Once Upon a Pony LLC at Southerly Winds Ranch logo

Once Upon a Pony LLC at Southerly Winds Ranch

Pony ride service · Killeen, TX

5.0 ★★★★★ 132 Google reviews · 24 photos
99%five-star reviews
94%reviews answered by the owner
Nov 2026latest review

Once Upon a Pony LLC at Southerly Winds Ranch at a glance

Google reviewers rate the Killeen pony ride service five stars, citing punctuality, flexible booking, and affordable pricing for birthday parties and lessons. Customers describe hands-on activities like feeding animals and decorating ponies, noting that staff maintain well-cared-for, gentle horses suitable for young children. One low-star review criticized the lack of signage guiding visitors along the property route, while others praised the accommodating nature of the team during last-minute requests.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 132 reviews (99% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 132 Google reviews (125 with written comments, 60 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 94% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: November 6, 2026.
  • Service: Pet Photographer serving Killeen, Texas.

Data from Google, last updated November 11, 2026.

Star ratings

132 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars13199%
  • 4 stars00%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star11%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 125 written reviews

  • Praise17598%
  • Complaints32%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude7039%
  • Would recommend4626%
  • Quality & results3419%
  • Speed & response84%
  • Communication74%
  • Price & value74%
  • Honesty & trust63%

What customers talk about

We read 125 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Everyone at Once Upon a Pony is so knowledgeable and compassionate.”
  • “We highly recommend her for any birthday party event!”
    “Never again will I take my kids anywhere close to these people.”
  • “We had an absolutely wonderful experience at the ranch!”
  • “They were timely, professional, cleaned up after the horses, easy to work with, and so kind in working with our son and the other children in turns in…”
  • “Denise was so kind, easy to work with, and incredibly accommodating from the very beginning.”
  • “Their horses were well cared for and their prices were beyond fair.”
  • “…Denise and her entire team made us feel so welcomed, comfortable, and genuinely cared for.…”

People customers mention

  • Denise 26 reviews
  • Gizmo 8 reviews
  • Sunny 3 reviews
  • Percy 3 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 132 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Marci Sanchez1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Marci has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Denise gave us the best party pony experience! So nice and so much fun! We highly recommend her for any birthday party event!

Response from the owner · 4 days ago

Thank you so much!!!

Rebecca2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Rebecca has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We absolutely LOVE Once Upon a Pony! My daughter actually found this place on her own(she’s 9). I was hesitant at first only because we were already doing lessons at a different location. BUT I am so glad we came to check it out! We have never felt more “at home” than we do at Once Upon a Pony. Everyone at Once Upon a Pony is so knowledgeable and compassionate. I highly recommend Once Upon a Pony for any of their services. They truly are the best!!

Response from the owner · 5 days ago

Thank you!!!!! We love having you guys here 🥰🥰

kira frazierLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews kira has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We had an absolutely wonderful experience at the ranch! My 3-year-old daughter thoroughly enjoyed riding the pony, feeding the chickens, decorating the pony, and interacting with the many friendly horses and other animals. Throughout the entire ride around the ranch, we felt safe, comfortable, and well taken care of. Sadie led the pony ride and made our experience even more special. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and informative, and she even offered to take photos of our family so we could capture these amazing memories together. We truly appreciated her kindness and the extra effort she made to ensure we had a memorable visit. Our only regret is that we didn’t reserve more time! We enjoyed ourselves so much that we weren’t ready to leave. We will absolutely be returning, and on our next visit, we plan to enroll our daughter in riding lessons! Thank you for such a wonderful family experience. We highly recommend this ranch to families looking for a fun, safe, and memorable way to spend time with animals!

Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Thank you so much!! We are so happy that you had a great time!! We can't wait to see you guys again soon!

Philip Frimpong-Boakye3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Philip has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This is a wonderful place for children to enjoy an adventurous day outdoors, riding horses and feeding chickens and geese. I love the welcoming atmosphere, the memorable experience, and the wonderful people. Very nice people: Denise and two girls.

Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago

Thank you so much!! We are glad you enjoyed it! I will let my daughters, Sadie and Soleya, know! 😊

Zulie A. Camacho Acevedo3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Zulie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We visited on September 29 with our two-year-old and had such a wonderful experience! We were able to brush the ponies, meet a very friendly donkey, and interact with chickens, geese, a turkey, and roosters. Denise was incredibly kind and patient with our son, and you can truly see how much she loves her animals. He absolutely loved the experience! We highly recommend this place and would definitely come back again.

Response from the owner · a month ago

Thank you very much! We hope to see you guys again soon!

Amber Collins4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Amber has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

They were amazing!! We made last minute plans and they were able to accommodate and they were so friendly. Highly recommend!

Response from the owner · a month ago

Thank you! I am glad we were able to make it!

Lyse Francois3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Lyse has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Once upon a pony is a dream come true for my children! Everything was amazing, and service was outstanding. Denise is super sweet, knowledgeable, and so kind to all the animals there. You will leave the ranch knowing so much about the horses. The horses are so well behaved & very sweet. My 3 year old enjoyed her time with her pony and wants to go back! The horses were very sweet and kid friendly. My family is so happy to have Once Upon A Pony as a go to place for our children! We cannot wait to go back!!!!! Thank you Denise for such a great experience!

Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thank you very much! We enjoyed sharing our love for our horses with your family! We can't wait to have you back

Keely Maldonado6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Keely has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This is THE place. If you want to feel like family Denise is WONDERFUL. We took my daughter (4) and my son (3) and they LOVED it. This was my little ladies first time riding and I wouldn’t have changed a thing! If you want to ride like you’re riding with family this is the place! We will absolutely be back!

Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thank you so much! We are looking forward to see you guys again soon!

Dana Mendoza8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Dana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

What an amazing experience!!!! Definitely recommend Denise and her crew!!!! My daughter had the best birthday and all her friends enjoyed it so much!!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thank you very much! I am happy to hear that alll of the kids had a great time

Denise P. HanleyLocal Guide · 10 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Denise has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

A Beautiful First Horseback Riding Experience We Will Never Forget! 🐴❤️ What an absolutely wonderful experience we had at Once Upon A Pony! I brought my daughter and my 4-year-old grandson for their very first horseback riding experience, and from the moment we arrived, Denise and her entire team made us feel so welcomed, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. What stood out most was the kindness and patience of everyone. They were wonderful with my grandson and made sure his first experience around the horses was safe, fun, and exciting without ever making him feel overwhelmed. You could truly see how much they care about the children, the families they serve, and their horses. Seeing my grandson's excitement and watching my daughter experience this special moment with him was priceless. These are the kinds of family memories that stay with you long after the day is over. ❤️ Denise and the Once Upon A Pony team went above and beyond! We were not only treated exceptionally well—we genuinely felt welcomed and appreciated. Their professionalism, warmth, patience, and attention to detail made the entire experience outstanding. If you are looking for a wonderful horseback riding experience, especially for a child having their first ride, I wholeheartedly recommend Once Upon A Pony. You will be in excellent hands! Thank you, Denise and Team, for giving us such a beautiful experience and a memory our family will treasure. 🐴❤️

Response from the owner · 3 months ago

Thank you!!!

Once Upon a Pony LLC at Southerly Winds Ranch on Google Maps →

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