Thorncroft is now offering Pony Parties!
Birthday parties can be booked for Sundays from 1-3pm all summer long.
Call today to plan your party!
Programs
2011 HRD at The Devon Horse Show Gallery
To view gallery, click on photo. To move through gallery, click on the upper right hand corner (forward) or upper left hand corner (backward).
View the embedded image gallery online at:
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http://www.thorncroft.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=4#sigProGalleria2849326d8d
Fall Horse Show
Fall Horse Show for Riders with Special needs
October (date TBD) is the month for our annual Fall Horse Show. Special needs competitors from near and a far are welcome to compete in equitation, dressage and trail classes. This has always been a great place for riders to try their first horse show, or for horses needing to “get off the farm” and compete in their first show. Bring your friends and families for a picnic and cheer on your favorite riders. Entry packets will be available on line the first week in August. Closing is historically the 2nd Monday in September.
Watch our calendar, we continue to host shows for competitors with and without disabilities in the disciplines of hunters, dressage and combined.
2010 HRD at The Devon Horse Show Gallery
To view gallery, click on photo. To move through gallery, click on the upper right hand corner (forward) or upper left hand corner (backward).
View the embedded image gallery online at:
http://www.thorncroft.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=4#sigProGalleria5dcca961a3
http://www.thorncroft.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=4#sigProGalleria5dcca961a3
HRD of the Devon Horse Show
Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show
In May 1896, just a few miles from Thorncroft, the world famous "Devon Horse Show and Country Fair" was under way. A small but dedicated start, competitors gathered locally to compete. Over the years, the show grew to its present stature as the largest and oldest Country Fair in the country. The Show has earned an international reputation, and attracts the best horses and riders from around the world to compete in ten full days of exciting classes.
In 1980, the front lawn at Thorncroft was again the site of a powerful meeting of minds. A small group of dedicated volunteers from Bryn Mawr Rehab and Thorncroft assembled to discuss a moment in history for therapeutic riding, a day in May which would coincide with the world famous Devon Horse Show, ..."The Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show". Eleven riders competed in that first show, setting a standard of excellence, and creating the foundation for a show that has grown to recently include over 175 riders from the northeast. The original ring located quietly and safely in the indoor arena, has exploded to include two dressage arenas, two trail classes, equitation, jumping and musical kurs. Over the many years devoted volunteers and riders have nurtured and developed the show to where it is today, a nationally respected competition.
Sunday winners of the different divisions from Saturday are invited to compete for the Hope Montgomery Scott Grand Champion at the Devon Horse Show Grounds.
Prize list and entries packets are available on line after March 1st of each year. Closing for entries is the 3rd Monday in April.
- To download the 2011 Prize List/Entry Packet, please click here.
Thorncroft 2013 Summer Camp
Weekly Lessons
The discipline of weekly scheduled lessons is the most successful method for mastering the art of horseback riding. Since our founding over four decades ago, Thorncroft has taught the balanced seat approach. We teach basic through advanced riding, as well as jumping, dressage and cross-country.
Our approach has been to engage the student in the care of the horse, teaching grooming, tacking and care after the ride. With 17 instructors our skills cover the full range of equine sports. Our 70 acres of Pennsylvania countryside include an indoor arena, an outdoor arena and trails, which are employed by our instructors at their discretion. If, for whatever reason we cannot meet your needs, with our long tenure in the field we can help you find something suitable.
Thorncroft has long enjoyed the community resulting from our Working Student Program. Students on the lesson schedule have the opportunity to earn lessons in exchange for their working in the barn. Those students over 13 years old can earn an additional lesson with 6 hours of work, bringing the values of traditional farm life to children and teenagers already motivated by a love of horseback riding.
The Mainstreamers
The Thorncroft Mainstreamers are a ten member team consisting of riders with and without disabilities, ranging in age from ten to fifteen. They work and ride together, encouraging proficient performances and mutual understanding. As the skill of each rider improves, their lives are also enriched by the experience.
When these riders come together and perform their musical drill on horseback you feel a magic in the air, a magic created by The Thorncroft Mainstreamers, a group of ten riders of varying abilities. The team, founded in 1986, has performed in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, sharing with their audiences an extraordinary ability which goes beyond their riding skills. The Team is an example of growing and sharing lives together, of accomplishing major goals others thought impossible.
Summer Camp
Download a 2012 Summer Camp Brochure and Application Here!
Summer Camp introduces campers of all abilities to the challenges and responsibilities of taking care of horses.
With an emphasis on learning respect and cooperation for each other, the campers’ days will be filled with fun horse related activities that are geared toward developing riding and horsemanship skills.
With an emphasis on riding time and hands on training we strive to reach a balance between work and play.
Thorncroft Equestrian Center
190 Line Road
Malvern, PA 19355
610.644.1963
610.644.9342 (fax)
info@thorncroft.org
Founded in 1969
Thorncroft welcomes students of all ages. Our 70 acre farm, now under an open space easement, is open and here to enjoy. Private and group lessons are individually geared towards the ability and goals of the rider. Horsemanship is taught on the flat and over fences in either of our 2 indoor arenas, the outdoor arena or cross country course; trails around the Farm are available for riders to enjoy the surrounding countryside.
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: closed
Our mission is to develop the physical and emotional well-being of all people including those with special needs. We are committed to personal growth and education in an equestrian environment of respect and love.
We are a 501(c)3 organization.
Tax ID 23-2218431
Bits & Pieces
Take a moment to browse our Spring 2012 Newsletter.
Donate Now!
You can become a supporter of
Thorncroft Equestrian Center
with the click of a button!
Use a credit card or your PayPal account.
If you know of a sound, kind horse or pony that you think would work well for Thorncroft please give a call. All donations are tax deductible and you can be assured that your special gift will be well taken care of and loved by many.
