A furry meet-cute

MEET BOONE, OUR RESIDENT HORSE. This old fellow was skin and bones just a few years ago when he was donated to us. We nursed him back to health, then beamed with pride as he welcomed our smallest wranglers for a ride. Boone’s arthritis flared up, so we retired him last year, but he’s a good ol’ boy who still has all of his teeth, despite his advanced age (30+), so feel free to give him some treats.

Black Angus cattle, mustangs and American bison: These majestic creatures are synonymous with the American West. They’re also inextricably tied to the history and spirit of The Resort at Paws Up, which remains a working cattle and bison ranch. You’ll find the herds roaming the pasturelands not far from Paws Up Village and the Wilderness Outpost, while the rescued mustangs live at the Equestrian Center.

As awe-inspiring as these creatures are, they’re not the only animals who call Paws Up home. Come spring, you can meet the official welcoming committee for our smallest guests. There’s an old horse, goats, lambs, miniature donkeys and a bunny named Cinnabun, too. They’re out at pasture most days near the Equestrian Center, so stop by and say hello.

BIRTHDAYS ARE ESPECIALLY COMMON COME SPRING, and this year, three of our favorite friends will be marking their eighth birthday. Cupid, Rider and Goofball are three adorable goats that were lucky enough to be bottle-raised by none other than Jackie Kecskes, our Equestrian Manager.

JUST WHEN YOU THINK OUR CORRAL CAN’T GET ANY BETTER, along come Cinnamon and Sugar, our two miniature donkeys. They’re especially friendly and you’ll swear they’re smiling as they reach their heads out through the split-rail fence to greet you.

MARY HAD JUST ONE LITTLE LAMB, BUT HERE AT PAWS UP, we have three and they’re as wooly and wonderful as you’d expect. They turned one in January, but we still haven’t named them just yet.