Pony Farm

Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines pony as: "a small horse; one of any of several breeds of very small stocky animals noted for their gentleness and endurance". Pony Farm keystone Nicolette adds 'tough', 'smart', 'sure on their feet', 'strong', 'resistant to disease' and 'naughty' to the definition.

We love animals farm

Auroville's Pony Farm near the Ganesh Bakery in Kottakarai is like it sounds - a farm with ponies. However, with seven dogs, one milk cow, a pet bull and 19 horses and ponies, the Pony Farm could also be called the We Love Animals Farm.

Awareness of animals

The Farm runs regular riding classes and events almost every day of the year. Along with standard riding techniques, the Pony Farm also teaches a philosophy of awareness of animals as living beings. The Pony Farm's message simply says: horses and all animals are living, feeling beings like ourselves and we should treat them with this in mind. The philosophy reacts against what it calls 'commercial riding', where animals are seen more as means to an end, than individuals.

Language of gesture and position

The real-life inspiration for the Hollywood film The Horse Whisperer, Monty Roberts, and also Klaus Hemphfling, have long advocated communication with horses in their own language - a language of gesture and position where, as with humans, the tone of voice carries more information than the words.

Programmes

Besides aware riding, the Pony Farm also regularly organises:

• Riding shows

• Full moon rides

• Sleepovers

• Picnics

The Farm's weekly riding lessons range in duration from half an hour to two hours per week. In order to secure the funds needed to maintain the place, contributions are asked. Monthly rates are:

30 minutes per week Rs 375
60 minutes per week Rs 600
120 minutes per week Rs 1200

Tourist rides are Rs 300 per hour. Discounts apply for groups.