Pony Wheel Ranch Closes

June 10, 2007

By Amie Pappas

Frontiersman

BUTTE-Annette Hale is done horsing around.

For 26 years Hale's Pony Wheel Ranch has been a favorite of Mat-Su fairs.

Now she's made the tough decision to retire from the business she loves.

In 1982 Hale and her husband started a trail riding business in Palmer. Each time they would buy a new horse they would get a pony as a bonus.

They ended up with six little horses.

Hale suggested that they start giving pony rides at the state fair.

Her husband built a pony wheel and they gave it a shot.

&#8220We were an instant hit,” Hale said. &#8220We had such a line that I had my kids stand with signs on their backs that said ‘pony break'.”

People didn't mind waiting a full hour for a ride.

The business has done well and while she hasn't gotten rich, it's been a good living.

They were able to grow the business by investing in it. &#8220Everything we put into it was deductible,” Hale said.

There are many benefits to her outdoor lifestyle.

&#8220My kids learned how to work hard from a young age,” Hale said. &#8220They went on to be successful, starting business of their own.”

She said it's been good for her health too.

&#8220I'm healthy for my age because I work outdoors everyday. I don't have to go to the gym. I'm pretty tough for an old bird.”

Over the years Hale's neighbor's children worked for her.

&#8220Many kids who worked for me have grown up and now their kids ride my pony wheels.”

For 18 years Rosemary Hill has worked with Hale on the ranch and at the fairs.

&#8220She is a hard worker and I couldn't have done it without her,” Hale said.

A favorite part of her business is the kids.

&#8220Some say the funniest things,” She said. &#8220One little girl about three years old asked me If I brush the ponies teeth. Then she said, ‘I think this one's a smoker.””

Most of Hale's 19 ponies were raised on the ranch. They are used to the kids, traffic and loud noises at the fairs.

&#8220They're all very gentle. I don't think you could find nicer ponies anywhere,” Hale said.

She raises Shetlands and Ponies of America.

&#8220I'm looking to sell the business,” She said. &#8220I'm 63, my kids are worried about me being outdoors in winter. While I can't imagine not doing it, I have to be realistic.”

Hale wants to make a change while she still has energy to start something else.

She works the horses about five months a year, mostly on weekends.

Hale says that she can only sell the horses as a package deal with the wheels and equipment.

&#8220My heart's in the horses-but my money is in the equipment,” She said.

While Hale will miss the ranch she looks forward to traveling more and becoming a snow-bird.

She plans to keep working the fairs, but with a product that's a little less demanding.

&#8220Whatever it is-it's not going to eat.”

Contact Amie Pappas at 352-2284 or amie.pappas@frontiersman.com.