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A fun and relaxing ride in the mountains.
We have ridden here before and it is always a wonderful experience. The trail winds around through the foothills in beautiful scenery. The only sound is of the horses which makes it relaxing. We enjoy seeing the animals on the ranch and the pond area is very serene. The horses seem well-cared for and are enjoyable to ride.
Fox River Grove, Illinois
Nov 27, 2010
Very Nice Ranch
I was very surprised how nice this ranch was.
It was beautifully landscaped and nicely decorated for fall.
The fishing pond was beautiful and all the animals seemed to be well kept.
The barns were very modern and clean.
There is a small museum of antiques and a gift shop.
The petting zoo had a llama, a mini horse, emus and goats.
There was also a flock of geese, ducks and turkeys roaming around the grounds like they were one big happy family.
The cafe wasn't open because it was Sunday.
Note.. They require 10 hours of experience or a motorcycle license to ride the ATV's. It doesn't state that on the web site or brochure. Needless to say I was very disappointed.
We went horseback riding instead. No reservation is needed. They take groups out continuously no matter how small. There was only 4 of us in our group.
It was a beautiful ride (about an hour) and our horses were gentle and easy to ride.
Our guide was excellent. He was very friendly and attentive.
We had a very nice day.
J.J. Keaton
Lexington NC
Nov 3, 2010
JUST LIKE HEAVEN !!!
This DUDE Ranch was a mind-blowing experience for every member of my party that’s for sure, and I had 4 adults and 5 girls ages 4-11 yrs of age!!! We spent approx. 6 hours at the Ponderosa and didn't want to leave either but the sun was starting to go down and my wife was taking pic's of the kids everywhere and on every scenic part of the ranch. Becky (owner) even laughed at me as she drove away because she knows it’s a once in a lifetime chance to experience this if you don't live there!!! We fished in the stocked pond for over 3 hrs & then took an ice cream break (Becky sent out for us) and I got a game plan together on how to take 5 girls between the ages of 4-11 from CHICAGO horseback riding in the "Smokey Mountains!!!" I talked to a few employees and it was a done deal ! I told them their best "sales pitches" were needed here with this crew or some will not ride and in 10 minutes we had 8 horses and my 4yr old on with me ! These are the best horses I've ever seen at any stable and I used to own myself. After the first 20 minutes our Guide “Neil" gently took my 4 yr old and put her on his guide horse and he walked the the rest of the way . For the record everyone that was at the "PONDEROSA" that day made a memory that will last 40 years. It was very peaceful, southern hospitality at its finest . I want to thank you "Becky" for opening up your ranch for my family, we will be back soon for sure! And give Neil a raise he really deserves it . Actually every employee I ran in to that day was in a league of his own (including the photographer and even talked with your mother ) . THANK YOU AGAIN FOR BRINGING MY FAMILY TO HEAVEN FOR THE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!
John Lagiglio and Family
Chicago, Illinois
Oct 31, 2010
What a wonderful place
This past weekend i took my granddaughter and her friend horseback riding at Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa. Wow what a great time. It was so clean and neat, the horses where so well maintained they even had fans for the horses. The guide was wonderful, one of the girls got scared and started to cry and the guide was so sweet to her. He claimed her down and lead her horse until she felt comfortable. We also gem mined and fed the animals. You can spend a whole day at this place. I thought it was a great value and a whole lot of fun for my family. When they took out photo even my son was smiling and that in it's self said alot about the experiance. My hat is off to this company. Great customer service...
b orem
Sevierville, TN
Sep 27, 2010
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