Marmon Valley Ministries

Ohio's Largest Horse Camp with 160 Horses

Want a Christian farm camp with 150 horses, trail rides, vaulting, and lake swimming?

Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated April 2026

Guided horseback trail riding at Marmon Valley Farm in Zanesfield, Ohio

Marmon Valley Ministries offers a farm experience to the public. Gentle farm animals and cuddly barn cats will gladly be your tour guides as you explore the grounds. With 150 gentle horses and ponies on hand, The Farm specializes in trail rides through the wooded hills and ravines surrounding their many barns and animal pens.

Marmon Valley Ministries

Along with their great riding program, campers can enjoy archery, crafts, the challenge course, animal care, vaulting, and swimming in their 1½-acre lake all while enjoying the fellowship of those who serve Jesus Christ.

About Marmon Valley Ministries

Marmon Valley Ministries offers a farm experience to the public. Gentle farm animals and cuddly barn cats will gladly be your tour guides as you explore the grounds. With 150 gentle horses and ponies on hand, The Farm specializes in trail rides through the wooded hills and ravines surrounding their many barns and animal pens.

The owner, known as Wrangler Matt, and the rest of his farm hands make a special point to see that you feel right at home. Marmon Valley Farm is a member of Christian Camping International and accredited by the American Camp Association.

What Camping at Marmon Valley Is All About

Through the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) they offer an exciting and safe horse program. Each camper is assigned their own horse or pony for the week. Every morning is divided into four sessions: Grooming & Saddling, Arena Riding, Trail Riding and Theory — taught with a good mixture of fun and education by trained instructors.

Marmon Valley Camp Programs

Original Horse Camp — Week-long Resident Camp: The Original Horse Camp has been a favorite for almost 50 years! Campers are assigned a horse to care for and ride all week. Mornings in horsemanship classes, afternoons include challenge course, rock climbing, archery, swimming, crafts. For boys and girls 7-17 all summer.

Atomic Horse Camp — Three-night Resident Camp: A pocket-sized version of Original Horse Camp. A half-week way to introduce youngsters and first-time campers. Now ages 7-14. Parents enjoy Marmon Valley's famous Frybread dinner on Wednesday night.

Horsing Around Camp — Week-long Resident Camp: 100% horses. Besides morning riding classes, afternoons include trail riding, grooming, young horse handling, and roping. Includes a horseback campout one night. Ages 12+.

Equestrian Camp — Week-long Resident Camp: Upper level English riding camp for campers with Level 3 certification from the Farm. Includes interactive horse care sessions, hands-on horse training with young horses, upper level riding classes. Concludes with cross-country jumping course. Teens only.

Insight Horse Camp — For the Blind and Visually Impaired: Partial-Week Resident Camp. A new program for blind or visually impaired children. Campers learn basic horsemanship skills, tacking up, controlling a horse at walk and trot, trail riding. Also includes archery, kayaking, climbing. Cost partially underwritten through generous donors.

What Other Services Does Marmon Valley Offer?

Horseback riding year-round (150+ well-trained horses and ponies), Weekend Retreats for families, birthday party packages, hayrides, barn dances, and rustic bunkhouse rentals.

A Typical Day at Camp

7:30 Good Morning Lord, 8:00 Breakfast, 8:45 Riding Classes, 12:00 Lunch, 1:00 Rest Period, 2:00-4:00 Cabin Activities, 5:00 Cabin Bible Study, 6:00 Dinner, 7:00 Evening Activity, 9:45/10:30 Lights Out.

Ohio's Largest Horse Camp with 160 Horses

What is Marmon Valley Farm?

Marmon Valley Ministries operates Marmon Valley Farm, a family-owned, Christ-centered working farm in Zanesfield, Ohio that has welcomed the public since 1964. The grounds are home to more than 150 gentle horses and ponies plus cows, goats, miniature horses, rabbits, chickens, and the barn cats who happily play tour guide. Located at 7754 State Route 292 S, Zanesfield, OH 43360, the Farm blends genuine agri-tainment with hospitality, calling itself "a wonderfully wholesome place for family farm fun."

Marmon Valley Ministries Christian summer horse camp for kids

What do the guided trail rides include?

Guided trail rides carry guests on a well-trained horse through the scenic, hilly woods of Logan County, with friendly, helpful trail guides accompanying every ride. All rides are walking only, riders must be 6 or older, and the weight limit is 250 lb max (No Exceptions); riders under 11 must be accompanied by an adult on the ride, though not on the same horse. Free helmet rental is available and recommended. For younger visitors, pony rides in the arena are offered for children ages two and up.

Family retreats and events at Marmon Valley Farm

How much do trail rides cost?

Individual trail rides are $40 for one hour, with family rates (4+) at $35 per hour, group rates (10+) at $35 per hour, and mega-group rates (75+) at $33 per hour. A private ride is $80 for one hour, including limited-availability evening private rides at $80. Payments are non-refundable, but with 24-hour notice (one week for groups of 10 or more) the Farm can transfer your booking to a different date or issue a gift certificate.

Overnight youth and scout group stays at Marmon Valley Farm

When can you visit and ride?

From Easter through October 31, the stables run trail rides Tuesday through Saturday 1:00pm-5:00pm and Sunday 1:30pm-5:00pm, closed Monday and Wednesday. In the November 1 to Easter winter season, rides run Friday and Saturday at 1:00pm, 2:30pm, and 4:00pm, with Sunday rides by phone booking. Walk-ins are accommodated April through October, but reservation rides always take priority; private rides require at least 48 hours advance notice and groups of 10 or more need a 30% deposit.

What does the summer horse camp offer?

Billed as Ohio's largest horse camp, Marmon Valley runs seven distinct camps for kids ages 7-17, where each camper is assigned a horse for the week and spends mornings learning trail riding, horse science, and arena lessons. The lineup includes the Original Horse Camp (offered every week, no horse experience necessary), Horsin' Around Camp (a week of 100% horses for horse-crazy girls, with grooming, young-horse handling, and rope throwing), and the upper-level Equestrian Camp (English riding and cross-country jumping for Level 3 campers). Marmon Valley Farm is accredited by the American Camp Association and is a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association.

How do you book or learn more?

Reservations and questions go through the Farm office at or by. Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm, closed Monday. Beyond riding, the Farm hosts retreats, scout and youth-group overnights, field trips, birthday parties, hayrides, barn dances, archery, and a climbing wall, all built around its stated goal to "share Christ's love with all who come on the grounds."

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The Solution Section (FAQ)

What is Marmon Valley Ministries — and what's the farm experience?

Per Marmon Valley Ministries: a farm experience open to the public, located in Zanesfield, Ohio. Gentle farm animals and cuddly barn cats are your tour guides as you explore the grounds. The Farm specializes in trail rides through the wooded hills and ravines surrounding the many barns and animal pens.

The owner is known as Wrangler Matt; the rest of the farm hands make a special point to see that you feel right at home.

Accreditations:

Member of Christian Camping International
Accredited by the American Camp Association

What activities are available beyond horseback riding?

Per Marmon Valley Ministries, alongside the great riding program, campers can enjoy:

Archery
Crafts
Challenge course
Animal care
Vaulting
Swimming in the 1½-acre lake

Per the ministry: "all while enjoying the fellowship of those who serve Jesus Christ."

How many horses are at Marmon Valley — and how is the riding program structured?

Per Marmon Valley Ministries: 150+ gentle horses and ponies on hand. Through the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), the farm offers an exciting and safe horse program.

Per camper: each camper is assigned their own horse or pony for the week. Every morning is divided into four sessions:

Grooming & Saddling
Arena Riding
Trail Riding
Theory — taught by trained instructors with a good mixture of fun and education

What's the Original Horse Camp — and what's the Atomic Horse Camp?

Per Marmon Valley Ministries:

ORIGINAL HORSE CAMP — week-long resident camp. "A favorite for almost 50 years!" Campers are assigned a horse to care for and ride all week. Mornings: horsemanship classes; afternoons: challenge course, rock climbing, archery, swimming, crafts. For boys and girls ages 7-17 all summer.

ATOMIC HORSE CAMP — three-night resident camp. A pocket-sized version of Original Horse Camp; a half-week introduction for youngsters and first-time campers. Ages 7-14. Parents enjoy Marmon Valley's famous Frybread dinner on Wednesday night.

What's Horsing Around Camp — and what's Equestrian Camp?

Per Marmon Valley Ministries:

HORSING AROUND CAMP — week-long resident camp. 100% horses. Besides morning riding classes, afternoons include trail riding, grooming, young horse handling, roping. Includes a horseback campout one night. Ages 12+.

EQUESTRIAN CAMP — week-long resident upper-level English riding camp. For campers with Level 3 certification from the Farm. Includes:

Interactive horse care sessions
Hands-on horse training with young horses
Upper-level riding classes
Concludes with cross-country jumping course

Teens only.

What's the Insight Horse Camp for the Blind and Visually Impaired?

Per Marmon Valley Ministries: INSIGHT HORSE CAMP is a partial-week resident camp for blind or visually impaired children. Campers learn:

Basic horsemanship skills
Tacking up
Controlling a horse at walk and trot
Trail riding

Other activities included: archery, kayaking, climbing. Per the ministry: cost is partially underwritten through generous donors — making this accessible programming available to children who might not otherwise be able to attend.

What's a typical day at camp like?

Per Marmon Valley Ministries, a typical camp day:

7:30 Good Morning Lord
8:00 Breakfast
8:45 Riding classes
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Rest period
2:00–4:00 Cabin activities
5:00 Cabin Bible study
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Evening activity
9:45 / 10:30 Lights out

What other services does Marmon Valley offer beyond camp?

Per Marmon Valley Ministries, year-round services:

Horseback riding year-round (150+ well-trained horses and ponies)
Weekend retreats for families
Birthday party packages
Hayrides
Barn dances
Rustic bunkhouse rentals

To inquire or book: 937-593-8000, email [email protected]. Address: 7754 SR 292, Zanesfield, Ohio 43360. Pricing varies by camp program, weekend package, or rental; pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors — confirm current pricing with Marmon Valley directly when booking.

Where is Marmon Valley Farm located?

Marmon Valley Farm is located at 7754 State Route 292 S, Zanesfield, OH 43360, in the hills of Logan County, Ohio. The Farm has operated at this site since 1964. You can reach the office at 937-593-8000 or [email protected].

What is Marmon Valley Ministries?

Marmon Valley Ministries is a family-owned, Christ-centered working farm and 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has shared its grounds with the public since 1964. It is home to more than 150 gentle horses and ponies along with cows, goats, miniature horses, rabbits, and chickens. The Farm's stated goal is to 'share Christ's love with all who come on the grounds.'

How much does a trail ride cost?

An individual one-hour trail ride is $40. Family rates for groups of 4 or more are $35 per hour, group rates for 10 or more are $35 per hour, and mega-group rates for 75 or more are $33 per hour. A private one-hour ride, including limited evening private rides, is $80.

What are the age and weight requirements for trail rides?

Trail riders must be 6 years or older, and the weight limit is 250 lb max with no exceptions. Riders under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult on the ride, though not on the same horse. All trail rides are walking only.

Are pony rides available for young children?

Yes. Pony rides in the arena are available for children ages two and up, making the Farm accessible to families with toddlers who are too young for the trail. The arena setting keeps small riders close and supervised while still giving them a real pony experience.

What are the trail riding hours and seasons?

From Easter through October 31, the stables offer rides Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and Sunday from 1:30pm to 5:00pm, closed Monday and Wednesday. During the November 1 to Easter winter season, rides run Friday and Saturday at 1:00pm, 2:30pm, and 4:00pm, with Sunday rides available by phone booking. Stable hours vary by season, so calling ahead is recommended.

Do I need a reservation, or can I walk in?

Advance reservations are recommended and always take priority over walk-ins. Walk-ins are accommodated only from April through October. Private rides require at least 48 hours of advance notice, and groups of 10 or more must place a 30% deposit. Call 937-593-8000 during office hours to book.

What is the refund and cancellation policy?

Payments are non-refundable. However, with 24-hour notice — or one week's notice for groups of 10 or more — the Farm can either transfer your booking to a different date or send you a gift certificate. This policy applies to trail rides and group bookings.

Are helmets provided for trail rides?

Yes, free helmet rental is available and is recommended for all riders. Guests are not required to bring their own equipment, which makes a spontaneous ride easy for visiting families. Friendly, helpful trail guides accompany every ride for added safety.

What summer camps does Marmon Valley offer?

As Ohio's largest horse camp, Marmon Valley offers seven distinct camps for kids ages 7-17. These include the Original Horse Camp (offered every week, no horse experience necessary), Horsin' Around Camp (a week of 100% horses for horse-crazy girls), and the upper-level Equestrian Camp for Level 3 English riders. Each camper is assigned a horse for the week.

What do campers do during a typical camp week?

Each camper is assigned a horse for the week and spends mornings caring for and working with that horse. Instructors guide campers through programs including trail rides, a horse science class, and arena lessons. Camp also blends faith-based learning with outdoor fun such as archery, climbing, hayrides, and barn dances.

Is Marmon Valley's camp accredited?

Yes. Marmon Valley Farm is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), a standard that covers health, safety, and program quality. The Farm is also a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA), reflecting its Christ-centered mission.

Does Marmon Valley host group overnights and retreats?

Yes. The Farm welcomes scout troops and youth groups for overnight stays and hosts a range of events, including family retreats, youth weekends, a mother/daughter retreat, dad-and-daughter dates, and holiday celebrations. Day trips, field trips, and birthday parties are also available.

What activities are there besides horseback riding?

Beyond trail and pony rides, the Farm offers archery, a climbing wall, hay rides, and barn dances. Visitors can also meet and interact with the farm's animals, including cows, goats, miniature horses, rabbits, chickens, and the resident barn cats. It's designed as an all-day family farm experience.

Are riding lessons available?

Yes. Group and private riding lessons are available year-round at Marmon Valley Farm. With more than 150 trained horses and ponies and 60 years of experience, the Farm can match riders of different skill levels with an appropriate mount. Contact the office at 937-593-8000 for lesson scheduling and pricing.

Can I arrange a private trail ride?

Yes. Private rides are $80 for one hour and require at least 48 hours of advance notice, with limited availability. Evening private rides are also offered at $80 on a limited basis. Because availability is limited, booking early through the office is recommended.

How long has Marmon Valley been operating?

Marmon Valley Farm has offered a Christ-centered farm environment since 1964, giving it about 60 years of horse and hospitality experience. It is family-owned and operated and is recognized as Ohio's largest horse camp. The combination of longevity, a large herd of gentle horses, and a clear mission has made it a longstanding destination for Ohio families.