Rocking Horse Ranch Resort was created in 1958 by Toolie and Gloria Turk. In 1962, they were joined by Toolie's brother, Bucky. Although Toolie and Gloria were born in New York City, they became involved with horses at an early age. Gloria rode at stables in the Bronx, while Toolie's introduction to horses came from the man who delivered ice by horse and wagon on the lower eastside of Manhattan.