Petting Zoo
The River Ranch petting zoo offers a collection of animals that one would find on a typical ranch, be it in the 1800's or today. Animals are an important part of a rancher's life, especially in the 1800's. Animals provided a means of food and clothing.
Chickens (though we don't have any at the time) laid eggs and provided a source of meat for the family and they also ate devastating garden bugs that could destroy a rancher's garden. Sheep gave wool for clothing, goats provided milk and dairy products and a source of meat. Pigs provided a supply of meat and leather as well that could be sold to the local town's market for redistribution. Dogs provided protection over the herds of sheep, goats or chickens and also served as a companion to the family.
The importance of animals doesn't stop at the petting zoo. Ranchers needed good horses and ponies to work their fields and cattle. After a long day working the plows or cows, a rancher might need to go to town to get supplies or deliver a letter. Horses were a vital source of transportation. They were very versatile; not only would they carry a rider, but often they would be hitched to wagons or carts to move loads around.
Chickens (though we don't have any at the time) laid eggs and provided a source of meat for the family and they also ate devastating garden bugs that could destroy a rancher's garden. Sheep gave wool for clothing, goats provided milk and dairy products and a source of meat. Pigs provided a supply of meat and leather as well that could be sold to the local town's market for redistribution. Dogs provided protection over the herds of sheep, goats or chickens and also served as a companion to the family.
The importance of animals doesn't stop at the petting zoo. Ranchers needed good horses and ponies to work their fields and cattle. After a long day working the plows or cows, a rancher might need to go to town to get supplies or deliver a letter. Horses were a vital source of transportation. They were very versatile; not only would they carry a rider, but often they would be hitched to wagons or carts to move loads around.
Without these necessary animals, not only ranchers, but their family, the town's people that lived in the surrounding community and the people who moved westward from the east coast, would not have survived. Everyone in those small local surrounding towns benefited from the farmer and rancher's animals, and as such, animals were highly prized. If someone was caught stealing an animal from another rancher or farmer, they would be caught, charged and put in jail, often with devastating results.
Though this way of life has long since passed, animals are still a fundamental part of life. Here on our ranch, our animals are strictly for petting and loving on and are considered part of the family. Many of our animals have names (usually more than one) and have been socialized to adults and children. Their temperaments and size makes them particularly great for teaching children about animal sciences and animal studies, with respect to farm life.
We hope you enjoy our petting zoo and learning about the different types of animals found on a farm. We would love to see your pictures and hear your tales about your visit to our zoo.
Though this way of life has long since passed, animals are still a fundamental part of life. Here on our ranch, our animals are strictly for petting and loving on and are considered part of the family. Many of our animals have names (usually more than one) and have been socialized to adults and children. Their temperaments and size makes them particularly great for teaching children about animal sciences and animal studies, with respect to farm life.
We hope you enjoy our petting zoo and learning about the different types of animals found on a farm. We would love to see your pictures and hear your tales about your visit to our zoo.
CONTACT RIVER RANCH AT TEXAS HORSE PARK FOR MORE INFORMATION
469-804-2660 or info@RiverRanch-TexasHorsePark.com
469-804-2660 or info@RiverRanch-TexasHorsePark.com
