Hilltown Families 
Q&A: Horse-Drawn Sleigh & Hayrides in Western MA
QUESTION AND ANSWERS
One of our readers is looking for places to take kids on horse-drawn sleigh or hayrides in Western MA for their child’s winter birthday party. Any recommendations?
- Lauren Koblara Kostantin writes, “Blue Star Equiculture! It’s in Palmer, MA on a beautiful farm.”
- Tara Brock Winters writes, “Kip Porter on Kinnebrook Rd in Worthington (O’Shea & Porter Draft Horses) has draft horses & does horse drawn rides; they are beautiful!”
- Christy Bielunis writes, “Call Al at Tetrault’s Horse Farm. He will come to you if you have the space, or you can go to his farm in Hatfield. 413-247-5983.”
- Robert P. Ross writes, “Florence Village Luminary (Dec. 22, 2012) offers free hay rides in downtown Florence, MA.”
- Melissa Moody Belmonte writes, “Wendell State Forest has a little skating rink, awesome sledding, and a little shed for making hot chocolate. I had so much fun at a birthday party when we went to there!”
- Hilda Bailey recommends, Historic Deerfield in Deerfield, MA. Weekends from Dec 1-18, 2012.
- Sienna Wildfield writes, “Draft Works in Chesterfield offers private horse drawn hayrides at Look Park in Florence during the holidays, Sweet Brook Farm in Williamstown offers both horse drawn hayrides & sleigh rides (when there’s snow), and Old Sturbridge Village hosts horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides on weekends and during school vacation weeks in December and February.”
[Photo credit: (ccl) Jim Sorbie]
the O’Shea Porter farm no longer does sleigh rides. Mr. Tetrault in Hatfield also no longer does sleigh rides and these should be removed
My family and I went on a wonderful sleigh ride this past weekend up in Townshend VT. The farm is called Friesans of Majesty (http://www.friesiansofmajesty.com). The owner/driver was wonderful and gave us a couple of nice little history lessons too while on the ride. The horses were beautiful and very well cared for. The sleigh bells and giggles from my children were music to my ears.
Red Hen Farm in Shutesbury has sleigh rides or wagon rides (if there’s not enough snow!). Wendy, the owner, is great with kids and very flexible. I highly recommend it!
def. the porters in Worthington wonderful people. Great experience. Especially when there is snow on the ground. Feels very victorian and small town feel for every one. Have fun.