This is a review of the rodeo at Pond Hill Ranch, held on Saturday nights each week for ten weeks in the summer. It was an enjoyable rodeo with a variety of events, skilled competitors, an announcer who continually explained what was going on, and a friendly crowd of all ages including well-behaved children. On the night we went, the events included bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and a ranching event that I'd never seen elsewhere. In the ranching event, a trailer was driven onto the field, a team of three cowboys on horseback had to single out a tagged cow from the herd and lasso it, the cowboys had to convince the lassoed cow to get into the trailer, then they had to persuade one of their horses to do the same, and after securing the trailer's rear gate they had to pile into the truck and honk the horn to stop the timer. As the announcer explained, this event was designed to replicate real elements of a working ranch, and the competitors were professional cowboys doing ranch work at Pond Hill full-time. The bleachers filled up with about 1000 spectators, so we were glad we arrived early because there was no assigned seating, but even people who arrived after the start of the event found places to sit. There were concession stands with typical fairground food, but we didn't try any because we brought a picnic dinner. There were no picnic tables, so we ate in the grassy parking area before the event, but most people ate in the bleachers. There were several port-a-johns, though for a crowd this size ideally there should have been twice as many, and there was also a shop selling horse tack, cowboy apparel, and similar items. The seating was in open-air bleachers with no protection from rain or sun, so fortunately the weather was ideal when we went. The parking in the grassy fields went smoothly, guided by two cowboys on horseback directing each car where to park, and the departing traffic after the rodeo flowed pretty smoothly as well, helped by the fact that the spectators were a courteous crowd. This was a wholesome, family-friendly event and a wonderful reminder that America's ranching and cowboy heritage is found nationwide, not just out West. read more

Our four teenagers went on a trail ride and raved about the experience. The views were amazing, the staff shared a lot of interesting information about the area. The adults regretted not tagging along. In August we also attended the rodeo and everyone had an amazing time. The community was so welcoming and the rodeo was very well organized. We will be back often. read more

Pond Hill Ranch - Horseback riding - Horseback Riding Near Me - Poultney, Vermont

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I've been riding on and off here since the mid 70s, and it's always a terrific experience. Today's ride was no less wonderful - fun conversation, beautiful scenery, great horses. I always love coming here. The Saturday night summer rodeos are a great, too. The family's doing a great job keeping the Ranch up and I really respect their hard work! read more

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Great trail ride. The horses were in really great shape and Judy our guide couldn't of been nicer. The view was spectacular. Went back for the rodeo and the four of us had a blast. Thanks again Pond Hill Ranch read more

Our girls desperately wanted to see some horses up close. Pond Hill did not disappoint. With no reservations or any call ahead on our part, we showed up on a Sunday morning in November and Judy greeted us and graciously took us through the barn. Girls loved it. We will definitely be back for one of the summer rodeos!! read more

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2000 acres and 600 horses! Great family run horse leasing farm. Just show up and they will take you out on a horse back ride on their beautiful land with wonderful views. Little tricky to find, use your map app! read more

Perfect! - I seriously doubt any other facility can come close. Picturesque property, exceptional well mannered horses and exceptional good natured staff! Thanks for a great day, we shall return! read more

Pond Hill Ranch - Great, Great, Great!! Wonderful property and wonderful host. The horses were outstanding. Thank you Colleen!!! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Poultney, Vermont

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We will never buy a horse from these people again! We went to buy a seasoned trail horse & they sold us a green 5 yr old cow horse from NM that they only had for 2 weeks. They charged top dollar with No trail training, a hind leg laceration and in Need of care. They were not forthright and just wanted to make some cash. We only discovered this information once we received the Coggins report (after delivery) and contacted the previous owner in NM. They also tried to sell us a different lame horse first. This horse was a bolter that was green, much younger than stated and had no trail training. After 5 months of vet care and training I was thrown and seriously injured. They are horse traders with no respect for buyers. Dangerous business practices put us in a crippling situation. read more

Been coming up here for over 15 years to watch the rodeos during the summer, compete every once in a while in Team Penning. They now have Ranch Rodeos, Team Sorting & Cattle Drive competitions. 2,000 acres of forests and pasture in the mountains of VT, it's just beautiful. read more

I have bought many horses over the years for lessons, and personal use. They have whatever you need, at the right price. They are all hard working, honest folks, and I am proud to ride a Pond Hill horse. Darlene Covey from Hillcrest in Plainfield Vt read more