Author: Giddy Up Ranch

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It all started with one pony… and now, Giddy Up Ranch is home to several ponies, horses, pigs, alpacas, a llama, dogs, parrots, camels, a zebra, a yak, goats, sheep, chickens, and more!  Ponies however, will always hold a special place in our hearts.  These gentle creatures look like small horses, with stocky bodies, proportionally shorter legs, large eyes, and thicker manes and tails.  There are over 200 breeds of ponies.  Historically, ponies have been used for riding and freight transport.  They helped to haul loads of coal in underground mines during the Industrial Revolution.  The Shetland pony is one of the better known breeds.  It is one of the smallest, but also one of the strongest!  Pound for pound, ponies are actually stronger than horses.  They can pull more than they can carry.  Ponies have unique personalities, but for the most part, are very intelligent, friendly, and sometimes a bit stubborn.

Planning a little one’s birthday party?  Have us come out and offer hand-led pony rides to your guests.  It will definitely be an experience they never forget.  We also offer pony carousels for larger events.  Please visit our website for more information and for pricing.  http://www.giddyupponies.com

You probably thought I was referring to the delectable chocolate confection most people associate with the word “Truffles,” but in this case, I’m referring to our super adorable, spunky, and oh so soft baby Alpaca, Truffles!  Alpacas go way back in history, as they were used over 6,000 years ago by the Incas in South America.  Alpaca fur was and is still considered one of the most valuable and durable fibers available.  It is water-resistant, flame-resistant, and hypo-allergenic.  Typically, Alpaca fur is used as a wool for socks, scarves, blankets, etc.  Some people get Alpacas confused with their cousins, llamas.  Llamas are larger than Alpacas, have bigger ears, and do not have eyelashes like Alpacas.  They are both however members of the Camelidae family, which also includes… you guessed it… Camels!  Alpacas are herd animals and are very social.  They are very smart and inquisitive, each with very individualized personalities.  Our little Truffles is similar to a large dog, and loves to follow people around and get into trouble.  If you’d like to meet Truffles, please come visit us at one of our upcoming events, or book a petting zoo and request we bring her along.

Giddy Up Ranch

Petting Zoos, Pony Rides, Camel Rides, & Exotic Animals

(818) 335-7538

http://www.giddyupponies.com

Happy Hump Day!  What better way to celebrate than to ride a camel?  Have you ever been on a Camel Ride?  Giddy Up Ranch offers traveling Camel Rides in the Southern California region for any occasion… Weddings, birthday parties, retirement parties, etc.  If you’re not currently planning an event, remember to check our website for locations we travel to and offer the opportunity to ride one of these magnificent creatures.  A camel ride is definitely a unique and memorable experience you will never forget!

Here are some fun facts about camels:

There are two types of camels.  Dromedary & Bactrian.  Our three camels are dromedary, which means they only have one hump.  Batrian camels have two humps.  There are also hybrid camels that are a combination of both types of camels.  These camels have one hump along with a small indentation that separates their front from their back.  Camels do not store water in their humps… their humps are actually fatty tissue reservoirs which can be broken down into a water source if necessary.  Camels are perfectly adapted to life in the desert.  Nature has given them several features which make desert life a breeze.  They can chew many thorny desert plants due to a thick leathery lining in their mouths.  Camels have really long eyelashes & ear hairs that keep sand out of their eyes and ears.  Their nostrils can close up to create a barrier against the sand.  Our camels have two toes on each of their four wide feet which help them travel without sinking in the sand.  Camels have a life expectancy of about 40-50 years.  They can stand over 7′ at their hump and can weigh up to 1,600 pounds.  They can travel up to 100 desert miles without drinking any water, but if they are super thirsty, a camel can drink up to 30 gallons of water in under 15 minutes.

Book a Camel Ride for your party today, or come visit us at a location near you to ride one of our camels and study these amazing creatures up close.

Giddy Up Ranch

Pony Rides, Camel Rides, Petting Zoos, Exotic Animals

http://www.giddyupponies.com

(818) 335-7538

One of our dogs recently had a litter of 6 puppies.  They are about the sweetest, cutest, fluffiest (and fattest!) pups ever!  Want to try to guess what breeds they are?  Both parents live on the ranch.  Here are a few hints:

Mom’s job is to protect livestock.  She is a gentle giant with a steady temperament and a beautiful thick white coat.

Dad’s job is to herd livestock.  He also has a very sweet temperament and is happiest when he has a job to perform.  He is a working dog at heart.

Any ideas?  Stay tuned for our next post & we’ll reveal the breeds.

Giddy Up Ranch

Pony Rides, Camel Rides, Petting Zoos, and Exotic Animals