The Little Red Barn is located on Manor Lane in the heart of Jamesport. The first thing you notice when driving up the long path is, of course, the red barn, but the entire farm is beautiful and serene. Once we arrived, my boys and I were given a quick tour of the farm, which offers summer camps for kids five and up. There were already other children there, and Kate has a group of teen girls who volunteer their time to help out at the farm. They are all experienced with horses and work with the kids on the different activities of the day, including grooming and decorating the horses.

All of the programs are designed so that children learn about, care for and spend time with ponies, horses and miniature horses. My sons got the chance to groom and decorate Chief, one of the calmest animals I have ever been around. In fact, Kate is very particular about the animals she allows on the farm since they’re interacting with kids, so all of the horses and ponies are well-behaved and well-trained. But the kids are also taught the basics of not only taking care of the horses, but also treating them with respect.

Once the grooming was done—and my boys finished clipping colorful ribbons and bows on Chief’s mane—all of the kids got to enjoy a mini horseback riding lesson. Kate and her volunteers are on hand to help the kids get onto the horses and adjust the harnesses. They can either take a slow walk around the fenced in area or the more advanced campers can enjoy a slow trot.

For my boys, the morning was mostly about getting them comfortable around the horse. My youngest son got right on and took a stroll on Chief, but my oldest boy was pretty scared at first. He had only been on a small pony once, and the prospect of getting on a full-grown horse was intimidating. But Kate was so patient and encouraging that he eventually felt comfortable enough to sit on the horse. He didn't want Chief to actually move, but progress was made!

In addition to the horse grooming and riding lessons, campers also enjoy arts and crafts, as well as a chance to feed the baby goats (a big hit with my older son, who loved filling the bottles with milk and doing the feedings), pet the baby pig and hold the bunnies. All of the kids were so good about taking turns and helping one another, which is in large part to the atmosphere that Kate and her staff create at the farm. Once the animals had been sufficiently fed and petted, it was time for lunch. The kids brings their own, and there are picnic tables in the shade behind the barn, a perfect spot while watching the other horses graze behind a fence. As a special treat, Kate had an ice cream truck come by for dessert.

The camp offers half and full days. We stayed for a half-day, and my kids had so much fun that they asked if they could come back every week. But kids don’t have to sign up for summer camp to enjoy the farm. Families are welcome to come by for a few hours (be sure to call ahead) to groom the horses, pet the animals and take a quick riding lesson, as well as pack a lunch to enjoy during their visit. The Little Red Barn also offers regular riding lessons for kids three and up.

And for local kids celebrating birthdays, the farm offers birthday party packages. All children have a chance to decorate, brush and ride the ponies, with a free gift for the birthday girl or boy. There is a secluded and shady area at the back of the farm so parties won't be disturbed, and guests can also spend time with all of the farm animals.

This year, Kate has teamed up with her cousin, Jackie Sarkis of My Princess Dream Party, to create "My Princess Pony Parties." Live ponies and princesses can either come to your home or you can book a party at The Little Red Barn. Kids can sing and dance with their favorite princesses, dress up a royal pony, take photos and ride. Be sure to contact The Little Red Barn directly for pricing.

The Little Red Barn is located at 353 Manor Lane in Jamesport (but plug in Riverhead to your GPS to get the correct directions). You can get more info or book your visit by calling 631-566-1690. And be sure to check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide for more to do out east this summer.