Willow Creek Stables

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Willow Creek Stables Willow Creek is home to 23 critically endangered Newfoundland ponies! We are a not for profit rescue

Critically endangered Newfoundland Ponies

It may have ears that are furry and short, and a low-set tail that’s as rough as a bottle brush, but it’s strong, brave, and endlessly forgiving. There was a time in Newfoundland when ponies were as plentiful as dories and cod—a time when human survival depended on the shaggy, sure-footed descendents of Mountain and Moorland breeds that arrived there as livestock with the first British settlers. But progress put the ponies to pasture, and by the 1980s their numbers had plummeted from more than 12,000 to fewer than 100, as meat trucks carried loads of them to processing plants in Quebec. Despite the harsh conditions of life on the land, Newfoundland ponies bred and prospered over the years, adapting to everything that nature and man could throw their way. But as tough as the ponies were, they were no match for machines. Tractors, snowmobiles and ATVs took their jobs, and in the 1970s, communities enacted anti-roaming laws that required ponies to be fenced in, taking away their primary food source. Unable to afford to feed the animals year-round, owners sold them to the highest bidder, which in many cases was a meat truck.

The cutest little barn helper you ever did see!
10/02/2026

The cutest little barn helper you ever did see!

Happy International Seniors Day!Many nutritional studies on older horses have arbitrarily used 20 years as the threshold...
10/01/2026

Happy International Seniors Day!

Many nutritional studies on older horses have arbitrarily used 20 years as the threshold for “aged” or “senior.” We believe that one of our roles as horse owners is to appreciate our horses at every age, no matter the challenges that come along with that life stage. We signed up to own a horse and that is not always glamorous, but it is our responsibility.

“Looking into the eyes of the senior horse can be like looking at your best friend. Senior horses have acquired wisdom through their years. Think about how much the world changes in 20 years - then think about the advancements made in horse training, horse care, and even veterinary technology. Your senior horse has been on quite a journey, and it’s this wisdom and experience that make senior horses so amazing.”

Today we celebrate our Oldies group of horses and ponies over 20! We love you Duchess, Flower, Annie, Sweetie, Polly, Sunny, Buford, Beauty, Marigold. Bobby, Captain, Mozart, Buford and Dena. We absolutely love our Seniors!

We still have a few spaces available for Saturday’s pony trek! Come join us for fresh air,exercise and pony cuddles. We ...
09/30/2026

We still have a few spaces available for Saturday’s pony trek! Come join us for fresh air,
exercise and pony cuddles. We promise this is way better than going to the gym!

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  Newfoundland Pony Bobby is  wearing orange to honour the childr...
09/30/2026

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Newfoundland Pony Bobby is wearing orange to honour the children who survived residential schools and to remember those who did not make it home. 🧡🧡🧡

The animal shelter isn't full of'broken' animals. It's full of survivors. Fighters. Souls still willing to love even aft...
09/29/2026

The animal shelter isn't full of
'broken' animals. It's full of survivors. Fighters. Souls still willing to love even after being let down by humans. If you want loyalty, forgiveness, and love in its purest form-adopt or sponsor!

Measuring small in hands, but infinite in heart.Beauty & Devlin❤️
09/29/2026

Measuring small in hands, but infinite in heart.
Beauty & Devlin❤️

09/27/2026
When you cuddle with someone you care about, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin that calms you and makes you m...
09/26/2026

When you cuddle with someone you care about, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin that calms you and makes you more likely to deal better with stress. For example, you might laugh, distract yourself, or try to solve a problem. We strongly believe that pony cuddles can ease stress and heal.

🐴 BEGINNER HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS 🐴Limited Spaces Available!We’re excited to offer beginner riding lessons for both ad...
09/25/2026

🐴 BEGINNER HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS 🐴
Limited Spaces Available!
We’re excited to offer beginner riding lessons for both adults and children in a supportive, relaxed, and welcoming environment.
🌿 Priority will be given to our former camp kids, but all beginner riders are welcome!
Our goal is simple: to teach the foundations of safe, confident riding and prepare riders to enjoy pleasure trail riding.
We are a non-competitive farm with a strong emphasis on pony care, communication, and horsemanship. As a rescue facility, our philosophy is:
“What can we do for the pony?” — not “What can the pony do for us?”
🐎 What We Focus On
• Groundwork and safe handling
• Building communication between horse and rider
• Understanding how groundwork translates under saddle
• Basic riding skills and confidence
• Proper pony care and responsible horsemanship
• Preparing riders for enjoyable, relaxed trail riding
✨ First-time riders are welcome!
You don’t need experience to get started. Our lessons are designed to create a supportive environment where riders can learn at their own pace.
💕 Affordable Riding Lessons
Private Lessons — $40
One-on-one instruction tailored to the rider.
Group Lessons — $30
Groups are limited to no more than 4 riders so everyone receives plenty of attention.
If your goal is to enjoy a trail ride, build confidence, learn good horsemanship, and develop a relationship with your horse, this may be the barn for you! 🌲🐴
Limited spaces available — reach out to reserve your spot.

🍂🐴 PONY TREK SEASON IS FINALLY HERE! 🐴❄️There’s no better way to enjoy the crisp, beautiful fall and winter months than ...
09/24/2026

🍂🐴 PONY TREK SEASON IS FINALLY HERE! 🐴❄️
There’s no better way to enjoy the crisp, beautiful fall and winter months than with a pony by your side! 🍁☃️

📅 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Our first public Pony Trek of the season is Saturday, October 3rd at 1:00 PM!

Spaces are limited each week, so reservations are required. Message us to reserve your spot!

🐴 What is a Pony Trek?
Looking for a fun way to get some fresh air, exercise, and plenty of pony snuggles? Our Pony Treks give you the opportunity to take one of our amazing, critically endangered Newfoundland Ponies for a walk along the trails on our property.
Our trails can be a little rugged in spots, so unfortunately they are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

These treks are also a wonderful opportunity for some of our senior ponies to get additional exercise, explore the property, and spend quality time with people. ❤️

And honestly… we think this is way better than going to the gym! 😉

🍂 Public & Private Treks
Public Pony Treks:
Selected dates will be announced for Saturday afternoon at 1:00 PM
Private Group Treks:
Available any day of the week — gather your friends, family, coworkers, or a group of fellow pony lovers and book your own private trek!

🐎 What to Expect
The trek itself typically takes about an hour, but please plan to be with us for approximately 2 hours total.
Before heading out, we'll introduce you to your pony and give you a quick lesson on how to safely lead them. Then it’s time to hit the trails!

💰 $30 per person
All proceeds go directly toward helping us care for our rescue ponies.

Come with a group or come on your own — either way, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful outdoors during the cooler, bug-free months while spending time with some very special ponies. 🥰

📍 2351 Christie Lake Road
Just minutes outside beautiful Perth, Ontario.

📱 Message us or text: 613-464-1571
📧 Email: [email protected]

Please note: This activity is not suitable for young children. The walk is approximately one hour long, and our Newfoundland Ponies range from 600–1,000 lbs.

🐴 Come walk a pony, enjoy the trails, and make some memories! We’d love to have you join us for Pony Trek Season! 🍂❄️

Address

2351 Christie Lake Road
Perth, ON
K7H3C6

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