Thinking about visiting Roam Acres Farm? Do you have a child who is curious about farm animals? Maybe you are looking for horseback riding lessons for your child. Or maybe you’re seeking a way for your kids to connect with animals through animal-centric events and workshops? We were shown around Roam Acres Farm by the lovely owner, Lacy, and met with her horses, goats, chickens, and even the cutest pigs ever!
We discovered how valuable equine therapy is to childhood development while attending one of the farm’s monthly “Fun on the Farm” events. Find out more about other events offered and learn why we think you should consider Roam Acres Farm the next time you’re looking for classes and activities for your kids!
What is Roam Acres Farm?
If you didn’t know what you were looking for, you may pass by the farm regularly. I know I have! Right off Reid School Road in Taylors, Roam Acres Farm is a family-owned farm that owner Lacy has developed into an equine-assisted therapy and learning center for horse lovers.
Lacy has been around horses her entire life, and was a competitive horse rider for a large part of her life. It is safe to say that horses are a huge part of her identity! Her calm nature and vast knowledge for understanding the horse-human connection transformed her farm into a wonderful place for your child to discover that connection.
The farm is passionate about the welfare of horses, and you can tell that all of the animals on the farm are very well loved and cared for. Plus, Lacy strives to make the farm inclusive, so that anyone with an interest in learning there can benefit from it, no matter what.
Spending the Morning at Roam Acres Farm
When we arrived for the monthly “Fun on the Farm” event, we were both bubbling with excitement. We had visited previously for a farm tour, so my five-year-old and I were ready and headed straight to the barn.
We started off doing a fun collage craft while we waited for everyone to arrive. Then, everyone ventured out to the arena to engage with some of the farm’s adorable mini horses, Elvis and Priscilla, and the gorgeous pony Shorty.
At the arena, the kids were able to play some fun games with their own creative pool noodle horse, which had all the kids giddy as they tried to race each other. Each child was then able to help lead Elvis and Priscilla around the ring and through the cones, which my daughter loved.
Going for a Ride
During our “Fun on the Farm” workshop, each child was given the opportunity to pick a pony or miniature horse to ride around the round pen. This was by far my daughter’s favorite part of the morning, and I am sure it was most of the other kids too.
Lacy made sure that each kid felt comfortable, and if they didn’t want to ride the horses, they were able to go look at the larger horses in the pasture and meet with Hershey the goat.
After spending some time at the round pen, we headed back inside the barn to create a take-home craft. Ours was a super cute horse-themed windchime, which my daughter immediately hung on the wall when we got home.
Before we left for the day, each kid painted their hands and left a handprint on Shorty the pony, which was adorable and felt really special. As the event came to a close, the kids were led to the chicken coop to say hello, pet the younger chickens, and a few brave kids even held one!
Our Honest Opinion of the Events at Roam Acres Farm
This workshop is not just for the kids, parents will have fun too! The events are a great way to have structured time at a farm, and the morning just felt light and joyful. Not only do you get to spend the morning on a farm, but you can interact with many of the animals, which was just as fun for me.
The flow of the class was fantastic. It felt like the 1.5-hour visit flew by because we were all enjoying it. One great thing about the workshop was that you are moving from the barn to outside, and then back to the barn. This really helped beat the summer heat, though it can become a little warm.
Just make sure you dress in light clothing with close-toed shoes. Lacy makes sure to have water available. Also, the kids were happy to get a cold treat at the end of the event.
There are also all those lovely barn smells. So, it might be beneficial to let your kids know that farm life comes with lots of smells.
I would absolutely do more of these workshops as part of my daughter’s enrichment (and we already plan to). We had so much fun! Plus, it’s close to where we live and not way out in the country!
Monthly Events & Workshops at Roam Acres Farm
There are several different types of workshops for kids, from toddlers through fifth graders. Events can be found on a weekday or a Saturday workshop, depending on the event. This would be an excellent choice if you have home school kids. Class sizes for these events are between 6 – 10 students tops. You can view all upcoming events on the Roam Acres Farm events website, and prebook your next class before they fill up!
- Saddle Up For Stories (rising 1st graders-rising 3rd graders or rising 4th graders – rising 5th graders): 4-week series that are each 90 minutes long. This event focuses on improving literacy, critical thinking skills, and communication essentials. The cost is $200 per participant for the 4 weeks.
- Heartbeats and Hoof Prints (rising 2nd graders- rising 5th graders): The 2.5-hour session is a one- time class that offers interactive games and fun interactions with the horses to practice emotional regulation, peer relations, problem-solving, and improving self-awareness. The cost is $95 per participant.
- “Fun on the Farm” sessions (4-6yr olds; monthly): The 1.5-hour session explores working with animals at an age-appropriate level, including games, interactions with horses, crafting, and lead-line riding. This is the class we were invited to review.
- “Toddler Time at the Farm” sessions (2-3yr olds; monthly): These 45-minute sessions are great for young children interested in farm animals. Parents are required to stay (but you’ll have a great time too!). Children will get to pet/groom horses, play interactive games, enjoy sensory bins, and lead-line horse riding on a miniature horse.
Horsemanship and Riding Lessons at the Farm
Are you looking for 1 on 1 private lessons? Roam Acres Farm is a great place to start! The farm offers Connection Horsemanship and Riding Lessons, Equine Assisted Learning Sessions, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Sessions (EAP).
During Connection Horsemanship and Riding Lessons, Lacy teaches through a holistic education model by guiding students through connecting, communicating, attuning, and riding the horses at the farm. These lessons start at $50 per hour lesson, and children under 5 can participate in 30-minute lessons.
For the Equine Assisted Learning Sessions, Lacy’s focus is less on horsemanship and more on helping the client. Her approach works to “develop more self-awareness, coping skills, and nervous system regulation in partnership with the horses.” You can email Lacy at lacy@roamacresfarm.com to inquire about pricing and to receive more information about this fascinating program.
For EAP session, Lacy partners with a licensed mental health professional. This is done through the Natural Lifemanship Institute to integrate horses into the client’s treatment and therapy plan.
Roam Acres Farm
1603 Reid School Road, Taylors
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