Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

 

We are very proud of our four-legged working partners. We maintain a herd of about 40 registered Quarterhorses, Appaloosas, and Paints for our saddle horses and two teams of Belgian, two teams of Percherons and one team of shire-cross for our sleigh and wagon rides. Most of the horses are either born and raised right here on the ranch or born on one of Janice's brothers' ranches. The horses are worked with and handled at an early age to begin adapting them to their future uses. As two-year olds, we begin their official training, getting them used to the saddle and working them in the round pen. They then graduate to the arena, and then to some short trail rides. We use a training system called the “Basic Handle,” founded by Monte Forman and Pat Wyse. This system creates a safe, responsive, and sensible horse. Of course, we carefully breed and maintain horses that have a disposition that lends itself to the guest ranch industry.

As three- and four-year-olds, these horses are used as mounts for our trail guides. Then, as five-year-olds, they begin their career as mounts for our guests. We use both mares and geldings and rotate mares in and out as they produce more offspring for our future string. Here is some more information about some of our horses:

 

	Mista Frost (Misty) was purchased the fall of 2011 as a three year old.  She is a very sweet beautiful mare that we think has a real future here at the ranch.  After a couple years of riding by Roley and the wranglers, I predict she will be a guest favorite.
	Holis Peppy Dun – “Pepsi” is a Dun Quarter Horse gelding born May 2, 2009. We purchased Pepsi in the spring of 2011 and started working with him right away. This guy looks like he will have a lot of athletic ability and a sweetheart disposition.
	Sonoita Han Barney – “Hancock” is a bay Quarter horse gelding born February 24, 2009. We purchased him in the spring of 2011 and he is coming along great. Come see how this little guy is doing this summer at the ranch.
	Disco Potato – “Turbo” is an Appaloosa gelding born in 2008 and was purchased in the fall of 2010 from Talea Metivier of Riding Spots Ranch. Roley started Turbo in March of 2011 so look for him riding Turbo this summer.
	Smart Little Stardust - “Frosty” is an Appaloosa filly born in 2010. She was purchased from Talea Metivier of Riding Spots Ranch in the fall of 2010. We have high hopes for this pretty little filly!

	Rhythm - This non-colored Palomino appy is a 2005 model who belongs to Melissa. Don't get him confuesd with his Dam, Peaches. He has her looks, good size and sweet attitude. Come see this big yellow horse this summer.
	Tivios Nu Jewel - "Reed" is an AQHA gelding born in 2006. This fancy palomino gelding shows the potential of being something pretty special. This is Isaac's next project horse. Reed was Isaac's green horse project for 4-H the summer of 2008. They did really great together and look forward to what each new year holds for them.
	Snip A Lil Peppy - "Snip" is a cute little AQHA mare born in 2005. She also came off of Janice's brothers ranch and was purchased as a yearling. This is one of Libby's favorite horses on the ranch. Her training in progressing nicely and you should see her taking guests out this summer
	High Speed Hotrod - "Hotrod" is a colorful Appaloosa gelding born in 2004. He is #9 of Katie’s offspring. He displays that same great disposition that Katie's babies always have.
	"Barney" Barney is an Appaloosa gelding born around 1986. If you are a little cowpoke who is going to saddle up for the first time, Barney is sure to make your first ride fun and exciting.
	Jesses Lil Bo Badger- “Billy” is a Quarter Horse gelding born May 8, 2003. If you happen to see him at the ranch, take the time to hear the stories of this daredevils near death experiences. He has the “battle wounds” to prove it. His ruggid masculinity is only enhanced by his scars.
	Chicks Perfect Doc - "Sisco" is a fancy AQHA buckskin gelding born in 2004. He was started by Roley as a two year old and then spent his four-year-old year as a 4-H horse for Erin (one of our wranglers). They made a great team and learned a lot together. Come take this flashy steed for a spin.
	SQH Blue Boys Image - “Blue” is a blue roan Quarter Horse Gelding born in 2006. He is now ready and wlling to show our guests around the ranch.
	SQH Dusti Blue Boy - "Dusty" is the half brother to Blue and was also born in 2006. Just like his brother, Dusty looks forward to giving you a tour of the ranch.
	Heeza Ka Do Last Chance - "Chance" is the tenth and final foal of Katie, the ranch matriarch. He is an Appaloosa gelding born April of 2006. Chance has grown to be the tallest of our saddle horses, standing 16.2 hands tall. If you are lucky enough to ride this big guy you are sure to have an amazing view!
	"Bill and Larry" This team of beautiful Belgian geldings came to the ranch the summer of 2008, thanks to the generosity of Mark Brinkmyer. These geldings are truly gentle giants and they look amazing hitched to our new wedding carriage.
	Lil’ Horse is a roan, Pony of the Americas mare born around 1999. Danielle purchased her in the fall of 2009 as a green broke prospect horse. Lil’ Horse has turned out to be an extremely athletic and talented little horse with a lot of go. You are sure to see Danielle riding her in the arena or on the trail if you visit, as Danielle has hi hopes that Lil’ Horse will go far with more time and training.
	Idaho Red Chick – “Red” is a red roan Appaloosa gelding born in 1999. This tall guy is hard working and is willing to do whatever you ask of him. Red is the favorite of many of our returning guests and wranglers.
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	Highspeed Dun Lapped Um’ “Checkers” is an Appaloosa mare born on April 9, 2004. She is the daughter of “D.D.” another of the ranches faithful steeds. Checkers was started by Isaac at a Pat Wyse colt breaking clinic in Montana, however soon after her return to the ranch, Danielle took over her training. Watch for Danielle and this flashy little filly working on the ranch or training in the arena.
	Burts Paint Cowboy - "Curly" is a paint gelding born on Janice’s brother’s ranch in 1991 and brought to live and work on our ranch in 1995. Curly has been the favorite of many guests who visit the ranch over the years, but none compare to Curly’s biggest fan Suzanne, who visits him regularly from New York.
	Doc’s Hopeful Remedy - “Doc” is an Appaloosa gelding born in May of 1999; the fifth foal of Katie, the ranch matriarch. Doc is a big friendly horse that is sure to make any rider’s horseback adventure a great one.
	J.R. Chicka Do – “J.R.” is a Palomino Quarter Horse Gelding born May 12, 1992. J.R. was purchased from Janice’s brother, Steve, as a two year old. He had not been on the ranch long before Janice and Roley’s daughter, Danielle, laid claim to him as her personal horse. Danielle and J.R. turned out to be an amazing team, teaching each other along the way. Danielle used J.R. in 4-H for 11 years, uses him for lessons, and now lets her cousin, Bradley, ride J.R. in 4-H as well. You may see Danielle or Bradley exercising this big, beautiful horse if you visit the ranch this summer.
	Katie’s Golden Chick -“Peaches” is an Appaloosa mare born on May 16, 1998, the fourth foal of Katie the ranch matriarch. She is a gentle and willing mount who has won the hearts of many ranch visitors. Peaches is Melissa’s (one of the wranglers) favorite horses to ride. Melissa gave her the nick name “Precious Peaches” which has stuck with her over the years.
	Breezes Nut n Honey – “Honey” is a sorrel, Quarter Horse mare born in 1995. This little horse has proven to be worth her wait in gold. You are sure to see her taking the most excellent care of our smallest riders during our summer horse camps. However, she can put the petal to the metal for those who know how to ask or to chase down a rough cow.
	Tag Me Gold – “Taga” is a Buckskin Paint mare born at Janice’s brother, Steve’s, ranch on May 11, 1999. It’s hard to miss her in a herd of horses due to her flashy color. Taga is a great horse for those who want to take their riding to the next level
	Ziprize I – “Zipper” is an Appaloosa mare born March 29, 1997. She has the pedigree of champions and has had extensive training for competition in Western and English Pleasure competitive events. Her previous owner wanted Zipper to experience life as a “real horse”, living in large fields with other horses rather than in the stalls that she spent most of her life. Zipper is really a city girl trying her hand at the country life and is doing a great job at adjusting to that country life.
	Dun Good on Friday – “Friday” is another of Katie’s babies born Friday, May 13, 2001 which also happened to be Good Friday. This pretty mare is a Roan colored Appaloosa who is as gentle and sweet as they come. If you are looking for a quiet ride, Friday is the horse for you.
	Bud and Velvet This brother-sister team of Shire cross draft horses, born in 1994, has been pulling sleighs and wagons full of guests at the ranch since 1999. The beauty and grace of this massive team will take your breath away.
	Katie’s Dun Deal - “D.D.” is an Appaloosa mare born May 16, 1996, the third foal of Katie, the ranch matriarch. This easy going mare is kind and gentle; the perfect horse if you are a first timer, or if you are just a little nervous to saddle up. D.D. is sure to make your horseback experience a real pleasure.
	Katie’s Razzle Dazzle - “Dazzle”, an Appaloosa mare born on May 25, 1995, is the second foal of Katie, the ranch matriarch. If you are an advanced rider Dazzle has the training and talent to give you a fun and exciting ride, or if you are a beginning rider she has the gentle attitude and quite manner perfect for a young or novice rider.
	Dolly is a Quarter Horse mare born in April of 1994. We can always count on Dolly to take care of the young or novice cowgirls and cowboys who come join us at the ranch.
	Moe is a big Appaloosa cross gelding born around 1988. He is an easy going horse who will go pretty much anywhere you point him. Don’t expect hugs and kisses from this old boy though, he has a strict “don’t bother me” policy, unless of course you have and apple or carrot to share.
	Dazzle’s Palimino Chick – “Pali”, the daughter of Dazzle, is a Palomino Appaloosa mare born here at the ranch on May 21, 2001. This little mare has gorgeous color, is athletic, and is ready and willing to do whatever you ask of her. Enjoy a relaxed, scenic ride down the trail or bring in a herd of cattle on Pali.
	Little Driftn Peppy – “Peppy” is a Quarter Horse gelding born April 14, 1994. Peppy was previously owned and trained by Larry Smith, who was a great horseman and mentor to many of us here at the ranch. We were so honored to have the opportunity to purchase Peppy and have enjoyed every day we have owned him. He is extremely talented, willing, will go anywhere and do anything you ask of him.
	Jet is a Morgan Percheron cross gelding born around 1999. This big guy has been an excellent addition to the ranch as Danielle calls him a big teddy bear. He may not be the most beautiful, but he makes up for it in willingness, heart and hard work.

HORSE HALL OF FAME

Unfortunetly, from time to time we have a sad moment on the ranch and have to say good-buy to one of our special partners.

Amos and Andy -

Selma came to work at the ranch with her partner Justis pulling the sleighs and wagons. They are a hard working team and really great horses to be around.

Will He Cowboy“Willie” is a Paint gelding born at Janice’s brother’s ranch on 1984. He was purchased by Roley and Janice in 1987 and has been a great addition to the ranch herd ever since. Listen to what Danielle, one of the wranglers, has to say about why Willie is one of her favorite horses: “If I am headed out to move cattle, horses, or people, I can always count on Willie to get the job done right. He has got the speed, power, and agility to chase down a stray cow, but he is laid back and level headed enough to mosey down the trail with a 6 year old on his back.”

Native Chico – Registered Appaloosa gelding, Native Chico, was born in 1981 and purchased at age 17 in 1998. Native Chico was purchased for Isaac as a show and trail horse, and is now used on trail rides, youth camps, and shows. A great horse for the beginning rider. Chico was the kind of horse that never gave you any trouble and was very willing. In 2006 he was diognosed with cancer and had to be put down. He will always be remembered.

Thunder -