Riverview Ranch
Petting Zoo
Many friendly critters living in harmony in this magical place.
Included as an integral part of our Horse and Mini-Horse Rides.
You can skip the horse ride, if you only want to pet the critters, for a reduced price.
By Appointment Only
Meet Our Menagerie
Bullseye
Miniature Horse
Our sweet natured Mini-Horse. We can give rides to young children up to 50 lbs. He loves to have his mane combed and brushed. Foaled – April, 2009. We acquired Bullseye in 2021.
Starsky
Quarter Horse - Cremello
Blue eyed Cremello Quarter Horse. Gelding. Dam (Mother): Sisi, Sire (Father): Sir Buck n Skip Foaled into our herd – 4/14/06.
Starbuck
Quarter Horse - Buckskin
Starsky’s younger brother – Quarter Horse – Dam (Mother): Sisi, Sire (Father): Sir Buck n Skip Foaled to our herd – 4/11/07. Nick Names: Hutch and Spirit. Photo taken on 4/19/2007 with Wrangler Roger.
Valiant
Friesian Sport Horse
Friesian/Quarter Horse sport horse. Mare. Dam (Mother): Sisi, Sire (Father): Von Faust. Valiant is black in winter and bleaches dark brown in summer. Foaled into our herd on 4/18/05.
Rosie
Thoroughbred Sport Horse
Thoroughbred / American Saddlebred sport horse. Mare. Dam (Mother): Aiyana, Sire (Father): Movin to the Music. Rosie was Foaled into our herd in April, 2007. We named her after a very dear family friend, Rosalie Joy Neckels, who passed away too young. Rosie, the horse, passed away suddenly on 7-3-25. She is buried next to her mother in our southwest pasture.
Ayasha
Akal-Teke Sport Horse
Akal Teke / American Saddlebred – Sport Horse. Sweet and Beautiful. Gelding. Dam (Mother): Aiyana, Sire: Pascha (Nez Perce Dreamer). Foaled into our herd in April, 2008.
Ferkelchen
(aka Ferkel) the mini pig
Mini Pigs Love Tummy Rubs.
If you are very gentle, and move slowly, and she feels safe with you, she may reward you by rolling over on her side asking for a rub. But you must be soothing and move slowly. If she feels anxious she will get up and walk away.
Aflac and Gertrude
Ducks
What a hoot. Aflac likes to follow Wrangler Roger and races him. Very funny critters. Gertrude quacks in annoyance “I’m a duck,” I’m a duck….” They love to splash in water puddles.
Obelix
mini-pig
We call him Obie for short. Sometimes we refer to him as “Obelix von Kenobelix.” He is a bit bossy with Ferkel but he is sweet with people. Especially if they have treats. Ask us for some treats to give to the mini pigs if you want to feed them.
Chickens
Chickens
We have yummy meal worms you can feed to the chickens if you would like. Feel free to ask for them.
Nala
Mini Dachshund
We also have another mini-Dachshund (Simba), and a German Shepard (Bessie).
We play a fun summer game with Nala called “Dachl dodge water.” Ask about it if you want to get wet on a hot day at the ranch.
Let us know if you want to take the dog(s), or mini horse on a walk along beautiful River Road.
Morris
Cat
He came to us in May of 2024. Still very curious, and wow, is he quick. He is very affectionate. Morris likes to climb in the rafters chasing the pigeons. I have seen him walking, very comfortably, in the center of the arena 16′ above the floor. He has grown into a large, agile cuddle bug with claws. He is not allowed in guest apartments due to common allergies to cats.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea Pigs
We have four female and one male guinea pigs.
Wrangler Sabina is the guinea pig whisperer. She knows all their names and everything about them. Wrangler Roger knows how to feed them and, on rare occasions, he can catch one. Please don’t pick them up without a Wrangler present.
Meet the Herd in Pasture
We recommend hard toe shoes for this.
Our horses are normally very calm and meeting them in the pasture is safe. We try to feed them before visitors arrive so they are not anxious for food. Please do not enter a horse enclosure unless a wrangler is with you. Remember these good habits: Keep your toes out from under the horse’s feet, and don’t walk behind a horse you do not know well.
Our horses are normally very calm and meeting them in the pasture is safe. We try to feed them before visitors arrive so they are not anxious for food. Please do not enter a horse enclosure unless a wrangler is with you. Remember these good habits: Keep your toes out from under the horse’s feet, and don’t walk behind a horse you do not know well.
Payment Options
Prices are for the first 4 visitors (group price). Additional visitors are $10 each. (Kids under 3 get in free).
First- Coordinate with Wrangler Roger, 608-331-0000, to make reservation and coordinate for large groups or non-standard visits. Then make payment to confirm your reservation:
Check: You can confirm your reservation by mailing a check to Riverview Ranch, 2689 S. River Rd., Galena IL 61036. If the check arrives at least 7 days in advance subtract 1.5% from the price.
Cash on arrival: If you do not respond to communications within 24 hours we may cancel your appointment.
Venmo: @RiverviewRnR
Apple Pay – use 608-331-0000
what our ranch visitors have to say
Animals
Cuddle with our Critters
We have many friendly animals here at Riverview Ranch. Guests and Visitors are welcome to pet them as they wander around. You can pet horses over the fence but may not enter a horse enclosure unescorted.
Guests (not day visitors), are welcome to join us for morning feedings. The time of day we get up changes with the seasons. Ask Wrangler Roger when the next morning feeding will begin.