Dun-Pikin Farm

Dun-Pikin Farm Riding Lessons, Pony Parties, Petting Animals, Horse Boarding Dun-Pikin Farm is a small family operated horse boarding and lesson barn in Pasadena, Maryland.

We offer beginner and intermediate riding lessons for children and adults. Horse training. Boarding. Pony Pal program. Pony parties. Pony rides. Stop by and see us some time (visit by appointment only.) We'll see you 'Down on the Farm!"

Dun-Pikin Farm is a Maryland Horse Industry Board Certified Horse Discovery Center.

It's time to get serious! 🙃 There are lots of things to do at the farm these days. Start making some plans to do a littl...
03/03/2025

It's time to get serious! 🙃 There are lots of things to do at the farm these days. Start making some plans to do a little horsin' around. Take your pick from the big, long list here: https://www.rickholt.net/discover/

Cindy 🐴

Dun-Pikin Fun DaySunday March 16 10 am to 2 pmSaturday March 29 10 am to 2 pmAge 7 and up. This Dun-Pikin Fun Day be ...
03/02/2025

Dun-Pikin Fun Day
Sunday March 16 10 am to 2 pm
Saturday March 29 10 am to 2 pm
Age 7 and up. This Dun-Pikin Fun Day be held from 10 am to 2 pm. Join us for some riding and fun farm and hands-on horse activities. Participants are asked to bring a lunch. A snack will be provided.
No experience required.
Cost will be $100.00 for one day session. Ok to sign up for multiple sessions. Sign up link in comments.

On a day like today, when the sun is shining and the temperature is in the upper 50’s, it’s an easy decision to dump and...
03/02/2025

On a day like today, when the sun is shining and the temperature is in the upper 50’s, it’s an easy decision to dump and scrub a dirty water trough. When it’s in the 30’s it’s a bit harder. Yes, clean water is important, but I always hate to dump water on the cold ground where it can later become ice or worse mud. Not to mention it’s unpleasant to have to take your gloves off and roll up your sleeves to scrub the trough in the cold. So, I’ll admit sometimes our water troughs are not as clean as they could be. Yup, I do feel bad about it sometimes, but I was reminded by a picture I took a couple of years ago that maybe it’s not such a big deal after all.

Several years ago, we did some work in the mare's field with the tractor. We realized after a rain we had left a low spot and accidentally created a lake in the field. Unfortunately it took a while to fix because of continuing wet weather. We began to notice the horses were drinking the water from the “lake” rather than the scrubbed water trough. It seemed they preferred the dirty muddy water. Hmmm …

The lake is now long gone. The horses have no choice but to drink from the trough. No worries, we’ll continue to scrub the water troughs even if the horses evidently don’t really appreciate it. Honestly, I’ll never really understand horses, but hey … I’ll keep trying. We’ll share what we learn when you Come Ride With Us!

Cindy🐴

Saddle Up Spring - Try a RideMonday, March 3 evening ride timesWednesday, March 6 evening ride timesMonday, March 10 eve...
03/01/2025

Saddle Up Spring - Try a Ride
Monday, March 3 evening ride times
Wednesday, March 6 evening ride times
Monday, March 10 evening ride times
Wednesday, March 12 evening ride times

Have you ever thought you might like to give horseback riding a try? Have you been afraid to commit because horses might not really be for you? Here’s your chance to try horseback riding with no commitment and no pressure to sign up for more lessons. All you have to do is pick your time and give horseback riding a try. Your lesson will include how to sit correctly, walk, steer and stop. Why not take the leap and try something you’ve been thinking about. Our horses are safe and fun. Come Ride With Us!

Each session is 30 minutes ($40). Register using link in the comments.

Don't have a horse? No problem! Come Ride With Us! Cindy 🐴
03/01/2025

Don't have a horse? No problem! Come Ride With Us!

Cindy 🐴

At Dun-Pikin we’ve always known Layla was a champion. Last weekend she finally received the recognition she has worked s...
02/28/2025

At Dun-Pikin we’ve always known Layla was a champion. Last weekend she finally received the recognition she has worked so hard to achieve. Layla was named Champion. She had the highest individual score in the Fence Post Farm show series, and she received the Combined Training high score award. Everyone at Dun-Pikin is very proud of her. Though she has moved on to another farm that has an emphasis on showing, we take pride in the fact that she got her start at Dun-Pikin, learning the basics from us.

We still see Layla almost on a daily basis. She helps with the afternoon feedings. Layla is not only a champion in the ring but also in the barn. Layla walks over from school, changes into her barn clothes and gets right to work. She knows the routine, and without me needing to say a thing, she gets right to work. She walks the horses in and out, checks the water, refills the hay, and walks the horses back out. She also cleans stalls when they need doing. She rakes and sweeps like no other. I have to admit I take full advantage of her while she’s there.

Layla is following in her sister’s footsteps. Amelia, her sister, rode and worked with us for years. We have been blessed to have the Reynolds family as part of our Dun-Pikin Family. Come be a part of the family too. Come Ride With Us!

Cindy 🐴

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎Kayleigh Be, Taylor Dearborn, Janet Klingenberg, Linda Moon, Kay Klovstad, Vicky O...
02/27/2025

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎

Kayleigh Be, Taylor Dearborn, Janet Klingenberg, Linda Moon, Kay Klovstad, Vicky Olsen, Allison Jones, Wendy Frommelt Johnson, Jennifer Shippie Jenkins, Tom Plourde, Isabel Schulze, June Beebe, Liliana Pineda, Paul Higgins, Anna Urmom, Patty Mac, Roxanne Hatcher

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

Sometimes all you need is a little sunshine and a good horse. Come Ride With Us! Cindy 🐴
02/27/2025

Sometimes all you need is a little sunshine and a good horse. Come Ride With Us!

Cindy 🐴

Every morning after the horses are fed and back out, we take all the feed pans out of the stalls. We give them all a qui...
02/26/2025

Every morning after the horses are fed and back out, we take all the feed pans out of the stalls. We give them all a quick swish and then hang them on their doors so they’re ready for the next meal. Without fail this is our routine every day. That’s why we were so surprised when it was time for dinner the other day and we couldn’t find Ruby’s pan. Hmmm …

Tony and I both looked for the pan. In the barn, out by the water spigots and in the feed room. That darn pan was just gone. It really wasn’t a big deal, we have plenty of feed pans, but things that disappear with no explanation just bug me. What could have happened to that darn pan, right?

Several days went by and on Saturday Amie asked me what had happened to Ruby’s pan. She noticed it was different because the one we had replaced the missing pan with did not have handles. I told her how it had vanished without a trace and asked her to keep an eye out for it. On Sunday, she told me she had found Ruby’s pan.

She told me it was in the barn. “Where” I asked? She just laughed and when I looked, I still didn’t see it. Finally, she pointed out it was on the tractor which at the time was in the barn. Sure enough, there it was turned upside down on the hunk of concrete on the back of the tractor. Evidently someone, probably me, put it there after washing it out. I guess I got distracted and put it there to do something else. Obviously then quickly forgot it.

The funniest thing is that the pan went back and forth to the manure pile for several days. It was likely there when we put a hay round out, and it was right in front of us every day in the barn while we worked those days it was missing. What do they say? “If it was a snake it would have bit us”?

Turns out, it was just a feed pan, and it almost bit us with frustration! We're glad the mystery is solved, and all our horses are happily munching from their own dishes. Want to join the fun (and maybe help us find missing feed pans)? Come Ride With Us!"

Cindy🐴

Shhh! Don’t tell anyone. If you do, I’ll deny it. Picture here are my 2 favorite ponies. Ginny, my old girl in the front...
02/25/2025

Shhh! Don’t tell anyone. If you do, I’ll deny it. Picture here are my 2 favorite ponies. Ginny, my old girl in the front and Tiny, my handsome “Fabio” in the back. I just love all that hair. They both live down at High Tide and they both have my heart.

Most horse people who own more than one horse would probably not admit they had a favorite, but I do, kinda. I’ve already acknowledged my feelings about Tiny and Ginny, but … there are others. Jelly Bean is my absolute favorite mini. He has a HUGE personality and is into everything. Literally, if given the chance he’ll sneak into the feed shed. He’ll help himself to hay from the storage, and he’ll take advantage of any opportunity to push through any gate. There’s Brownie, my favorite bay pony. She’s as round as she is tall, and she does love her peppermints.

There’s also Dublin at Dun-Pikin. He’s special because he belonged to my good friend Gail. He was given to me after her death. He always has that worried wide-eyed look on his face. Olive and I have a very complicated relationship, but she’s probably my favorite pony in the barn. I guess I have to admit though, she’s actually the only pony in there.

There’s Tammy in the pony barn. She’s my favorite appy pony that lives out there. Lillie’s my favorite “roany” pony, and Tic Toc’s my favorite grey at Dun-Pikin. You get the idea; there’s something about every horse we have that makes them my favorite. Every morning as I put a halter on each of them I tell them they’re my favorite.

So, yeah, they're all my favorites. Come meet the whole herd (and maybe find your favorite...or favorites!). Come Ride With Us!

Cindy 🐴

Saddle Up Sunday (Flashback Edition)- way back in 2004 our very own Katie riding Zelda at Marlboro Horse Trials cross co...
02/24/2025

Saddle Up Sunday (Flashback Edition)- way back in 2004 our very own Katie riding Zelda at Marlboro Horse Trials cross country. Be like Katie, Come Ride With Us!

Cindy 🐴

A breakthrough moment for Buffy this week. Buffy, the donkey in the picture, is in her late 20’s. She has been having he...
02/23/2025

A breakthrough moment for Buffy this week. Buffy, the donkey in the picture, is in her late 20’s. She has been having her feet done her whole life. She came to us when she was 2. In all those years, she has never been very co-operative. Most times she stands up on her back feet at least once during her trim. That’s if we can even catch her at all. Thankfully our farrier Shannon is patient and has become accustomed to all of her tricks.

We were extra concerned this time because this was the first time she’s been trimmed since Julie died. She’s been a bit stressed and obviously depressed. She always took her cues from Julie when it came to anything happening around them. If Julie was nervous, Buffy was nervous. If Julie was calm, Buffy would at least be calmer. Having to face a trim without Julie nearby was going to be an issue for Buffy, I was sure. I shouldn’t have worried, the donkey whisperer showed up to help. AKA Anna.

Anna is a friend and boarder at Dun-Pikin. She’s always willing to step up and help out when needed, and I sure needed her. She volunteered to come help me since Katie was out of commission. Once all the horses were done, Anna and Shannon insisted on trying to trim Buffy even when I suggested to just skip her this time around. Anna bribed Buffy with a treat she just couldn’t refuse. She slipped a halter over her head and Shannon quickly got to work. Before we knew it all 4 feet were done, with little to no resistance at all.

Anna not only made the appointment but held every horse as it was being trimmed. She also turned them all back out when they were done too. Anna worked really hard, and I appreciate all she did so much. I also appreciate Shannon’s hard work. I will tell you though I had the hardest job of all. I had to write the check. Happy hooves, happy hearts. See all the happy horses (and all the happy Dun-Pikin family) when you Come Ride With Us!

Cindy 🐴

Saddle Up for Summer Fun at Dun-Pkin Farm!Summer is just around the corner (what’s a few months among friends), and what...
02/22/2025

Saddle Up for Summer Fun at Dun-Pkin Farm!
Summer is just around the corner (what’s a few months among friends), and what better way for your child to spend their days than outdoors, making new friends, and learning the ropes (literally!) at Dun-Pikin Farm's Summer Horse Camp? For over 20 years, we've been welcoming kids aged 7-17 to experience the magic of horses. Our week-long day camps (8 am - 3 pm) offer a perfect blend of hands-on learning, riding instruction, and good old-fashioned summer fun. Imagine your child's face lighting up as they groom their assigned pony, learn the basics of horsemanship, and finally, take their first solo trot around the ring. It's a confidence-building experience that extends beyond the barn, teaching responsibility, teamwork, and a love for animals.

We believe in creating a supportive and engaging environment where kids can thrive. Our experienced instructors guide campers through daily lessons, covering everything from horse care and safety to riding techniques and stable management. But it's not all work! Campers also enjoy games, crafts, and the camaraderie of fellow horse enthusiasts. One year, we had a particularly shy camper named Emily who, by the end of the week, was leading her pony with a beaming smile and chatting non-stop about her newfound passion. Another memorable moment was when a group of campers, after learning about different horse breeds, decided to put on a "horse show" for the other campers, complete with homemade costumes and dramatic narrations. "And here comes the majestic Appaloosa, known for its spotted coat and gentle nature!" one camper announced with great flair as she led our chubby pony Peanut in the arena. These are the kinds of memories that last a lifetime. Come Ride With Us!

Cindy 🐴
(See comments for a registration link with dates, times, cost, etc. Special discount if registered by March 1)

Thank you to everyone who commented on my post last night. It was really special to realize that so many of our horses a...
02/21/2025

Thank you to everyone who commented on my post last night. It was really special to realize that so many of our horses are remembered. I was a bit ashamed that I left off Kate (another Kate), Penny and Thea. Looking at all those names kinda blew my mind. Over the years we have really had some amazing horses. When someone mentioned Thea, I was reminded of one of the greatest love stories that was written right here at Dun-Pikin.

It all started the day Thea arrived at Dun-Pikin. Honestly, I really don’t remember where she came from. I do remember she was a dark bay thoroughbred with a big white star. She was maybe 16 hands tall and thin. She arrived with an obviously new bright pink halter. The person we bought her from knew she was coming to a lesson barn. She told Katie she knew little girls loved pink and she was hoping it would endear Thea to them.

Thea was in her 20’s and much like Dublin despite her age she loved to go. She always listened well but was quick. Thea worked out really well in our lesson program, until one day she decided she was done. There was nothing really dramatic, she just seemed to kinda run out of steam. It became hard to make her go. We realized she was trying to tell us she didn’t want to be a lesson horse anymore, so Thea went into retirement until her death.

When Thea came to Dun-Pikin Marley was living with the mares. When Thea was finally turned out with them, you could practically see the stars in Thea’s eye when Marley trotted up to take a look. From that moment on, Thea was glued to Marley’s side. She stood by him at the hay round. She stood at the ring fence and watched him go around if he was being used in a lesson, and she would wait for him at the gate to be turned out. She was definitely Marley’s girl.

The problem was Marley wasn’t a bit impressed. In fact he didn’t seem to notice Thea at all.

Thea was not deterred, if she couldn’t see Marley she would get upset. Marley never seemed to notice. He tolerated her but he was certainly not smitten with Thea, not at all. They did once make a break for it together when we left a back gate opened. We found them at the middle school behind the farm. We had no problem wrangling them though. All we had to do was get a halter on Marley. Thea trotted right along behind her beloved Marley and followed him home.

One day when we were turning the horses out at dusk, they all started running. Thea was caught up in the ruckus and fell. Sadly, she ended up breaking a leg. It was a heartbreaking time while we waited for the vet to arrive. It was heartbreaking but also heartwarming to see Marley, who only ever tolerated Thea standing over her keeping watch. He never left her side until the vet finally arrived and euthanized her. When Thea was gone, Marley bent down, took a sniff and slowly walked away. Thea was able to be with her beloved Marley until the very end. It seemed like maybe Marley really did care for Thea after all.

If horses could cry, I’m sure Marley would have shed some tears. I know there was not a dry eye on the farm that evening. At Dun-Pikin part of our mission is to teach horsemanship and share our love of horses. Sometimes it hurts, but I assure you there are many, many rewards. Join the Dun-Pikin family. Come Ride With Us!

02/20/2025

Friendly neighborhood garden and landscape
supply center with a full service landscape division!

Today, last year!!
02/20/2025

Today, last year!!

Address

4808 Mountain Road
Pasadena, MD
21122

Website

https://www.rickholt.net/discover/

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Videos

Today in 2018. Just walkin’ my pig.

You wonder what goes on in there, here we have , the lesson kids in there natural enviroment. #dunpikin #dunpikinfarm #horsediscoverycenter #beaflyonthewall

Feb 12 2020

Baby Dino playing with his toy. This is nothing, a mild play time. He was vicious on his toy balls for a long time ! #dunpikinfarm #hightidefarm #thepercyproject #perserverance #brabantdraft horse

Chessie ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Lillie is a push button pony! Push the button that says go to your stall and next thing you know there she is!

Dejavu’ Dublin 🍀 🍀🍀 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🍀🍀🍀🍀 even kickin’ his heels up on colic watch

Percy about a month after he arrived last year. He has matured a lot in a year. He still acts like a baby but in this pic he still has a baby face look to me. Definitely looks like an older baby Dino now!🦖🦖💙💙

I don’t remember exactly what I told them to do, but this one turned out amazing! Cori and Sophia ?!?? If you stumble across this, how are you, miss you tons!!!!!

The big red mare meets Magic and Lily for the first time. She is the prettiest one in the video, you know the one acting all snobby!

On nights when I don’t know what to write about, I tend to look for any pictures I might have taken throughout the day. Honestly, I don’t take many pictures. I’m slow pulling out my phone to catch the interesting stuff. Many times, if I do take a picture, it turns out to be a picture of my finger. A photographer I am not. Many days if I’m stumped, I ask Rick to look through the pictures Katie has taken. He has access to her photos. Today he found something interesting. Not only a picture but a video too. If nothing else it’s proof of why our automatic driveway gate is so important. Evidently last Sunday when the horses were being brought in, there was a scuffle at the gate between the horses. For safety reasons whoever was at the gate thought it best to just get out of the way. That is ALWAYS the right choice! Anyway … during the scuffle Tammy and Kate decided to take a little detour to their stalls via down the driveway and out to the CLOSED front gate. Usually at breakfast time they would head straight to their stalls, but for some reason on this day they decided to do some exploring. Evidently it took a while to round them up and get them into their stalls. With horses stuff happens, almost every day. Safety is ALWAYS a priority at Dun-Pikin. Stepping aside at the gate kept the person safe, and the automatic gate kept the horses safe. The gate is there to keep the horses in, not keep the people out! Remember to just press the button on the pole by the gate, the gate will open, and you can Come Ride With Us! Cindy 🐴

Cool and Romeo playing ♥️♥️♥️♥️

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Our Story

Dun-Pikin Farm is a small family operated horse boarding and lesson barn in Pasadena, Maryland. We offer beginner and intermediate riding lessons for children and adults. Horse training. Boarding. Pony Pal program. Pony parties. Pony rides. Stop by and see us some time (visit by appointment only.) We'll see you 'Down on the Farm!" Dun-Pikin Farm is a Maryland Horse Industry Board Certified Horse Discovery Center.