Horsing around on Martha’s Vineyard

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— Photo by Ralph Stewart

Horseback riding has long been a Vineyard tradition, and the large number of barns small and large attest to its staying power. Several Island farms offer lessons in dressage and jumping, pony rides, summer camps, or seasonal boarding if you need a place to keep your horse.

Arrowhead Farm in West Tisbury, established in 1983, boasts a pony camp, clinics, indoor and outdoor rings, and a cross-country course. Sprawled out over 36 acres, the farm has large turn-out fields for boarders, trails, and several different barns.

Camp runs weekly through August 26, from 9 am to 1 pm, and costs $600/week. For more information, call 508-693-8831 or visit arrowheadfarm.net.

Red Pony Farm, also in West Tisbury, offers summer and year-round lessons, pony rides, boarding, training, and horse and rider vacations from 3 days to 2 weeks. The farm includes 2 barns, indoor and outdoor arenas, turnout areas, and cross-country course. According to the website (redponyfarmmv.com), “The farm abuts about 5,000 acres of conservation land, which allows for excellent trail riding.”

Summer Pony Club, for ages 8 to 13, runs through September 15, and costs $550/week. For more information, call 508-693-3788 or visit redponyfarmmv.com.

Located on a peninsula beside Tisbury Great Pond, Pond View Farm “has been the longest continually operating riding facility on Martha’s Vineyard,” according to its website (pondviewfarmmv.com). The kid-friendly barn offers daily pony rides, lessons, camp, as well as boarding and training.

Pony Camp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1 pm through August 30. Contact for rates: 508-693-2949 or ride@pondviewfarm.com.

Located in Chilmark, Netherfield Farm North specializes in dressage training, but also offers trails, a cross-country course, indoor & outdoor arenas, and pony camp. It’s sister, Netherfield Farm South, is located in Wellington, Fla.

Netherfield’s Junior Equestrian Camp runs Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 1 pm, and costs $575. Camp is limited to eight students per week, with two instructors. For more information, contact 508-645-2724 or visit netherfield.smugmug.com.