What started as a small effort to fund rodeo travels has grown into a community staple, serving families across the region. Equestrian Enterprises, known for its pony rides and expansive petting zoo, has been a fixture at local events for more than two decades, offering hands-on experiences with more than 200 animals.
Nick Goss, who now runs the family business, said it all started with his mother, Debbie Taylor, as a way to fund his rodeo travels.
“My mother was really the driving force,” Goss said. “She started this to build up some diesel money for me to travel the country doing rodeo, and of course, entry fees and diesel were never cheap.”
What started as pony rides soon expanded into a full petting zoo with donkeys, goats, llamas, alpacas, tortoises, miniature horses, and more. Equestrian Enterprises has been a fixture at Friday After 5 since before Smothers Park was built, and the business continues to be a favorite among families and animal lovers of all ages.
“It’s funny because I love doing the petting zoo,” Goss said. “It’s not just for kids – adults come week after week without kids just to see the animals. It’s something that makes everyone happy.”
The business has also traveled to high-profile events in Louisville, Nashville, and Evansville, working with celebrities including singer Pink and the CEO of Jim Beam. Locally, they have provided animals for nativity scenes at churches, pony rides at Reids Orchard, and petting zoo attractions at community festivals.
Goss said while his mother remains heavily involved, he has taken the reins in recent years, overseeing the daily operations and traveling to events. The business is a family effort, with his wife, Lindsay, and their two children pitching in when needed.
“We’re in with Reid’s Orchard, and they’ve provided us with a lot of great exposure,” Goss said. “The Owensboro community has always been supportive, and that’s what has kept us going for so long.”
Despite the long hours and challenges of maintaining a business with so many animals, Goss said it remains a passion.
“It’s not something that’s going to make you rich overnight,” he said. “It takes a lot of hard work, a lot of tears, and a lot of dedication, but we love sharing these animals with everyone.”
As for the future, Goss said they plan to keep going as long as possible, though some programs – such as their long-running horse camps – may wind down as his mother moves closer to retirement.
Equestrian Enterprises primarily books events through its Facebook page, where people can reach out directly for scheduling information.
“We’re looking forward to another great year,” Goss said. “This business runs deep in our family, and we’re blessed to have such a supportive community.”
