Valley Mount Ranch was founded by Ben and Frieda Kraus in 1936. The business quickly became well known for western recreation that included rodeos, trail rides, boarding, and hayrides. In the 1940's, the original arena could seat several hundred people in the red, white, and blue grandstands. Thousands have enjoyed horse-drawn hay rides, and a warm fire on those cool fall evenings.

Ben and Frieda had eight children: Shirley, Gene, Darwin, Gerry, Lavern, Norita, Dottye, and Sheila. All the children had daily responsibilities to keep the Ranch running smoothly.

The current facilities sit on approximately 100 acres. The original boarding facilities and approximately 30 acres were separated, establishing Kraus Farms in 1986.

Our Summer Riding Camps consist of everyone experiencing what it is like to own a horse.  They will learn the general care of horses such as feeding, cleaning up after them, grooming, and bathing.  They will also learn the correct way to halter and lead a horse, how to saddle a horse correctly, but most important they will learn how to be safe around horses.  Everyone will ride everyday, we will be riding in an arena, in a big open field, & taking scenic trail rides through the foothills of the beautiful Ozarks.  We will also have other fun horse activities.