Pony Up

It’s all about the eternal quest to make our children’s dreams come true. But then they keep asking for a pony. While we’ve got no room in our backyard, no oats and no hay, we know someone that does!

Pinto Valley Ranch in Fitzroy Harbour has been a fixture in the Ottawa Valley for three generations. Originally a dairy farm, it was run by Ernie and Gail Smith for 40 years before it was taken over by their daughter Tracey, her husband Ben, and their three children in May 2009.

Pinto Valley Ranch maintains approximately 75 horses, along with other livestock such as alpacas (the little one is named Chewbacca and is very interested in shoelaces), friendly dogs, pot-bellied pigs and peacocks. But it’s really about the horses.

Hour-long trail rides (for riders 11 and over) through scenic fields and shady forests are a big draw. The young ‘uns between the ages of 2 and 10 can have their own special time with a pony in the rodeo ring.

Pony rides are first come, first served. They take place in a fenced-in area and are closely supervised. Riders are encouraged to bring a bicycle helmet (although there are some on site if you forget) and wear long pants and boots or running shoes. No flip-flops! This is a real working farm, and the staff take safety very seriously.

Good to know:

• Parents and guardians need to sign a waiver before children are allowed to ride. If you are bringing children who aren’t your own, you must bring a copy of the family riding waiver signed by the parent. (It’s online here.)
• There is food on site. Step-up Ruby’s Restaurant is a new addition at Pinto, but only keeps part-time hours (Wednesday–Sunday from 7 am to 2 pm). Arriving early for a pre-ride breakfast and planning a post-ride visit with the other resident animals would make a perfect half-day outing. Bring snacks and water if you’re visiting outside of restaurant hours.
• Horseback riding is a cash-only adventure, so make sure you visit an ATM before arriving.
• The horses get to take time off if there’s a heat advisory, so check the website before you head out. Do note that summer hours are now in effect. Pony rides are offered from 1 to 5 pm during the week and between 10 am to 4 pm on weekends.

Pinto Valley Ranch hosts birthday parties, too. A dream come true? Definitely. No horsing around here, ma’am.

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