Idle-Hour Ranch - Home - (scroll down for details)

Come Spend Your "Idle-Hour" With Us Home of "Sam" the Giraffe

4845 W.Fenner Rd
Troy, OH 45373
ph: 937-339-9731
fax: 937-339-9731
brian@idle-hourranch.com

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Ranch Report May, 2013

Welcome Dayton City Paper readers!

Thanks to DCP for a great article!

The winner of the 2012 photo contest is...Beth Smith- congratulations. Here is her photo of Peshewa

We are busy working on various projects to start off the new 2013 season. We open May 31st!

**Meanwhile, "Like" us on Facebook!**

Meet "Fritz" (gray sheep) and" Dexter" (white Boer goat) IHR's latest members. Both have been proudly donated to IHR to serve in nativity scenes and petting zoos. They have become great friends and now do petting zoos together.

Can you even believe it? We've changed entrances to the Ranch - The landscaping was finished! The lions add a nice touch- don't you think?

!

Yesterday, I told Charlene to get back in the barn- it's going to rain- and this is what I got from her.....

As you’ve all heard about or seen in the news recently, Ohio Dept of Agriculture is proposing to build a facility at Reynoldsburg to house exotic animals confiscated from private individuals. This did not come as a big surprise, as a facility to house confiscated animals is something that was discussed during the Task Force meetings and the committee hearings on Senate Bill 310. What did come as a surprise was that they want to build it in Reynoldsburg, and the cost is estimated to be 3.5 million dollars.

The State Controlling Board would have to approve this expense, so we have an excellent opportunity to join with other Ohio taxpayers to voice our opposition. Here is the website to the State Controlling Board

https://ecb.ohio.gov/Public/Default.aspx

On the home page, you will find the names and phone numbers of the 6 state legislators who make up the Controlling Board; you’ll also see a phone number and email address for the President and Executive Secretary.

HERE’S WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO IMMEDIATELY: Call the 6 legislators and the President and Executive Secretary and let them know that you object to your taxpayer dollars being spent to build a facility for the State to house personal property (animals) that has been forcibly taken from Ohio citizens.

If you don’t like speaking directly to these people, call them this weekend or on Monday after 5:00 p.m. when you’re likely to get their answering machine, and leave your message on it. Be firm but polite, and give them your name and phone number and tell them you are an Ohio voter and taxpayer. It’s doubtful anyone will call you back, but if you don’t leave them your number, they definitely won’t

Polly Britton

Legislative Agent

Ohio Association of Animal Owners

Wow-we added three new mining sluice bag selections: Arrowheads, Emeralds, and Fossils. You can also choose the standard Gems. So don't miss out- check out the mining sluice at the IHR Mining Company.

The photo contest page is growing...96 entries now!Check it out!

Attention: All animal lovers... Please sign the petition on this link, we don't want anything to happen to our mountain lion, Peshewa.

Camel and pony rides are a hit!

Want to see a video a Ranch visitor submitted?

The winner of the 2011 photo contest is Cheryl Trainer! She receives a free 2012 season family pass! - check out the photo contest page to see this year's entries.

For even more information, see the My Miami County Blog Spot

It's our latest, greatest activity- Introducing the Idle-Hour Ranch Mining Company! The kids love this fun and educational experience as they "pan" for real gems and minerals. The mining sluice is up and fully operational, you have got to see it!

Be sure to Like us on Facebook to keep up to date on all Ranch activities- Click on link above.

Remember, there is no reason to drive to a big city zoo- you can interact with the animals right here- without the big city hassles.

Troy’s latest attraction in Agricultural Entertainment is now open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays 12n - 6pm, June through October. This family owned and operated agricultural facility is dedicated to providing a fun and educational atmosphere for guests of all ages.

Be sure to inquire about IHR’s newest addition of a Mini Farm Market featuring commodities such as home-grown/mill-spun yarn collected from the Ranch’s own sheep, llamas, alpaca, camels, yak and Scottish highlander cow, plus other great Agri-tainment products and activities. For further information please check our Current Events link.

IHR’s Mini Farm Market and Agricultural Tourism activities will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12n to 6:00pm. For directions and a map view click here.

Agricultural Tourism activities for private groups are also available throughout the week. Please call for more information concerning scheduling.

Please remember that IHR specializes in providing animal exhibits and educational programs for offsite functions as well. If you are looking to employ IHR for offsite events such as church functions/Nativity or Easter programs, corporate or private parties, anniversaries, birthday parties, parades, school functions/field trips, etc., then please click on IHR’s Animal Exhibits/Offsite Petting Zoos & Church Programs link to learn more.

If you have any questions or comments please contact us at (937) 339-9731

Come visit us at Idle-Hour Ranch where you can get up close and personal with the animals. Our animals are very special, well-mannered and loving- perfect for young and young-at-heart to interact with. Most of our animals have been bottle fed, which makes them "user-friendly" so that they want to see you as much as you want to see them. They crave attention, and love for visitors to give it to them. When you step up to their habitat, they come over to greet you, especially when you offer them their favorite food treats that we provide. You can even give our Giraffe "Sam" a great big 'ole kiss at his level- he loves it, and will stay with you as long as you are there.

Highlights of Idle-Hour Ranch

Open to the Public- Wkends Jun-Oct
Weekday Group Tours- by appt.
Mining Sluice
New Food Vendor
Pony Rides
Camel Rides
Petting Zoos
Farm Market
Gift Shop with Souvenirs
Animal Interactions
Feed the Animals
Take Photos with Animals
200 animals- 40 species
Live Nativity Scenes
Parades
Easter Programs
Offsite petting zoos
Group Parties, Reunions, Corporate Picnics
Online Donations

Sam wants to see you as much as you want to see him!

Still have questions? Try our FAQs page, they may have already been answered.

Need Directions?

Peshewa

New Pony Ride Ring!

937-339-9731.

Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you. For directions click here

Our Hours: 12 noon-6 pm*

every Friday, Saturday & Sunday,

June through October

Weekday Group Tours- by appt only!

* admission to IHR stops at 6pm, there is no real closing time, so feel free to take as much time as you like to visit, we have nowhere to go, so don't feel rushed to leave if you arrive near 6pm

And here is what you really want to know- The admission prices:

Toddlers- (2 and under) ----- > Free

Children- (3-12 years old) ------> $7

Adults- (13 years and older) ----> $10

Native Americans, Military (including veterans), Firefighters, EMTs, Police/Sheriff are admitted FREE! Please show ID. Sr Citizens receive $1 off admissionMasterCard, Visa, & Discover are welcomedNote: Food to hand feed the animals is available for purchase at our feed table. The animals will love you for it!

Weather concerns?

We will use this section to let you know if we ever have to shut down for severe weather or any other emergency- just be sure to check here for news on our status before you drive out- especially if the weather is questionable. We will make every effort to be open every weekend.

A special note to Grandparents:

Make this your "special thing" to do with the grandkids- A lot of Grandparents have found this is a great activity to do with their grandchildren, when they get tired of McDonald's Playland.

Don't forget to bring your camera- we encourage photo taking!

As a matter of fact- Enter our 2012 photo contest! Best photos will be displayed and author will get a free family pass to the Ranch. Just e-mail your favorite photo to brian@idle-hourranch.com. Only two photos per author please. Of course all photo entries become the property of IHR and can be used in any advertising.

One of our goats "Laverne" using our "Goatwalk"

We have received lots of good comments about our Goatwalk- the children really love watching the goats run up the ramps to eat. Come see it for yourself- there is nothing like it anywhere else!

Located just three miles off of I-75 west of Troy, Ohio , the latest attraction in Agricultural Entertainment, Idle-Hour Ranch (IHR), is now open to the public. This family owned and operated agricultural facility is dedicated to providing a fun, relaxed, family oriented atmosphere where guests of all ages can be educated about agriculture, entertained and given the opportunity to create life-long memories together.

Idle-Hour Ranch is proud to introduce to the community the age-old concept of Onsite Agricultural Direct Marketing, now commonly known as Agricultural Tourism. The North American Farmer’s Direct Marketing Association defines Agricultural Tourism as “the act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education, or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation.

Did You Know?

Native Americans, Military (including veterans), Firefighters, EMTs, and police force personnel are all admitted FREE to the Ranch, in honor of the services they provide. Just show your ID at the entrance.