These five destinations are must-see spots for travelers with a passion for ponies.
Is someone in your family passionate about ponies? If so, you’ll want to consider one of these five getaways.
1 PRYOR MOUNTAIN WILD MUSTANG CENTER, LOVELL, WYO.
Learn about the evolution, habitat, social interaction and historical significance of this mustang herd during a tour of the extraordinary landscape that is their home. Many believe the magnificent creatures are descendants of Spanish horses brought to the area by Native American tribes, including the Crow. The daylong tour, available May through October, might include bear, Big Horn sheep and other wildlife sightings as you traverse land that straddles the Montana and Wyoming border.
Contact: pryormustangs.org/tours.shtml; visitmt.com; travelwyoming.com.
2 WARM SPRINGS RANCH, BOONEVILLE, MO.
Have you been curious about Clydesdales? You and your clan will learn what it takes to join the famous Budweiser hitch during a visit to the 300-acre facility where more than 70 Clydesdales, from foals to stallions, are at home. It all began in the early 19th century, when farmers living along the banks of Scotland’s River Clyde imported Flemish horses and bred them with local mares. Today, the celebrity creatures stand 6 feet tall and weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds. During your tour, you’ll interact with handlers, get a glimpse of how the horses and their gear travel and snap photos of the legendary beauties. Reservations required. Contact: warmspringsranch.com.
3 RANCH GETAWAYS
Choose a ranch vacation and you’ll have the opportunity to learn horsemanship in an authentic and scenic setting. Opt to ride in open meadows, mountain trails or in the desert southwest. Will your family members choose to participate in a real cattle drive? Are you up for a horse pack trip into the backcountry? Will your youngsters be eager to learn the skills required for team penning and other arena games? Or will you be happy to relax during daily trail rides. The options are yours at working dude ranches and guest ranches across the country.
Contact: duderanches.com; top50ranches.com.
4 HORSE COUNTRY, KY.
It’s considered by some to be the horse capital of the world. Millionaires, moguls, sheiks and queens have been known to make their way to Churchill Downs and Keeneland to witness equine magic. Access a new program that provides VIP access to more than a dozen championship thoroughbred farms where behind the scenes experiences are sure to please longtime fans and young enthusiasts. You’ll have the opportunity to meet previous Derby winners, favorite champions and future contenders.
Contact: visithorsecountry.com; www.churchilldowns.com.
5 ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE, BERLIN, MD.
This magnificent stretch of beach is perhaps most well known for the wild Chincoteague ponies that make their annual swim across the Assateague Channel. Locals often suppose the horses are survivors of a shipwreck off the Virginia coast, though it’s not been confirmed. The Seashore, a part of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, is also home to more than 300 species of birds as well as miles of trails for biking and hiking. Make time for beachcombing, kayaking, swimming and keeping eyes out for eagles overhead and dolphins in the water.
Contact: nps.gov/asis/index.htm