At Gilchrist Farm, families aren’t just visiting. They’re learning hands-on how to care for and respect the animals. Barn Manager Natalie Degyarfas says that mission runs deep.
“We are all about teaching Animal Care and horseback riding, and you know, different types of animal husbandry — so goat milking, taking care of birds, small animals, taking care of horses, cows, goats,” said Degyarfas.
For Martha Ayala and family, the experience has become a yearly tradition.
“The farm is teaching us a lot about animals and how to take care of them properly. Well, we came to the farm because my son loves the maze. But my daughters love the ponies, the pony rides,” said Ayala.
And behind the wagon rides, and the miniature train, Sonny Rodriguez says the goal is simple — connection.
“Almost anybody that works here appreciates the job and appreciates how we can be engaging with moms and dads and kids,” said Rodriguez.
That connection continues through the farm’s expanding programs. Degyarfas says the goal is to make animal care accessible to everyone.
“Aside from our big events, also we have animal care and horsemanship classes. We have a year-round horseback riding program we teach all levels, from ages two and up through adults. English, Western and I specialize in mounted archery…We have our harvest festival, we have our spring fling right before Easter, where we do egg hunts and stuff, and then our next one coming up is going to be our Holiday Hoedown,” said Degyarfas.
“We’re all about just teaching the public how to be around animals and giving people the chance to come and experience farm life,” said Degyarfas.
