Want a calmer Catskills animal encounter? I love the chance to hand-feed emus and goats, and I love how Jake shares rescue stories as you walk the 30-acre sanctuary. The only drawback: interactions depend on the animals and the day’s conditions, so you can’t force every petting moment.

This is a true private tour for up to 6 people, running about an hour. It starts at 44 Kate Yaeger Rd in Saugerties, about 13 minutes from Woodstock and Saugerties, and you use a mobile ticket on arrival.

The farm is set up for respectful contact, not constant grabbing. Some animals want attention, some want space, and most visitors end up surprised by how well the calm pacing works—especially if you’re coming with kids.

Key highlights before you go

• Private group size (up to 6) means more time with the animals instead of waiting your turn.
• Jake tells the rescue stories as you meet each animal, which makes the whole visit feel real, not performative.
• Hands-on options include hand-feeding (especially emus) and letting animals choose whether they want pets.
• A 30-acre working sanctuary gives you room to slow down, walk gently, and take photos without crowd pressure.
• Great for families and couples who want a meaningful nature break near Woodstock.
• Weather matters, since the tour depends on good outdoor conditions.

A Private 30-Acre Sanctuary Just Outside Woodstock

The Napping Horse Farm visit is set on 30 acres in the Catskills, which helps explain the tone: relaxed, spacious, and not rushed. You’re close enough to popular Woodstock-area stops, but the farm feels like its own pocket of quiet—more mountain reset than theme park.

What you’re really buying is time with rescued animals, led by the person who runs the place. The owner-guide here is Jake, and he’s the one doing the storytelling. That human connection is a big part of why this works so well for both kids and adults.

Also, you’re not in a crowded herd of strangers. Because it’s private (your group only), you can ask questions, pause for photos, and let the pace match the animals’ mood.

How the 1-Hour Tour Feels: Animals Set the Pace

The tour lasts about an hour, which is a smart length. Long enough to meet multiple species and hear their backgrounds, but short enough that it stays upbeat—no marathon “walk forever” energy.

Here’s the key dynamic: you don’t drive the interaction. The farm’s approach is to let animals set the pace. Some will eagerly come closer; others will hang back until they decide you’re not a threat. That matters because it keeps the experience kinder for the animals and less stressful for you.

I like this style because it changes how you watch. Instead of expecting a single perfect moment, you notice small behaviors: who’s curious, who’s cautious, and which animal likes a certain kind of attention. It’s learning that feels natural.

And yes, there are plenty of photo moments—especially when emus and goats get comfortable enough to come close. Just be ready for the simple truth: not every animal will perform on command.

Meeting the Cast: Donkeys, Goats, Emus, Horses, and Mini Donkeys

You can expect a mix of rescued animals, including gentle horses, donkeys (and mini donkeys), playful goats, and emus. The farm also highlights that personalities vary—some animals love pets, while others prefer a little distance.

What tends to land with people most is the variety. You’re not just looking at one type of animal in one pen. You’ll move across the farm and meet different groups, which keeps the visit interesting even if you’ve seen farm animals before.

One of the standout moments for many families is getting close to goats—scratching, chatting, and noticing how quickly goats can figure out who has food. Another frequent favorite is the emus, because they may approach cautiously, then suddenly act like they’re in charge of the snack schedule.

For people who love horses, this tour still delivers without making you wait. You get time to pet and interact in a way that feels calm and unforced, not like a quick handshake-and-go.

Hand-Feeding and Petting: Fun, But Keep It Respectful

This is a hands-on farm tour, but it’s not about rough handling. The farm emphasizes an animal-choice approach—if an animal wants attention, it gets it; if it wants space, you give it space.

You can often hand-feed emus and goats, and you may also be able to brush or pet certain animals depending on their comfort level. The best way to make this go well is simple: move slowly, use a gentle tone, and follow Jake’s guidance. When you do, it turns feeding into an actual interaction instead of a frantic grab for the next moment.

A practical tip: if you’re bringing children, expect them to want to do everything at once. That’s normal. What helps is turning it into a question: Which animals want space? Which ones are okay with gentle touch? That keeps the visit fun and teaches respect without turning it into a lecture.

The biggest consideration is that comfort levels can vary by day. If an animal is feeling cautious, you won’t get the same level of hand contact. That’s not a failure—it’s part of the sanctuary approach.

Jake’s Rescue Stories: Why This Is More Than Just Cute Animals

Jake isn’t only herding people from one animal to the next. He explains the rescue stories and the reasons behind the animals’ behaviors now. That context is what turns a farm visit into something more meaningful.

You’ll likely hear how each animal ended up in the sanctuary and what helped them settle into this new life. And because the stories connect directly to what you’re seeing—how a donkey approaches, how a goat responds, how an emu behaves—you don’t just get facts. You get a better way to read the animals’ body language.

I also like how this kind of storytelling works for kids. Instead of “look at the animal,” it becomes “here’s why this animal matters.” That makes the whole hour feel purposeful, not just entertaining.

One more detail: Jake comes across as patient and personable, and he answers questions. That’s a big deal if you’re traveling with a toddler, or even just a very curious adult who asks why goats do goat things.

Price and Value: $97.50 for Up to 6 People

At $97.50 per group (up to 6), the math can be surprisingly friendly—especially if you come with friends or family. Divide the group price by your headcount and you’ll see how quickly the cost drops per person.

If you go as a couple, it’s still a manageable spend for a private, hands-on experience near the Woodstock area. If you go as a family of four, it becomes an even better value, because you’re not paying per animal interaction or per child.

What makes the price feel fair is what you’re actually getting:

• a private one-hour session,
• real time with multiple rescued animals,
• and rescue context from the person running the sanctuary.

For animal lovers, that added interpretation is where you get your return. It’s not just “look.” It’s “understand.”

Timing, Weather, and What to Wear in the Catskills

The tour requires good weather, so plan like a sensible Catskills traveler. If conditions are poor, the experience may be canceled, with an alternative date offered or a refund.

Because it’s an outdoor farm, wear comfortable shoes that handle uneven ground. You’ll be walking across the sanctuary, meeting animals up close, and staying mobile for the hour. Layers help too, since mountain weather can shift.

Also, keep your expectations aligned with the setting. This isn’t a polished indoor exhibit. It’s a working sanctuary in a real landscape with animal movement and natural pacing. If you show up calm and ready to adapt, you’ll have a better time.

Accessibility, Service Animals, and Who This Fits Best

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. If someone in your group has mobility needs, you’ll want to plan for gentle walking and time outdoors, since the interactions are tied to being on the farm.

This tour shines for:

• Families who want hands-on animal time without feeling like a zoo visit.
• Couples looking for a quieter nature experience near Woodstock.
• Animal lovers who care about rescue stories, not just photos.

It may be less ideal if you want a fast, scripted show. The animals set the pace. You get a kinder, calmer experience—but you can’t force a particular animal to come closer.

Should You Book Napping Horse Farm?

If you’re traveling in the Catskills and want an experience that’s both sweet and grounded, book it. The private setup (up to 6 people), the one-hour length, and the focus on rescued animals make this a strong choice—especially if your group includes kids who love animals and adults who like to learn.

You should consider booking if you:

• want a meaningful, hands-on encounter,
• enjoy animal personalities and gentle interaction rules,
• and are okay with letting the animals decide the level of contact.

Skip it only if you need a very structured, guaranteed-contact experience. Here, the win comes from reading the animals and going with their cues.

FAQ

How much does the private farm tour cost?

It costs $97.50 per group, with a group size of up to 6 people.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, meaning only your group participates.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at 44 Kate Yaeger Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA, and ends back at the meeting point.

What animals will we meet?

You can expect a variety of rescued animals, including horses, donkeys (and mini donkeys), goats, and emus.

Can I feed or pet the animals?

The experience includes close-up interactions, including hand-feeding (such as emus and goats) and petting/brush time with animals that are comfortable with contact.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.