipment, and opportunities to pet several of our shaggy friends.
The 6-acre Monastery complex is part of Fairmount Park and includes a horse barn, a sheep barn, a mansion, a residential cottage and a spring house. They are currently occupied by 20 horses, two ponies, two miniature donkeys and several feisty barn cats. Horse breeds on site include Arabians, Quarter-Horses, Paints, Appaloosas, Appendixes, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Friesians and Belgiums.
The historic complex also features an outdoor arena and fields for riding, grazing, grooming and simply relaxing. It also is home to the Saddle Club, which people can join to enjoy horseback riding without the commitment of owning or caring for their own horse.
Beverages and baked goods will be available for a small fee – or bring a picnic lunch and dine in the lovely meadow.
Monastery Stables is located at 1000 Kitchens Lane in West Mt. Airy. Just turn down Kitchens Lane from Wissahickon Avenue and follow the signs to Monastery Stable.
For more information contact Nancy Peter at Nancy.Peter@verizon.net. Rain date is Sunday Oct. 16 .
