Guest Blog – Our FarmCamps Experience at De Smulhoeve

When I (Esther) ask my two daughters, aged 8 and 5, where they would most love to go on holiday, the answer is always: "to Tommy!" That’s to FarmCamps De Smulhoeve, where their favorite pony, Tommy, lives. So, this Pentecost, we headed to Kaatsheuvel for the third year in a row. This time, we also brought their older cousin Chloë, 13 years old, as there’s plenty to enjoy for older horse lovers at De Smulhoeve too.

After we fought our way through the traffic, we arrived at the horse boarding farm. While we were warmly welcomed by farmer Dennis and farmer’s wife Karin, the kids had already taken off. They were straight out to see the horses, alpacas, rabbits, pigs, and all the other animals! My oldest daughter Ylva immediately took her cousin on a tour, and youngest daughter Bente happily followed along. The three city girls were in their element.

Our tent for the weekend was Jaap, one we’ve had before, so we knew it was in a great spot. Right next to the riding arena with a beautiful view over the meadows and the new walking trail. In the middle of the camping field, there was plenty to keep the children entertained. It’s really a place where you quickly make new friends on holiday.

Which grooming pony will we get...?

The most exciting moment of the weekend was perhaps the allocation of the ponies. Who would we get? At 7:00 p.m., all the children sat eagerly in the hayloft. But having a grooming pony is no small task, so first, we received instructions from farmer Karin. What all the moms will remember the most: if your pony poops while brushing or riding, the dads (or grandpas!) get to scoop it up. Once everything was clear, the big reveal happened. Tommy was our grooming pony for the weekend again! Ylva and Bente were over the moon. Chloë was paired with the feisty fjord pony Bringmoy, which turned out to be a great match.

After the ponies were assigned, it was time to groom and ride. First, the younger children had their turn with the Shetland ponies, and then the larger horses. Tommy was raring to go, and my daughters took turns enjoying a ride on his back. By the time Chloë got on Bringmoy, the sun was setting. Riding during sunset was such a beautiful experience! Far too late, but full of great stories and experiences, everyone went to bed happily.

Saturday

On Saturday morning, everyone was up on time. We heard farm dog Drum looking for a playmate on the field. The girls quickly dressed to throw the ball for him. He can keep that up for a while, such energy! After some time, though, he had to find someone else to play with because the girls wanted to help farmer Karin feed all the animals. Carrots for the rabbits, feed for the horses, and meanwhile, peeking at the little kittens resting with their mom Jet in the barn. After that, a quick breakfast because it was already time for the grooming ponies.

Riding the ponies

Twice a day, the grooming ponies are brought out of the paddock, barn, or field. Once groomed, they can be saddled. Luckily, there’s plenty of help if, like me, you get tangled up with the bridle. Then it’s time to choose one of the three riding arenas and ride. It’s quite tricky when you have to share a pony with your sister! After about half an hour, it’s time to get off. The ponies are also allowed to visit the tent. We spoil Tommy and Bringmoy with carrots, but the fresh grass by the tent is also a big hit. Before we can get back to riding in the late afternoon, the kids keep themselves entertained by cuddling rabbits, petting alpacas, mucking out the stalls, and bouncing on the trampoline with their new friends. Then it’s time to bring Tommy and Bringmoy out again for another ride. This time, we don’t ride in the arena, but test out the brand-new walking path that loops around the meadow. It’s beautifully made, and it’s fun to see De Smulhoeve from a different perspective. We’re lucky with the weather—everyone gets to ride in the dry, and in the evening, we’re treated to a stunning sunset. A campfire is made on the camping field, and the chairs are set up around it.

Sunday; A forest walk

The weather forecast for Sunday isn’t great. Fortunately, we stay dry during the morning rides. In the afternoon, a forest walk is planned. Despite the rain, we head out. We get soaked to the skin, but it doesn’t matter. The surroundings are beautiful, and the horses visibly enjoy walking in the forest. Afterward, we let the horse trailer bath fill up and warm up. The rest of the afternoon and evening it rains heavily. On Sunday evening, it’s pizza night. Farmer Dennis races over the camping field in the golf cart to deliver the pizzas as dry as possible. We enjoy them and end the day happily.

A birth

On Monday, Whit Monday, we discover that something special happened during the night’s rain. A foal was born! Mama Babbel has given birth to a beautiful little filly. This is celebrated with rusks and pink sprinkles. All the children are allowed to come up with a name, and farmer Karin finally picks the name Sproet. Everyone gets to ride again twice that day. Sometimes with a raindrop (or more), but that doesn’t bother the horses or kids. We also decorate horseshoes, which will be taken home as souvenirs.

Everything comes to an end...

At the end of the day, the first guests leave. We still enjoy a last night in the tent, but on Tuesday, our time is up. We give one last cuddle to Tommy, Bringmoy, Knabbel, Babbel, Sproet, and all the other animals at De Smulhoeve. Farmer Karin gives the girls a pony diploma, and then it’s time to pack the car. We had another fantastic time in Kaatsheuvel, and I’m sure that the answer to my question about the favorite holiday spot hasn’t changed for the girls. We will definitely be back to De Smulhoeve!

Feeling inspired to stay at FarmCamps De Smulhoeve? Read more about this farm here .