"Family Business Cinches 50 Years in the Saddle"
Debbie Griffin, River Falls Journal | March 14,2011 | Read Article

Tom and Bev Lowe of River Falls made a commitment to horses 50 years ago opening their family-farm acreage for a trail-riding business now named the Kinni Valley Riding Academy. As the business prepares to celebrate a five-decade anniversary, it also transfers ownership to the next generation. The Lowes raised four daughters on their town of Kinnickinnic farm: Carolyn, Elizabeth, Ellen and Margaret. All grew up with horses and started riding at a young age. Three of the four women work with horses as a career. Carolyn Lowe Laurel took ownership of the family business late last year. She plans to continue the treasured equine traditions in what she calls the "mystical" Kinnickinnic Valley.

"Family Outings: Kinni Valley Riding Academy delights first-time horseback riders"
Maja Beckstrom, Pioneer Press | October 2, 2010 | Read Article

My 11-year-old son came home from school eager to relate a story told by his teacher. When the teacher's sister was young, a horse threw her after it stepped into a ground wasp nest. The wasps went crazy, and she was stung all over. "It made her allergic to wasps forever!" he said. Two days later, I took him on his first horseback ride. He was understandably a bit nervous. We drove east from St. Paul about 45 minutes to a stable northeast of River Falls, Wis., in the Kinnickinnic River Valley. Carolyn Lowe Laurel, the owner of the Kinni Valley Riding Academy, offers lessons in a large indoor arena and also guided rides on trails that wind through meadows and woods. Her father, Tom Lowe, started the stables in 1963, and she bought him out last year, merging her riding lessons with his longtime trail-riding business.

"Riding with Class"
D.M. O Keefe | Read Article

Here along the beautiful Kinnickinnic River, something beyond efficiency, cleanliness and thoughtful planning are at work. Contented, gentle, well groomed horses and letters from grateful customers point to a philosophy of caring and respect that extends from people to animals. Carolyn will tell you that the family's top priorities for customers are safety and individual attention.

"Not Homeopathy, Horseopathy"
Cathi Garbe | Read Article

Kinni Valley Stables has been caring for horses and offering trail-rides for over forty years. It was started by Tom and Bev Lowe, and branched out to include the Kinni Valley Riding Academy in 1997 when their daughter, Carolyn, was old enough and experienced enough to create her own business giving lessons. Perhaps it is this family history, then, which gives the Kinni Valley facilities such a wonderful family atmosphere. In fact, "Minnesota Parent" magazine presented the Lowes with their 2002 "Favorite Place to Saddle-Up" award.

Featured on: KARE 11 News Saturday Morning
Play Interview 1 | Play Interview 2