The nearest attraction around — you can walk there. A calm pony led by the bridle and a child's first safe encounter with a large animal.
Pony rides in Kal — a first horse-riding adventure just beyond Ostoja's fence
The nearest attraction in the whole area: a five-hundred-metre stroll through the village of Kal, a calm pony and a handler who leads it by the bridle the entire time.
Not every day of your holiday has to mean getting into the car. Sometimes the best moments are just a few minutes from your room — and that is the case with the pony in Kal. Between breakfast and the beach you can take your child for a walk through the village, look in at the farm and come back with flushed cheeks before the little one has time to get tired.
It is an attraction tailored to the youngest: short, calm and unhurried. For many children it is their first ever meeting with a horse — and one they remember for a long time.
Why it's worth it
- On foot from Ostoja. Approx. 0.5 km — less than a quarter of an hour's walk, with no parking and no need to plan the whole day.
- For the youngest. A short, slow ride that even small children cope with well.
- Safe. The pony is led by the bridle, and the handler stays beside the child the whole time.
- No crowds. No queues or hustle and bustle of big attractions — just the child, the animal and the handler.
- A slice of real village life. A farmstead whose yard is full of buildings and animals, surrounded by the landscape above Lake Święcajty.
- All year round. The attraction runs in every season — by prior arrangement.
Pony rides for children in Masuria — what the ride looks like
The child sits on the back of a calm pony, and the handler leads the animal by the bridle. The pace is slow, the route short, and an adult walks alongside the whole time. There is no galloping and no riding lesson — the point is to get used to the horse and enjoy that first ride.
For a three-year-old it is something completely different from a merry-go-round. The pony breathes, shifts from leg to leg, turns its head and responds to your voice. It is precisely this “aliveness” that makes children experience the ride so intensely and still talk about it in the evening.
Why a pony?
A pony is not a foal or a “small horse”, but a distinct type of horse — stocky, short and gentle-natured. For generations it has been the first choice for children. The child sits closer to the ground, and the animal's reactions are slower and gentler than those of large riding horses. Parents can relax, and the little one feels confident.
More than a ride — the Masurian countryside up close
It is worth setting aside a little more time than the ride itself. At the farm, the child can see what a horse eats, what a harness looks like and why the animal is groomed before a ride. Half an hour spent by the pony stays in the memory longer than a few minutes in the saddle.
The walk there is part of the trip too. On your way through Kal you pass village houses and farmyards full of animals — for city children this is often their first contact with a real Masurian village, also outside the tourist season.
The nearest attraction — ideal for guests without a car
If you came without a car, or have simply had enough of driving, the pony in Kal is for you. Combine it with a walk to the beach on Lake Święcajty (approx. 150 m from Ostoja) and the playgrounds in Ostoja's grounds — and you have a peaceful family afternoon without getting into the car.
At a glance
- Distance: approx. 0.5 km from Ostoja Dwa Jeziora — less than a quarter of an hour's walk.
- Season: all year round, by prior arrangement by phone.
- Who for: children, including the very youngest — accompanied by a parent or grandparents.
- How long: a short ride; allow about half an hour if you want to look around the farm too.
- Weather: an outdoor attraction — best on a dry day.
A sample day from Ostoja
- Morning: breakfast at Ostoja and a walk through Kal to the pony (approx. 0.5 km).
- Late morning: the playground in Ostoja's grounds or the beach on Lake Święcajty (approx. 150 m).
- Afternoon: a short drive to Alpakadabra in Stręgiel (approx. 7 km) — feeding and walking the alpacas.
- If it rains, instead: the Museum of Folk Culture in Węgorzewo (approx. 4 km).
- Evening: dinner at Qchnia Dwa Jeziora — a children's menu is available (items vary).
Practical information
- Booking: the attraction runs on request, not at fixed times. Call ideally the day before on 516 020 734 and agree a time — otherwise you may find the farmyard closed.
- Child's clothing: closed-toe shoes and long trousers.
- Around the animal: approach the pony calmly and from the front, never from behind; do not feed or stroke it without the handler's permission.
- Prices: check with the owner when arranging the time.
- With a dog: Ostoja welcomes dogs (a dog's stay is charged extra); ask when arranging whether your dog can come with you to the farm.
- Help: Ostoja's reception will tell you how to get there and suggest what to plan for the rest of the day.
Frequently asked questions
Where near Węgorzewo can my child go on a pony ride?
In the village of Kal, approx. 500 m from Ostoja Dwa Jeziora. The child rides a calm pony led by the bridle by a handler.
Do you need to arrange it in advance?
Yes. The attraction is available only by prior arrangement by phone on 516 020 734 — it is best to call the day before.
From what age can a child ride the pony?
The ride is short and slow, designed with the youngest children in mind. Agree details about your child's age and height with the handler when booking.
Is the ride safe?
The pony walks slowly, led by the bridle, and the handler stays beside the child the whole time. Ponies are calm-natured and react more gently than large horses.
Are pony rides available in winter?
Yes, all year round — always by prior arrangement by phone. The ride takes place outdoors, so dress your child appropriately for the weather.
How do you get to the pony from Ostoja Dwa Jeziora?
On foot — it is approx. 0.5 km, less than a quarter of an hour's walk through the village of Kal. Our reception will show you the way.
How should you dress your child for the ride?
In closed-toe shoes and long trousers. On cooler days, a warm jacket and hat will come in handy.
Can you feed the pony?
Only with the handler's permission and only with what they provide. Approach the animal calmly and from the front.
Is it horse riding for adults too?
No — it is a pony ride designed for children. Adults accompany the little one on the walk.
