We tested for you...
The pony ride
at the "Ălevage Del Navajo" in Woustviller !On a sunny morning, our tester for the day, Axel, saddled up on a pony! We visited Del Navajo Farm in Woustviller, nestled in a setting of greenery, nature, and water. Join us for this pony ride through our beautiful countryside, a great activity to do with children during the summer holidays!
Step 1
Meeting Our Pony
Under the bright summer sun, we arrive in Woustviller with Axel, our enthusiastic young tester who is 8 and a half years old. We have an appointment with Jessica Herbuveaux, the passionate owner of the "Ălevage Del Navajo", an equestrian farm she founded in 2001.
Jessica warmly welcomes us in front of the stables, where we already spot an adorable little pony patiently waiting in the shade. She then leads Axel to meet our four-legged companion for the day đ: Dragibus! This pony is one of the pioneers of the farmâs pony activity, launched in 2014. Dragibus is a loving, well-trained, and gentle pony, perfectly suited for the company of children.
Step 2
Grooming the Pony
Before starting the ride, it's time for a little beauty treatment for Dragibus! Jessica brings a box containing various brushes to groom the pony. Grooming involves caring for the animal through various brushing and cleaning actions. Axel begins by using a hard-bristle brush to remove all the dust and dirt from Dragibus' coat. He then uses a soft brush to smooth the hair and give it a nice shine âš.
Finally, he brushes Dragibus' tail and mane to carefully detangle them. The last step is to clean the hooves with a hoof pick, a more delicate task. An experienced rider on site handles this operation, showing Axel how to proceed without risking injury to the pony.
Step 3
Tacking Up & Mounting
Once Dragibus is as clean as a whistle, Jessica carefully takes care of the tacking: saddle pad, saddle, bridle, and reins are adjusted to ensure the pony's comfort and the rider's safety. Dragibus is now ready to welcome Axel on his back!
Our little rider then prepares enthusiastically. Jessica gives him a helmet, the essential safety gear for horseback riding. She places a small stool next to Dragibus, making it easier for Axel to mount. Without any hesitation, our brave tester climbs onto the stool and, in the blink of an eye, proudly finds himself on his mount for the day.
Jessica checks one last time that everything is in place and gives a few basic instructions to start the ride off well.
Step 4
The Pony Ride
Now that Axel is comfortably seated on Dragibus, it's time to set off on the ride! With a reassuring hug to start, he and his dad begin a short ride: our tester in the saddle and his dad on foot, holding the reins to guide the pony. Jessica provides some final instructions: how to hold the reins, position oneself correctly in the saddle, and use simple signals to guide Dragibus.
The autonomous ride is limited to the farm's grounds, but it is vast: 60 hectares of land, including 20 hectares of fish ponds and 40 hectares of fenced meadows. We leave the stables and begin the descent towards the ponds, in a bucolic setting where greenery stretches almost as far as the eye can see. On this very hot summer morning, we enjoy a shady spot by one of the farm's ponds after about ten minutes of walking. It's an opportunity for a refreshing break and a "snack time" for Dragibus, who eagerly grazes on the grass beneath his feet!
The pony ride lasts about 30 minutes, taking place among trees, ponds, hay bales (or "round bales" as we call them!), and meadows where the farm's horses gallop. This experience feels like a real vacation and a getaway, right in the heart of the beautiful countryside that shapes our destination đ„°.
End of the Ride
A Successful Experience!
The ride is coming to an end, and itâs already time for Axel to say goodbye to Dragibus. With a final hug and a radiant smile, he dismounts, carrying with him precious memories of the morning spent at the "Ălevage Del Navajo". Although this is his second time riding a pony, itâs the first time heâs enjoyed this experience with his family!
A big thank you to Jessica and the entire Del Navajo Farm team! Thanks to their warm welcome, we had a wonderful morning discovering the joys of pony riding, where taking your time and enjoying the moment is key. This experience is an unforgettable one to share with the family đ.
đ No worries for beginner riders: the explanations provided by Jessica are perfect to get you started safely!
It was really awesome! I wasnât scared... Itâs high up, but I would have even liked it to be higher! And Dragibus really has good shock absorbers đ!
In video
Practical Information
L'Ălevage Del Navajo
â For an autonomous pony ride:
- Reservation required, minimum 48 hours in advance, subject to availability (reservation by email or SMS only).
- Helmet and equipment provided. One accompanying adult per pony is required.
- Pony rental for 1 hour: 30 minutes of grooming and 30 minutes of autonomous riding.
- âŹ20 per hour per pony.
đ ĂLEVAGE DEL NAVAJO
40 rue de la Montagne
F-57915 WOUSTVILLER (9 km from downtown Sarreguemines)
đ +33 6 18 80 26 62
đ§ elevage.del.navajo@gmail.com
â The "Ălevage Del Navajo" also offers other pony-related activities for children:
- Discover the ponies with the "Little Caretaker" activity
- Recreational mornings to explore farm life
- Pony Snack-Outings combining treats & rides
- Farm holidays for 5 days of outdoor fun
- Pony Workshops
- Equine Therapy Sessions
Jennifer Communication Manager at the Sarreguemines Confluences Tourist Office
