Add the great outdoors with the Percheron horses at Greenfield Village and you get one awesome day to visit.

Saturday is the day to enjoy some unique outdoor activities at the village and learn more about the 16 Percheron horses that reside there in celebration of National Get Outdoors Day and the release of the beautiful new photography book, The Horses of Greenfield Village.

Photographed by Mary Potts in collaboration with Pamela K. Smith, The Horses of Greenfield Village tells the story of a year in the life of the horses at the village. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the key role these animals play during everyday operations in the village, from plowing and cultivating the soil of Firestone Farm to posing in photographs with visitors. Signed copies of the book – “countersigned” by the horses – will be available for purchase at William Ford Barn.

You will also have the opportunity to learn how to drive the horses and speak with their caretakers in the barn.

Other activities scheduled for National Get Outdoors Day include a 2 p.m. nature hike through Oxbow Island, early 20th-century games on the Village Green and the chance to meet our 1905 U.S. Forest Ranger, Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear.

There will be opportunities to win some nature-themed giveaways and check out some presentations and displays by Michigan Geocaching, Belle Isle Nature Zoo, 4H and others in the Pavilion.

Admission to Greenfield Village is required, and is free to members. The village is open from 9:30 a.m. -5 p.m.

Thanks to the Flickr share from Loren Sztajer for the top photo of the ranger on the horse – taken last July.