Ancient Ponies Farm is a 13 acre permaculture homestead located on a quiet, dirt road in Shutesbury, MA, only a short 3 mile bike ride from the center of Amherst. On one side of our road is the house as well as 2 acres of mostly lawn space (with a small kitchen garden and several perennial flower beds). Directly opposite the house stands the solar panel covered animal barn. Here we house laying hens, ducks, five sheep, four draft horses, two livestock guardian dogs and five pregnant goats (set to kid out in April!). These animals have free range within a 4.5 acre fenced in pasture. North of the pasture is an outdoor riding ring, our large no-till annual vegetable garden, a collection of fruit and nut trees as well as berry bushes/shrubs. A constantly flowing stream edges the 11 acres of pasture and garden space.
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Our MissionOur mission on this land is to be almost entirely self sustaining, living off the land in a way that regenerates the life in the soil and, simultaneously, produces little to no waste. We are also trying to create a space to learn and share homesteading skills. This education will take the form of workshops and work exchange. |