PORTSMOUTH FARM FIELD GUIDE
Retired Rodeo Ponies, Garden Circuits and Bay Vistas at BirdHaven Ranch
Short, single-child pony rides for children under 75 pounds through the lawns and gardens of BirdHaven Ranch, with views across Northern Narragansett Bay and Prudence Island.
Retired Rodeo Ponies, Garden Circuits and Bay Vistas at BirdHaven Ranch.
At BirdHaven Ranch in Portsmouth, little riders are invited to climb aboard retired rodeo horses for a brief, gentle circuit through manicured lawns and gardens. These mounts—animals that once worked cattle in the Rocky Mountains, barrel raced across the Rio Grande Valley, and marched in New Mexico parades—are now in their golden years and live out their days giving calm, one-at-a-time pony rides with sweeping views of Northern Narragansett Bay and Prudence Island.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Retired rodeo mounts with stories to tell
The ponies are retired rodeo horses: former working cow horses, barrel racers and parade mounts from the Rio Grande Valley and New Mexico. Now in retirement, they give children the chance to meet animals with a long, practical history of riding and public work.
A brief garden circuit with bay outlooks
Each pony ride follows a short route through the lawns and gardens of BirdHaven Ranch and includes views across Northern Narragansett Bay toward Prudence Island, creating a compact but scenic outing.
One child at a time: gentle, safe, joyful
Rides are offered one participant at a time and are designed for small riders; children should be able to sit without help and parents are encouraged to walk alongside if desired.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
The sequence is brief and intimate: a single child mounts a retired rodeo horse and is led on a short loop across BirdHaven’s lawns and garden paths, exchanging the bustle of a working life for slow, attentive contact and coastal views. The emphasis is on a calm, safe moment between child and mount rather than sustained riding.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Each pony ride lasts approximately 5 minutes.
Meet at BirdHaven Ranch: 160 Bristol Ferry Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Children should be able to sit without help; guardians may walk along during the ride if desired.
Child must weigh less than 75 pounds.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is each pony ride?
Each pony ride is approximately 5 minutes in duration.
Where do we meet for the ride?
Meet at BirdHaven Ranch, 160 Bristol Ferry Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Is there an age limit for riders?
There is no stated age limit, but the child must weigh less than 75 pounds to ride.
How many children ride at once?
Rides are conducted one participant at a time.
Can parents walk alongside during the ride?
Yes—parents are encouraged to walk along if desired.
What is the background of the ponies?
The animals are retired rodeo horses that previously worked cows, competed in barrel racing, and served in parades; they are now retired from heavy riding use and give short rides to children.