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.
