About the Ranch
The Mountain View Ranch is located on an amazing piece of southern Vermont in a breath-taking spot. It sets in a valley literally surrounded by mountains, making the horseback riding scenery truly spectacular and the Ranch atmosphere quiet and serene. Located literally on Easy Street, a dead end road, the Ranch nestles at the base of Dorset Peak (the seventh-tallest mountain in Vermont) and faces Mount Tabor and the Green Mountain National Forest.
John Sisters, owner, believes that the horses and donkeys at Mountain View Ranch are Vermont’s finest. Of course, he has a soft spot for Mountain View Ranch’s herd, which they consider part of the family. John hand-picks all of Mountain View Ranch’s horses; he looks for horses with kindness in their eyes and gentleness in their spirits. The horses are not only sweet-tempered, but also responsive, a true pleasure for the novice and for the experienced horseback rider alike. All rides start with a ‘gettin’ to know ya’ time with your mount and comprehensive riding tips and safety rules. This ensures that both horse and rider enjoy the ride. If you are looking for a safe and wonderful riding experience in a spectacular setting – you’ll find it here at the Mountain View Ranch!
What’s Happening at the Ranch
Trail Rides, Donkey/Pony Rides, Advanced Ride, Cowboy Up Ride, Private Rides, Picnic Ride, Sun Set Ride, Riding Camps, Lessons and more!
Mountain View Ranch has just about any kind of riding experience you can think of – from trail rides, to summer camps for kids – we’ve got it all! The Ranch is open 12 months out of the year for horseback riding. So you can experience Vermont’s incredible 4-seasons in a whole new way – on horseback! For those guests more interested in reading a book or soaking up the peace and quiet, this charming farm is the perfect place to enjoy while their more adventurous cohorts go for a joy ride!
What’s Near and about the Ranch
The Mountain View Ranch is conveniently located in Southern Vermont and is within a 45 minute drive of 5 ski resorts. The area is surrounded by charming Vermont towns with unusual stores and boutiques. Manchester Vermont is just 15 minutes away and is a shopping addict’s dream and has many inns and motels as well . Visiting beautiful and rural Vermont means you should expect to drive at least a half hour to get from ‘here to there’. Just remember that the drive is always worth it, as you will soak up the mountain scenery along the way. No matter the season, there’s always fun activities to enjoy in addition to horseback riding. Enjoy train tours, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, snow shoeing, boating, shopping, historical sites, swimming, camping, hunting, antiquing, excellent dining, relaxing, chattin’ with the locals and mostly getting away from it all!
About the Owners
The Ranch is owned and operated by John and Aidan Sisters, and 25+ horses and donkeys as well as a menagerie of other petting zoo critters, and a professional and fun-loving staff. Their love for the outdoors, animals, and creating happy memories for folks is what motivated a life long dream to create the Mountain View Ranch in 1993.
John grew up with grandparents that owned a dairy farm and was around horses and cows his whole childhood. The growth from seven horses to a herd of over forty is the best evidence of how much locals and visitors have valued the wonderful riding available at the Ranch over the years. “We look forward to sharing the beauty of Vermont and our special horses with you!”
The Four Seasons of Vermont
In autumn the air turns crisp, and the green mountainsides erupt in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. There’s something magical about the crunch of hooves on a carpet of fallen leaves. After a ride through the woods and fields of Danby, you may find yourself with a hankering for hot apple pie or some other Vermont specialty.
Winter riding is something that must be experienced. What a way to appreciate Vermont’s incomparable natural beauty. Invigorated by the cold, your horse is eager to go. The woods are hushed. The sky is vivid blue. Sunlight sparkles on icicle-laden branches. Your breath condenses and hangs in the still air. Dress warmly for the time of your life.
There’s nothing like spring in Vermont— birds singing, flowers blooming, maple syrup boiling, gentle breezes rustling brilliant new leaves. Everything smells fresh and the sun is warm and inviting.
Summer brings lush green mountains, warm sunshine, gardens and flowers and a wide variety of activities offered at the Mountain View Ranch and the nearby region.