Why we believe in ranch horse beginnings…

Joe Wolters, Craig Cameron and Chris Cox, all world renowned colt starters and clinicians all agree that “nothing seasons a young horse like ranch work, one branding is worth 10 rides in the arena.” If you give a horse a job it gives him purpose and meaning, it makes sense of everything you ask him to do. Cattle work gives a horse a reason to rate, stop and turn around – he’s learning, but he likes it. Covering the miles on the ranch eliminates boredom, most people have forgotten how negative constant schooling in the arena can be for a horse. Ranch work overall is the best way to develop that important trust from these young horses, once you have their trust, their mind is a sponge. Once you control their mind you can control their body. Being a Hagan “ranch horse” means our horses are literally used in the day-to-day operation of our ranches. We start the season moving the cows 15 miles to summer pasture; calve cows; sort pairs; drag calves to the fire (every branding we can get to); AI breed; rotate pastures; rope and tie off to doctor yearlings, cows and bulls; round pen and halter break colts; ride at the auction mart in the winter; and provide non-ranch family with scenic trail rides. We never go a day without being on horseback and love every minute of it. So we are very confident and proud of these “ranch horses” and their abilities and feel they are prepared for further training in any discipline.