Kafka Farms — Local services in Watchung

Kafka Farms is a Great family run farm who for many, many years have always ensured the horses care and well-being is of the uttermost importance.

Boarding: I cannot express how thankful I am to have had my Oldenburg gelding under Debbie and Rachels care, always paying attention to detail, whether that meant staying up and checking on him in the middle of the night when he wasn't feeling well, or handling his medical/farrier visits while I was away. Not to mention, have I ever met someone who will PERSONALLY wake up at 2:00AM to go blanket your horses because the temperature dropped and to also give extra hay and add warm water to buckets for freezing weather. You can always count on the Kafka's to have your horses best interest in mind, not to mention that they also provide TOP quality grain, supplements, hay and bedding. I have never seen such a passion for horses and kind-correct horsemanship through all my years of being at different facilities.

Lessons/Training: This is the perfect riding school whether you're a beginner or seasoned amateur who's taken a long hiatus from riding and is looking to get back into the sport. All of the lesson horses are forgiving and well mannered, and for first time riders this is the perfect place to start as safety is their number 1 priority, and lessons are carefully tailored to suit each riders individual goals and needs. I have seen young riders terrified to ever get on, or back on a horse, and after a few lessons were more confident than ever before to continue their journey into the sport. Not only do they teach Hunter/Jumpers but Rachel is an amazing Driving professional/instructor who competes regularly at Combined Driving Events specializing in Driven Dressage and Pleasure with her Arabo-Friesian, "Dark Tinne Victory".

Debbie Kafka also specializes in Natural Horsemanship (previously as a leading clinician for the infamous Parelli's) and has personally taught me everything I know about building a bond with the horse to the point where I was able to ride my hot headed warmblood with no bridle or saddle and even jumping over fences. Whether it's starting and breaking your young horse, desensitizing, trailer loading, aggression or temperamental horses, there is no one more qualified than Mrs. Debbie to help you and your horse work through these common problems.

Summer Camp: I have recommended several family/friends to attend summer camp at Kafka Farms and all of the kids always came home with a smile telling their parents how happy they were to attend and couldn't wait to come back the following year. The councilors are always cheerful and attentive and there is always a literal "surprise" (plus surprise snack) at the end of everyday. Harold Kafka's well-cared-for-herd of unique farm animals is sure to give a once in a lifetime experience to any kid who may otherwise never get to meet such animals living in larger cities such as NYC being that the location is under 30 minutes from the holland tunnel. I can easily say not many other "horse camps" can provide the same experience, including a horse show at the end of the week!

Pony Parties/Horse Drawn Carriages: Harold has an outstanding team of rare Black Clydesdales that are sure to be the "hit" of any party you may host, with the wagon literally "dressed up" with accents matching for the occasion providing year-round services. The Clydesdales are also routinely "dressed down" and used for more serious occasions such as funerals and military ceremonies.

The ponies used for pony rides or "unicorn appearance" rides are always turned out sparkling, with beautiful bows and ribbons carefully matched to your parties color scheme or Christmas/Hanukkah event. The pony handlers are sure to ensure your kids safety during the ride and there is really no stone unturned when it comes to quality of service. You can always count on Harold to arrive early and on time to any event and every location is properly cleaned up for afterwards.

You wont regret riding/boarding at Kafka Farms-this is truly a...

The picture on the website of the beautifully decorated cake table is NOT what you get. I asked for a specific theme and even offered to bring the decorations for that theme if that would be taken off the total and was told NO. I had four children who did not arrive and STILL had to pay for them. The birthday child is NOT free. The “face painting” was very basic and not the beautiful, elaborate painting you think of for face painting. The children were given pizza at about 2:45 followed by store bought cupcakes with no birthday decorations on them. By store bought, I mean the cupcakes you see at any supermarket with white frosting and the different color circle spinkles on them. The birthday child gets the same cupcake as all the other kids with a number candle on top ( ie 1 for first birthday). Overall, since it is a small farm, it should have looked way more organized and clutter free for a party. This was my second party with them, and I was offered no discount or perks for being a repeat customer. (The first time the face painting was up to par, and I was inside the barn so my guests didn’t see all the clutter and things all over the place outside. Though when I inquired For that party, I was told things get cleaned up for parties.) To top it off, the kids were given food at 2:45pm as I mentioned, but kids take time to eat, so I would say they finished closer to 3:30pm (party time 1:30-3:30). We were literally chased out bc there was another party scheduled right after mine. It takes time for people to say goodbye and to properly thank guests for sharing time (and money on a gift!). I gave my payment and as we left, it was all smiles but no thank you when I handed the envelope with a decent amount of money including a tip (bc the girls who were helping deserved it).

The pony ride was nice, the girls that assisted the owner were great but that’s about it. I don’t post reviews because I don’t like contributing toward negativity, but we were celebrating a 1st birthday and as a parent, I wish we had a better experience for such a...

Kafka Farms makes dreams come true! Not only for me, but I’ve personally witnessed the smiles of birthday kids, scouting troops, and adults enjoying the joys of the farm.

For about 7 years I rode regularly and tried the lesson programs at most of the North Jersey barns, but never felt individual attention and never had a coach that actually watched and provided specific instructions until I took my first lesson at Kafka Farms - I had embarrassingly been wearing my half chaps backwards for years and no other instructor noticed or corrected it all it took was one lesson for Rachel to kindly point it out. Now I have my own horse and they could not have been more supportive throughout the process and teaching me basic care. There is no question too silly or missed opportunity for learning - they are patient, kind and beyond willing to accommodate any special needs (like administering allergy mediation twice a day).

The care for the animals is top notch! Everyone said owning a horse isn’t for the faint of heart, but having him at the Kafkas’ eliminates all of my worry. They treat all the animals under their care like family and offer around the clock supervision. This summer they even rushed a sheep in labor to a specialist clinic 3 hours away in the middle of the night - they saved her life and her lambs!

This is a small private family farm by design to give every client the individual attention deserved (and paid for). They do not overbook and are very clear on instructions to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe experience! Look through the pics and give them a call to book - you won’t be...