ABOUT US

   The ranch was originally a dairy operation owned by Morley and Helen Smith.  They kept 7 horses on the farm at that time to help with the chores.  Their 11 children also enjoyed the horses, so much so, that at times work was not getting done.  Friends continually dropped by for a visit and a horseback ride.  The number of riders continued to increase, to the point where Morley put up a sign stating .25 cents per ride as an effort to discourage riders.  His efforts were not successful and more and more people were dropping by the farm for a horseback ride.  The children enjoyed the horses so much that they successfully talked their father into opening a horseback riding facility.  Pinto Valley Ranch was born and has continued to grow.

   Pinto Valley Ranch is now owned and operated by Ernie and Gail Smith.  We have been successfully running the business for 50 years. Pinto Valley Ranch maintains approximately 100 horses, as well as various other livestock ranging from lop eared rabbits to llamas.  We provide the public with a place to visit that is both enjoyable and educational.  Pinto Valley Ranch hosts many events, from birthday parties, to corporate outings, to simple business meetings followed by a mellow horseback ride through our scenic trails.

   The spring and summer enables our guests to visit and enjoy the fresh country air.  This is a wonderful time of the year as our newborn foals, calves and baby goats and lambs have arrived.  Our guests can enjoy feeding and interacting with the animals.  The delight in the children’s eyes is immeasurable.  Pony rides are always a big hit with the children.

   The wintertime is a season that everyone is tired of being house bound, so it’s off to the ranch for a family sleigh ride, through the bush where mother nature has left a wonderful dusting of snow that has layered the trees.  Snowball fights break out, and you can hear the laughter echoing through the crisp air.  After the sleigh ride, the children generally hit the toboggan hill for a few slides or the pond for a skate, while the parents enjoy the warm fire indoors along with some mellow country music, hot chocolate, beans or chili dinner and hot dogs.

   Horse drawn carriages are always in great demand for weddings as well as funerals. We provide that extra touch of class for special moments.

   Pinto Valley Ranch is well known in the horse world.  Our horses have been featured in television commercials, and specials, fundraising events in hotels, hockey games at the civic center, parades.