One of the horses at this farm is called Big Man, and he ranks among the tallest horses in the world. He shares his pastures with dozens of fellow Clydesdales.
These are the famous feathered-hoof giants, and you can actually climb into the saddle. Trail rides here follow scenic paths along a river, with no fancy riding resume required.
I love that this happens in New Jersey, a state people often picture as highways and strip malls. Out here, the soundtrack is hoofbeats instead of horns.
The herd has real personalities with names like Tito, Remus, and Gypsy. Some guide riders through the woods.
Others pull wagons or simply amble over to the fence to say hello.
So how does a horse the size of a small car end up being the calmest ride in the barn? I can’t wait to show you.
A Clydesdale Farm Hiding In Rural Morris County
Willow Grove Farm sits in Long Valley, a leafy corner of Morris County, New Jersey. The star attraction is easy to spot, since the barn is home to more than 30 Clydesdales.
That’s a lot of horse in one place. Clydesdales are draft horses, bred originally in Scotland to haul heavy loads on farms and city streets.
Here, the big guys have a much friendlier job. They carry riders on guided trails, pull wagons, and generally charm anyone who wanders near the fence.
The farm is listed as a horse-riding service, but that label undersells it. Lessons, carriage rides, barn events, and horse sales all happen on the same property.
It also sits close to the South Branch of the Raritan River. That location gives riders access to wooded paths and open countryside rather than a dusty ring.
Long Valley feels a world away from the Turnpike, which is part of the appeal. Farms, trees, and winding country roads set the tone before you even park.
For anyone who has only seen Clydesdales on television, this is a chance to meet them up close. Fair warning, they’re bigger in person.
Big Man And The Rest Of The Giant Crew
Names matter at this barn, and the roster reads like a friendly neighborhood. Tito, Jim, Remus, Tonka, Wayland, and Gypsy all carry riders down the trail.
Then there’s Big Man. He’s described as one of the world’s tallest horses, which makes him a tough act to follow.
Clydesdales typically stand well above most riding horses. Their feathered lower legs, broad chests, and big kind faces make them instantly recognizable.
Not every resident is a giant, though. The herd has included Doug the mini horse, a pint-sized contrast to his towering barnmates.
Younger horses come through too. A four-year-old named Benny has carried trail riders, and foals have been born on the property.
Visitors can sometimes meet horses simply by stopping at the paddock fence. The big heads often come right over for a scratch and some attention.
I like how each horse feels like a character rather than a number. It turns a riding outing into something closer to meeting new friends.
Just don’t be surprised if you start picking a favorite before you even get in the saddle. That happens fast with this crew.
Trail Rides Along The Columbia Trail
Guided trail rides are the heart of the experience, and the scenery pulls its weight. Routes can follow the Columbia Trail, a converted rail line that runs through the area.
Paths also trace the South Branch of the Raritan River. Expect trees, water views, and the steady clip-clop of very large hooves.
Options include a standard one-hour ride and longer outings. An advanced trail ride is also available for more experienced riders who want extra time out.
Groups are welcome, so you can bring the whole crew. A party of six can head out together with guides leading the way.
Staff guides accompany each ride. Their job is to keep things safe and comfortable while you soak in the countryside from way up high.
The pace is relaxed, which suits the setting perfectly. This is less about galloping and more about enjoying the view from a moving front-row seat.
Some days you might even spot wildlife overhead. Bald eagles have been noted in the area, which is a pretty great bonus for a horseback ride.
It’s peaceful, scenic, and very New Jersey in the best, most surprising way.
Why First-Time Riders Feel At Ease
Nervous about riding something that tall? Fair enough, but Clydesdales are famous for steady, easygoing temperaments that suit beginners well.
You don’t need to be a pro to ride here. Novices and first-timers regularly join trail rides alongside more seasoned riders.
Draft horses also offer a practical perk. Because they’re built to carry and pull serious weight, they can often accommodate larger riders than lighter breeds.
Staff make pairing decisions based on rider experience. Sometimes a guide may lead a beginner’s horse on foot, and another horse may be assigned instead.
That’s worth knowing before you go. If riding a Clydesdale specifically matters for a special occasion, say so clearly when you book.
The barn has a reputation for putting safety first. Horse care and rider comfort clearly sit at the top of the priority list.
For a lot of people, the calm vibe is the real surprise. A horse that heavy moving that gently can make even jittery riders relax.
Think of it as horseback riding with training wheels, only the wheels weigh close to a ton and come with gorgeous feathered legs.
Wagon Rides For Keeping Your Feet Low
Not everyone wants to climb aboard, and that’s perfectly fine. Horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides let the Clydesdales do what their ancestors did best.
Pulling is in their DNA. The breed earned its reputation hauling heavy loads, so a wagon full of happy passengers is hardly a strain.
Wagon rides work well for families with little ones or grandparents along. Everyone gets the view and the horse power without needing riding skills.
It’s also a slower, chattier way to enjoy the farm. You can talk, point at things, and snap photos without worrying about reins.
Driving lessons are offered too. Yes, you can learn how to handle a horse pulling a cart, which is a skill few people get to try.
I believe this is one of the sweetest options on the property. Watching those big shoulders lean into the harness is a sight worth seeing.
Wagon rides also show off the breed’s history in a way a trail ride can’t. It’s a living glimpse of how these horses worked for generations.
Bring a camera and maybe a jacket on cooler days.
Lessons With Patient, Knowledgeable Trainers
Riding lessons turn a one-time outing into a real skill. Trainers work with students at different levels, from total beginners to riders sharpening their technique.
Instruction is tailored to each person. That personal approach helps newer riders build confidence on horses that are bigger than most.
Kids and adults both take lessons here. Some students have even received a tour of the farm after their session, which feels like extra credit.
Some riders travel a long way for lessons. People have come from as far as Long Island to ride these Clydesdales with the farm’s trainers.
That tells you something about the teaching. When folks cross state lines repeatedly, the instruction must be doing something right.
Lessons also go beyond sitting in the saddle. Students can learn about grooming, handling, and the daily care that keeps these giants healthy.
Driving lessons round out the menu for anyone curious about carriages. It’s a rare opportunity in New Jersey, or pretty much anywhere.
If one trail ride leaves you hooked, lessons are the natural next step. Fair warning, horse fever has no known cure.
Scout Troops, Birthdays, And Barn Celebrations
A Girl Scout troop of fourth graders once spent a visit riding, learning horse care, and meeting a two-day-old foal. That’s quite a field trip.
Group visits like that show how hands-on this place can be. Kids learn grooming and care, not just how to sit on a horse.
Birthday parties are another popular option. Celebrations can include giant pony rides or wagon rides, which beats a bounce house any day.
Barn tours give curious visitors a peek behind the scenes. You’ll see where the herd lives and how much work goes into keeping them happy.
The farm also rents a barn area for events. A retirement party has been held there, complete with horse interaction for the guests.
Weddings have featured Clydesdales too. Remus once greeted guests at a ceremony and posed for photos, stealing the show in the best way.
Summer camps offer longer stretches with the horses. They’re a great fit for kids who can’t stop talking about horses all year.
Whatever the occasion, a ton of friendly horse tends to make it memorable.
A Family Legacy Behind The Barn Doors
Family roots run deep at Willow Grove Farm. Co-owner Heidi Ort’s family has owned the property for close to seventy years.
The Clydesdale chapter came later. Co-owner Win Lake began boarding Clydesdales here more than two decades ago, and the breed became the farm’s signature.
The next generation is involved too. Morghan, Win’s daughter, works closely with the horses and handles training and sales.
Horse care is a clear point of pride. The herd is known for looking healthy and well kept, and safety comes first in daily routines.
The farm also sells horses. Buyers have driven in from out of state for a Clydesdale matched carefully to what they wanted.
Younger family members and staff pitch in around the barn. Kids walking visitors between paddocks and answering questions add to the homegrown feel.
That mix of history and hands-on care shapes the whole place. It feels personal because, for this family, it genuinely is.
Hard to fake that kind of atmosphere. You either have generations of horse sense in the soil, or you don’t.
Hours, Booking, And Getting To Long Valley
Mondays are off-limits, so plan around that. Willow Grove Farm opens Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
You’ll find it at 458 W Mill Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853. The drive into Morris County is pleasant, with farmland and trees replacing traffic jams.
Booking ahead is smart, especially for groups or longer rides. Walk-ins have been accommodated before, but reserving keeps things simple.
Ask about age limits, weight limits, and group sizes when you call. Those details can shape which ride or horse fits your party best.
If riding a Clydesdale is the whole point, mention it upfront. Horse assignments may depend on experience, so clear communication helps avoid disappointment.
Pricing varies by ride length and type, and it can change. Check current rates directly with the farm before your visit.
Dress for the outdoors with long pants and closed-toe shoes. Trails can be muddy after rain, so boots you don’t mind dirtying are a good call.
The farm holds a 4.8-star rating on Google from more than 180 reviews. That’s a strong sign this trip is worth the drive.
Worth Every Hoofbeat For A New Jersey Day Trip
Some outings are fun, and others turn into stories you retell for years. Riding a Clydesdale lands firmly in the second group.
Willow Grove Farm offers a side of New Jersey many people never see. Quiet trails, river views, and a herd of gentle giants make a strong case for the Garden State.
It suits a wide range of visitors. Beginners, experienced riders, families, scout troops, and couples planning something special can all find a fit.
Not into riding? Wagon rides, barn tours, and simply meeting horses at the fence still deliver plenty of charm.
The family history adds heart to the whole experience. Generations of care show in how the horses live and how visitors are welcomed.
I can’t think of many New Jersey day trips that feel this unusual. Where else can you share a trail with a horse named Tonka?
Book ahead, wear sturdy shoes, and leave room in your camera roll. You’re going to need it.
The big guys will be waiting. Honestly, it would be rude to keep them standing around.
