The entire community is invited to celebrate the Year of the Horse at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian’s “The Mane Event,” a family-friendly festival where kids and adults of all ages and abilities will get to experience the magic of the organization’s 13-acre horse farm. The event will take place on Friday, June 19 from 2 to 6 p.m., during the school holiday that honors Juneteenth, at Pal-O-Mine, 829 Old Nichols Road in Islandia.
The Mane Event will feature a parade of Pal-O-Mine’s many breeds of horses, special riding demonstrations, interactive games and educational activities. Guests will also meet other residents of the farm, including sheep, donkeys and chickens, and have the chance to interact with all of the animals.
“Our herd of 25 horses. eight miniature horses and other small animals love when we open the farm to the families in our backyards and beyond,” said Lisa A. Gatti, Founder and CEO of the nonprofit, which provides equine-assisted therapeutic programs to children and adults with disabilities, veterans, first responders, people experiencing mental health issues and many others. “Most people only see horses at a distance from their car windows, so it’s very exciting when they can meet them up close. They are truly magnificent animals.”
Tickets for the Mane Event are $20 per person, available at the gate the day of the event, and free for children 3 and under. Food and drink will be available for purchase.