These beautiful horses are worth seeing one time, and the chance to pet a baby Clydesdale was great too, but this will probably not rank high on most people's all-time favorites list. But if you're in the area and you like horses, check it out.
As a side trip while on vacation to Puckaway Lake WI. our small group (Mother age 92, two sisters,1 daughter and 1 husband) made the country drive to a very special place-Larson's Famous Clydesdales. The place was worth the drive even though we missed the correct turn our fault for talking. When we got there the tour started right with our greeting from owner Judy Larson. It is always a pleasure to see people working with animals with full passion. Both she and her husband were great at what they do- the beautiful horses were the proof. The Farm is small but packed with fine detail. We met horses at every turn and even had the opportunity to pet and photograph a baby Clydesdale! The Larson's are a treat for all ages and we all learned quite a bit about this special breed of horse.
The owners met us at the driveway and we had a few minutes to meet and pet four of their team of horses. The show started there, went on to see the trailers, equipment and tack. The show in the grandstand was awesome and informative. Bud (the horse) loved being the star of the show. We were fortunate enough to get a chance to meet a three week old Clydesdale and were never rushed in our exploration of their premises, or our interactions with the horses. We used the AAA directions to get there and found them most helpful. We were fourtunate to be a very small group, less than a dozen people. This ws a major treat and one couple in our group can't wait to take their grown daughter (and horse enthusiast) to experience the same joy. We loved it.
We had a nice weather and nice trip from the Sparta, WI area. Moreover, from its very start of the tour, we realized that the price of admission had value and substance. Indeed, we found Mr. and Mrs. Larson to be open and friendly personalities who really worked hard to inform and transmit, clearly and concisely, their passion and knowledge of a very special and near-rare breed of horse. In closing, the entire tour was a compelling experience not long forgotten. This well-organized experience should appeal to everyone likes fresh country air, informative and experienced guides and a visit to an extraordinary setting where giant horses give one the sense the historic past of farm work life. In sum, this adventure respresents a kind of chronicle of the past which can enrich our understanding of the powerful forces and animals who worked and contributed to our current quality of life and living in America. Our hats are off to the Larson's for their nerve and pluck. Keep up the good things that you do.Because you do it so well. We'll be back.
We took our grandchildren to see the Clydesdales, because they are both interested in horses. We arrived early, and waited on the side of the road. They opened the gate on time, and were very hospitable. It was amazing to see the care of these National Champion horses, and the attention paid to them by their owners. It was great to see a 2300 lb. animal trot with a cart behind it, as well as learn what goes into the preparation for a 6 horse hitch. They also explained the differences between the 3 teams of horses in a 6 horse hitch. All in all, a very good experience.
My husband and I had a mid-week day off and thought we'd take a trip to see Larson's Famous Clydesdales for a fun day out. I was really looking forward to seeing the grandstand show with the horses actually hitched up. What a disappointment and ripoff! We called ahead and made a reservation, as requested on the web site, and made the 2-hour drive to the farm in Ripon, Wisconsin. The initial part of the tour was interesting with Mrs. Larson giving a history of the breed, showing the horses in the field and in the barn. However, there was no grandstand show because Mr Larson was not available to hitch up the horses and do the show because he'd gone to get hay. Frankly, a two-hour drive and $30 for the "privilege" of petting a horse over a fence was a ripoff to me. There was no offer from Mrs. Larson of a refund, price break or coupon to come back another day when they could do the full show. She didn't even throw in a free bag of her 50 cent popcorn for the inconvenience! Our tour group was only my husband and me and another family with 5 kids. After reading the other TripAdvisor reviews, it appears that the tour buses get the red-carpet treatment while small groups get the short tour at full price. Beware! Again, I think this was a rip. If there was no intention to give a full performance, the Larsons shouldn't have taken our reservation in the first place and thereby saved us from wasting the time and money on the trip.
Owner very rude!!! Not very acceptable of people with disabilities. More bragging about how much her equipment costs and prices of stuff than anything. Was NOT worth the $15. Extremely Disappointed. Don't waste your time.
I can't say enough good things about the Larsons and the dedication they have for the raising and preserving of Clydesdales. There walls are full of ribbons from the many champions they have raised and competed with. When you leave this farm, you will have a whole new appreciation for this breed and those who nuture them. Your children will love seeing the newest/youngest colts -- including a rare black Clydesdale. If you are in this area, don't let your family miss this experience.
We were not exactly sure what to expect, just presumed we would have an up close experience with these gentle giants. What a treat. From the beginning you can tell this is a labor of love for Judy and Cal Larson. We would love to see them and their team in action at a future competition - we'd be cheering for them!
Get up close to these magnificent animals and hearing the stories from the owners. A great field trip for a school or family as well. It doesn't hurt to love horses too.