Traveling Pony Show

Considering a rocking horse, as a gift for one of our little ones. Somehow that led me to the old traveling pony photographers that use to canvas local neighborhoods … immortalizing little cowpokes everywhere.

As much as I’d like to share my vintage photo sitting atop a pony dressed up as a cowgirl … not gonna happen and sadly it looks like I deprived my kids of the same memory. But, I did find some really fun kid and pony images around the web.

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Found myself searching to learn more about that lost art and found that it reflected back to the days of the Itinerant Photographer, who, like the many portrait painters, skipped the studio altogether and brought the camera directly to the customer.

Those were the good old days.

Want to contribute? Submit your own Traveling Pony photo on our  Facebook page.

Best Horse Links On the Web

The wagon rests in winter, the sleigh in summer, the horse never. ~ Proverb

What a blessing to wake up everyday surrounded by horses and the beauty of the Minnesota River Valley. It’s an unbelievable feeling!  Now mind you…that’s only during the moments when we get to look up, from the thousands of chores that there are to do, to keep a horse ranch running.

The beauty of it is…you never tire of it.

Hard but joyful work!

Our passion is to share our love of horses with you…whether it’s taking time to stop by to experience the Minnesota River Valley on horseback, to reserving our ranch for special events, the trail riding blog or our Facebook Group. We invite you to share your horse stories and horse photos with us and hope you’ll join in the conversation about these amazing animals and the wonderful times we get to spend with them.

In riding a horse we borrow freedom.  ~Helen Thomson

Here are a few of our favorite horse links for you to enjoy…

"Don't squat with yer spurs on"

PBS – Introduction Nature

About Horses and Ponies

All About Horses

Horse Fun

Horses on Wikipedia

Cool Images Of Horses

Horse Quotes

AnimalForum

The Horse Site

HorseLand

HorseWeb: Horse directory: Breeds of Horses

Horse Quotes

Best Horse Photos

Horse Stories

Until next time!

Horseback Riding Can Be Beneficial to Your Health!

Horseback riding is a wonderful activity for both young and old. Better yet, it can be beneficial to your health.

Healthy Trails To You!

It has been proven that by combining both rhythm and balancing, such as horseback riding, can help stabilize and relax the sensory system. There are many studies that have been done regarding the physical and mental benefits of interacting with horses and it only takes a second to notice the difference in the way that you feel, just walking up to a horse.

The best selling book, The Horse Boy: A Father’s Quest to Heal His Son, by Rupert Isaacson was just published this past spring. When his son Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson was devastated, afraid he might never be able to communicate with his child. But when Isaacson, a lifelong horseman, rode their neighbor’s horse with Rowan, Rowan improved immeasurably.  Rupert is now bringing equine therapy to help autistic children in Britain. Amazing story!

Fall is the perfect time to get back on the saddle again! You’ll be glad you did.

Until next time.

Saddle Up!

In riding a horse we borrow freedom. ~Helen Thomson

If you haven’t been up in the saddle for awhile, fall is the perfect time to ride the trails. River Valley Ranch is located in the heart of the Minnesota River Valley.

In the coming days, we’ll share the goings on at our horse ranch and the folks that share our passion for horses, horseback riding, trail rides and the spirit of the sport of horseback riding.

Happy Trails!