On Saturday, March 12, Howell Living History Farm’s big workhorses will be drafted for pony ride duty.

Riders will not sit on saddles or ride bareback, but will sit atop a fully harnessed, three-quarter-ton workhorse. The horses won’t mind, according to the farmers, since giving rides is easier than pulling the plows and wagons used to run the 130-acre “living-history” farm. 

The program is intended to give children a taste of early 20th-century farm life. In order to get a ride, children must first do their farm chores. The list includes helping farmers sweep out horse stalls, clean harnesses, fill water troughs, and make repairs to pasture fences.

The rides will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Riders must be between the ages of 5 and 12 years old.

Howell Farm is owned by Mercer County and located at 70 Woodens Lane, just off Route 29, in Hopewell Township. Admission is free. Visit www.howellfarm.org or www.mercercountyparks.org for more information.