Horse Hall of Fame

“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. Children will enjoy a relaxed scenic ride down the trail, games in the arena or bringing in a herd of cattle on Pali.

“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 child’s horseback adventure a great one.

“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. Friday has retired from her job of taking people on rides and is now busy raising babies.

This duo of gentle giants faithfully lived and worked at the ranch for many years, delighting guests on sleigh rides and wagon rides since 1991. Amos, the oldest, was born in 1982 and Andy was born in 1983. Sadly we lost Amos a few years ago but Andy is happily living out his final days in retirement here at the ranch. These Percherons are dear to the hearts of all those who have had the pleasure of meeting them at the ranch.

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

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.

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.

“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, used him for lessons, and Danielle’s daughter Emily had the opportunity to ride and even show the big beautiful boy.

“Katie” is one of the most cherished horses at the ranch. She is an Appaloosa mare born on March 27, 1985 and was purchased by Roley and Janice in 1992. Since the time that she came to the ranch she has been the mother to 10 of the best horses on the ranch. She even has grandchildren who are now working as horses for our guests to ride. Katie has earned the title of “Ranch Matriarch” and a well deserved retirement that she is currently enjoying.

“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.”

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.

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 diagnosed with cancer and had to be put down. He will always be remembered.

“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. Checkers went on to greener pastures during the winter of 2012.

“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.

We were sad to see Peppy pass on in the winter of 2012.