Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines will present "Horses and Hot Chocolate, a Holiday Open House" on Sunday, Dec. 5, from noon until 3 p.m.

Attendees will be able to visit with the farm's resident horses and Albert the donkey, take photos with Santa and enjoy complimentary refreshments, including hot chocolate and homemade Christmas cookies.

"(The annual event is) an hour longer this year, and there will be plenty of parking available. All the resident horses will be in their stalls for visiting," said Joelle Temoyan, Ryerss administrative manager.

The Ryerss Gift Shop will be open, offering holiday gifts and decorations, including homemade horse-themed Christmas decorations. Also offered for sale will be the 2022 Ryerss Farm calendar.

The Giving Tree will be on display for those who choose to provide financial support to the retired and rescued horses that live at the farm. "It's a reverse giving tree," Temoyan explained. "There will be several options (such as) a bag of feed, a hoof trim and a veterinary visit, with a dollar amount assigned to each card. When you buy the card, fill it out and pay the amount, it will be put on the tree." One of the cards will also invite people to sponsor a horse for one year.

Founded in 1888, Ryerss Farm provides a comfortable retirement for senior horse, donkeys and mules that have faithfully served their former owners or were rescued from abusive situations. The horses at Ryerss are never worked again and spend their remaining days grazing the fields at the property, which is located in Warwick and South Coventry townships.

The open house is an opportunity for visitors to meet the horses, learn about the farm and inquire about volunteer opportunities. "That's why we do it - to get people to stop by," said Temoyan, who started as a volunteer before becoming a Ryerss staff member. "Maybe (people) would want to donate, volunteer or sponsor a horse."

Ryerss Farm, 1710 Ridge Road (Route 23), Pottstown, is open to visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including holidays. Visitors may purchase a bag of highly nutritious treats that are sold in the gift shop, which are specially formulated for senior horses. No treats should be brought from home.

For more information about Ryerss or the holiday open house, call 610-469-0533 or visit http://www.ryerssfarm.org or http://www.facebook.com/ryerss.farm.