strangranch

» Lathrop Strang Memorial Fund «

There are no words to describe the life you lived - you were amazing in every aspect of your life.  We love you Lados.

On a perfect Colorado spring day in 2008, a perilous run down a chute atop Mount Sopris took the life of Lathrop Strang. His death shocked and saddened the valley and a void lingers where his intellect and energy contributed so much.

Lathrop served on the board of Aspen Valley Land Trust for six years, and before that was a member to the board of Western Colorado Agricultural Heritage Fund, which merged with AVLT in 2002. Land conservation, particularly that of working ranches, was Lathrop’s passion. He felt strongly that humans as well as animals need open spaces and land to grow food and fuel.

Lathrop’s parents Mike and Kit, brother Scott and sisters Laurie and Bridget, asked that in lieu of flowers, people make a donation to a selected non-profits, including AVLT. The Lathrop Strang Memorial Fund helps defray some of the costs landowners incur in donation a conservation easement. The funds are used to conserve working ranches that have been in one family for at least 25 years. Lathrop is no longer here to advocate for ranchers and ranching, but he continues to help insure that ranching remains in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys.

To contact AVLT please visit http://www.avlt.org or email at avlt@avlt.org.

http://www.avlt.org
Aspen Vally Land Trust
320 Main Street
Carbondale, CO 81623-2084
(970) 963-8438

» The Strang Ranch «

The Strang Ranch is a family owned and run business. It is a working cattle ranch and a sport horse breeding operation as well as a busy equestrian center, hosting many hunter/jumper and dressage shows, clinics and daily lessons.

The ranch lies on 460 Acres of irrigated and pasture land in Western Colorado with outstanding views of the Elk Mountain Range, 25 miles from the Aspen Airport.


There is extensive trail riding, a recognized fox hunt, and an extensive hunter/jumper training barn.

» 2006 Holsteiner Filly for sale «

“Narnia" is a coming four year old filly by the Holsteiner Stallino Cicera’s Icewater and out of the wonderful Dutch mare Liberty’s Diamond.  Narnia has had a month of riding this past fall and is ready to go!!  She is lovely to look at, and is a VERY athletic young horse.  She is a very balanced young mare and will excell in any disipline. $15,000

» Tb Gelding for sale «

Nakota is a 16 h gelding that has been off the track for a year. He has a beautiful expression, and seems eager to learn a new job. He is quiet and simple to ride but has had limited rides since his brief profession as a slow race horse. 8,000$

» Philip Champion both Weeks at Tucson Fall shows!!! «

Philip, a 2003 geld by Circa Z was champion in the Derby Jumpers both weeks of the Tucson fall horse shows held at the Pima County Fairgrounds. Philip who has been showing in a few 1.2M classes this summer proved he was ready to go a little faster, and turn a little sharper. Look for him to start jumping a bit higher and running a bit faster in Thermal. Philip is by Circa Z who is still competing as a 18 yr old with Sophie Simpson in the irons. After several years in the international ring with Nicole Simpson, he is back in the family showing Sophie how it is done, winning several big classes in California. Philip is priced at 40,000$.

» First Annual Sheep Dog Trails at Strang Ranch a HUGE SUCCESS «

The sheep dog trials held the weekend of October 16-18 was perfect!!! Thank you to our sponsers, Stranahan Wiskey, Propain services and the Devan family, the Nunes Family, Dawn and Skylar Rossi, Heather Dresser, Paradice Farm and the Dixons, R J Paddywaks and Kathy Weiss Stevenson.  WE had the most amazing weather, the sheep were wonderful, and the dogs worked well. Amelia Smith, from Valley Center California was our judge, and did a marvelous job sorting out the winners from the open classes, and helping out the novice handlers and dogs. Who knew we could run a novice dog trial on the same field as the opens, and have success!!? Jim Swift with Zac and Melinda Brenimer and her dog Finn were the winners of the Open classes. Corey Anderson with Leksi and Maury Harris with Glen were the winners of the Open Ranch classes. The Pro-Novice was won by Diana Rollings with Larken and Bridget Strang with Rose. The winners of the Juniors and Novice classes were Deb Terry with Peg, and Corey Anderson with Skip.
For a brief video of the Sunday adventures please enjoy this Video made by Charlie Westingham http://vimeo.com/7229498

» news jan 2008 «

January 2009

First of all, I would like thank everyone for coming to our horse shows this summer and making them fun and wonderful!!  To those of you who RAN our April Horse Show a special thank you!!!  And to everyone who makes our shows happen all summer long, thank you to for helping in the office, announcing, running the gate, picking up rails, timing, moving jumps, collecting trash and all the extra things you do.
It has been almost a year since you have heard from the Strang Gang and a lot has happened!!!  California for the winter is definitely still on the schedule.  Riding in the sun and sand in tee shirts in January just seems like the right thing to do!!  Last year we had a very successful horse show circuit in Thermal and at The Oaks in San Juan Capistrano and can’t wait to get out there for this year.  After our adventures in Denver at the stock show with Max and Mikes’ Lowline cattle and Bridget’s Border Collies, we will head west with thirteen horses for the winter.  They will live at Laurie and Scott’s Tahquitz Equestrian Center in huge stalls and green grass turnouts.  The new and improved horse show in Thermal is only ten minutes from the farm and a great place to train young horses as well as compete against the best.
There are many new faces around the barn.  We had a terrific group of young kids in the lesson program this summer, and we look forward to their return.  And we have many new boarder and clients.  Welcome to all.  We are thrilled you have come to the ranch, and look forward to the future.
We are fortunate to have wonderful help from Octovio Marquez, Hugh Coleby, Cody Weverstadt, Sylvia Johnson, and our wonderful working students Emily Alverez and Lilly Thorson..  They all contribute to the smooth operation in the barn from keeping the horses fed and healthy to training and teaching.
We welcomed Greg Best here in June and had a wonderful clinic. We hope Greg will be back this summer as well.  Maria Wasson returned to the ranch to work her flat work magic every month.  We look forward to seeing her in California this winter and back at the ranch in the summer.  We also are very excited to have Greg Eliel back on the clinic schedule.  Greg, was a student of Buck Branaman’s and is a wonderful teacher of Natural Horsemanship, addressing both the riders position and the horses mind.  The horses are all excited he will be returning to add some clarity in their lives.  Please contact us if you are interested in attending any of these clinics.
The Strang Gang attended a few “A” horse shows at the Colorado Horse Park, Estes Park and in Tucson.  Estes Park was was amazing!  Notable:  Freckles and Leah Scholl, Champion in the Short Stirrup, Sue Pietrzak’s “Quiet Time” Champion in the Level 4 jumpers and Betty Anne Shenk’s “Duncan” Champion in the Green Conformation Hunters with Bridget. “Don’t Tell Daddy” was Reserve Champion in the Medium Pony Hunters with Courtnay Edwards.  And finally, Gail and Bridget rode in the rotating riders relay class dressed as “the winners” and WON! The whole gang was amazing, and we had a ball! 
Congratulations to every one for their achievements all year whether recognized with ribbons and trophies or not. 
In the fall we ventured to High Prairie for a windy horse trial where Courtnay and Bell picked up a great ribbon.  Then on to Tucson in the late fall to hold off winter for another couple weeks.  Congratulations to Carolyn Devan and “Molly” for their Reserve Championship in the Pony Hunters and to Laura Pietrzak for her fabulous round in the classic!!!  Betty Anne’s horse, Duncan, was champion again in his division and had the highest score in the Hunter Derby.  Congratulations to all. < In September, We welcomed "Treat" into our lives, to help Rosie keep the sheep in order.  He is a wonderful addition, thankyou Norm and Vicky CLose of Handhills Border Collies, for this wonderful dog! 
2008 brought some perspective to all our lives.  We honored Michelle Marlow’s wonderful horse, “Guizmo” who suffered an untimely death.  We thank and appreciate so many friends who have helped us through this year and Lathrop’s devastating accident as we strive to keep his legacy alive.  The Strang Gang. 

» Two Year olds for sale «

These four two year old filly’s are by Mezcalaro who is by the leading Hunter Jumper sire Voltair, Goodtimes by the legendary VDL dutch stallion Nimmerdor and Cablito, a woderful hunter sire. Two of the brood mares were lovely TB show hunters, another is the fantastic Dutch grand Prix mare Liberty’s Diamond. Karina has been started, and the others are all soon to be started. They are all priced to sell! 

» Foal of 2008 «

Miles is our second embryo transfer foal.  He is by Mezcalaro (KWPN Voltair) out or Librety’s Diamond (KWPN Procurer/Farn/Inshalla).  Miles achieved his Premium foal status with the American Holsteiner Association.  His Mother, Liberty’s Diamond was entered into the Main Mare book.

» Halleluljah! Warmblood hunter for sale «

“Hally” is a big bodied 16.2 h Geld born 2003. He is out of a TB mare by the Dutch Warmblood stallion VDL Ohorn (Olympic Ahorn). He is a lovely mover and has done well in his Pre Green hunter classes this year over fences as well as the under saddle classes. He would also excel as a dressage horse with a wonderful uphill balance and lots of suspension.$40,000 .  For a video please click the upper right hand corner- videos and comments.

» Selle Francais Jumper for sale «

“Phillip” is a 16.1 h Selle Francais gelding, out of Liberty’s Diamond (Procurer/Farn/Inshalla) a wonderful dutch mare and is by the legendary Circe De Blondel “Circa Z”. As a four year old he did one event and won the Young Event horse section for the four and five year olds. He has shown as a five yr old in the young Jumper classes in California and Colorado, and this year did a few 1.2m classes, most recently winning the Future Jumper Stake in Tucson Arizona. Philip is a brave, quiet fellow, standing a perfect 16.1 hands.  He would be best suited for a professional to take to the “big” ring, and then would most certainly do any job asked of him. $40,000USD

» Five year old hunter prospect for sale “A Wonder” «

Wonder is a big, beautiful good moving gelding. Wonder should mature close to 17 hands. He was very willing and jumped in good form in the jump chute. He has been to California to see the world, and has been showing locally in the 2'6"-3' divisions. He is a light, sensitive horse that is always trying to please. He is very friendly on the ground and always wants to be with you. His mother was a beautiful jumper and mover, and showed successfully in the hunter ring. 15,000$

» Bridget Strang «

Bridget has been on the farm, and around horses her whole life. She achieved her “A” rating in Pony Club, evented at the Advanced level for several years on a home bred horse, has shown up threw fourth Level USDF, and shown cutting horses at the NCHA western states championships. She shows at numerous AA rated shows, and has qualified and taken several students and horses for the national championships at Harrisburg and Washington. Both the hunter and jumper business and the lesson program focus on healthy, happy horses and riders. She has continued to breed sport horses, and really enjoys developing the young horses.

She enjoys developing young horses and students, as well as teaching the amateurs.

» Thermal 2008 «

We all enjoyed our time in Thermal California this year. Cody Weverstad joined us with her horse Narlin and was tremendously helpful. The young horses really enjoyed the larger more horse friendly atmosphere. It is nice to be able to spend the nights at Tahquitz and just ship in for a day of horse showing. I can not imagine what the horses go threw that live at the show grounds for seven weeks. Some notable results from our gang: Duncan won a class the first week which started the ball rolling nicely. Thank you to Peter Pletcher for his marvelous job in the irons. The young jumpers, Phillip, Goldstar and Wonderview Farms’ Quiet Time and Cubano added many blue “clear round” ribbons learning the ropes in the lower level jumpers. Hallelujah stepped up from the Baby green hunters into the Lows and Pre greens earning ribbons his first week at the 3’. Fiona was amazing and ended up with great ribbons in the level five Jumpers. Laura Pietrzak and her mare Ikeria got super ribbons in the very competitive AA hunters. We took two Four year olds to learn about horse showing, and both Wonder and Argent acted like it was just another day at the office. We could not be happier with the Accord III babies we have, and I feel I owe a huge thank you to Crooked Willow Farms for bringing this super horse into the states. I look forward to next year at Thermal when the trees will be bigger and hopefully the wind will be smaller. 

» Winning Hunter for Sale «

Duncan is a twelve year old, beautiful, Dutch X Gelding by Aristos B, a big bodied 16 h., but could measure as a small Jr Hunter. He is a very good mover and jumper and has a lot of mileage at 3’ and plenty of scope to jump 3’6”. He is simple to ride, but does have a big jump, easy to manage at the horse shows and a joy at home.  DUNCAN WAS CHAMPION IN THE GREEN CONFORMATION HUNTERS AT ESTES PARK H/J FESTIVAL, and Tucson Fall Festival First yr Green hunters.  And 13th in a Hunter Derby, his second show at 3’6”. 

» Hunter prospect «

Nakota is a 16 hand, 2005 geld that had a brief stint on the race track as a three yr old, before he came to Strang Ranch to find a different vocation.  He is quiet, beautiful and sweet.
He has had plenty of time to let down from the race track.  This summer he has had some trail riding, a little ring work, been introduced to jumping and is ready to go on and become a hunter.

» Wonderful Hunter prospect for sale- SOLD!!! «

> Jeffie AKA Slow Lopin Cowboy is a beautiful 16 h. 2002 gelding by Lopin Slow.  Jeffie is a good mover.  He is brave and scopey to the jumps and will make a wonderful hunter with a little mileage.  He is simple to ride, quiet and adorable.  He LOVES people and is very sweet around the barn. Jeffie was CWHJA Year end Champion in the Evergreen Green hunters!!!! For an (old) Video of Jeffie please select the comment button Recient video in the works.

» Foals of 2007 «

» Oldenburg two yr old for sale by Cabalito!! «

Carina WH is a foal of 2007 by Cabalito(Hann)/Cordoba/Cavalier.  She was the winner of hte foal inspection in June of 07 recieving premium from the Olderburg Verband foal inspections.  She is a beautiful filly, and very sweet. Karina has been started, and is a simple pleasant ride.  Please contact us for further infomation.

» SOLD!!!  Dutch Warmblood Dressage horse for sale «

Larenato is a 1998, 16.1h Dutch Warmblood Gelding. He has done second level dressage with his amateur owner with great success. He has recently begun to learn about jumping, and shows great promise and a beautiful style. This beautiful horse is proudly offered for sale. He is a fun, good quality horse that will do any job well.$30,000USD LARANTO HAS SOLD

» Recent shots «

» Summer 2007 «

We are back from California and the ranch is in full swing. We have hosted two CWHJA Horse shows, and both were a tremendous success!! We have been to two horse shows and Sue and Paddy have continued thier winning ways in the A/O jumpers. They are off the Spruce Meadows and we wish them all the luck in the world!!
Freckles and Leah seen here smiling about a Championship ribbon at their second show together!! 
We have recently attended the Mega Rally in High Prairie where our riders come home with masses of blue ribbons!!! Lilly in Tetrathlon won every event in her division, and the D team won their show jumping rally!! Pony Club has been a wonderful avenue for developing horsemanship and showmanship in the kids.
We also have three new foals on the ranch!! Check out the breeding page for more information on these three beautiful fillies.

» Greg Eliel comming to Ranch for Horsemanship clinic «

Strang Ranch is proud to sponsor a horsemanship clinic with Greg Eliel from the U Cross Ranch in Ellensburg Washington July 14-18. Greg is a wonderful horseman and a fabulous teacher. His clinic in 2006 was a sell out. His goal of creating a willing partnership has helped many people and horses of all levels from the beginner to the finished show professional.

Watch and learn from Greg’s technique of rebuilding a foundation from feel without force or harsh gimmicks. “All Problems are fixable”. Greg will be offering a horsemanship I for the greener riders and horses, and will help develop a strong base on the ground through halter work, help with trailer loading, leading and other behavioral problems, and then take it to the riding level. The horsemanship II will be for those who have ridden with him before and are ready to take his techniques farther into their riding. This clinic is for anyone interested in improving their relationship with their horse, whether they are on the trail or in the show ring.

Greg is a firm believer that Horses learn from the release of pressure. “They don’t learn from pressure. You should be making the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy.” So come join us for four days of REAL HORSEMANSHIP!!
Please contact Bridget for more information on this clinic 970-963-2319.

» STRANG RANCH FALL HORSE SHOW «

STRANG RANCH HUNTER JUMPER SHOW
August 25 & 26
All shows sanctioned by CWHJA

Monthly clinics with Maria Wasson at Strang Ranch
STRANG RANCH 0393 County Rd 102
Carbondale, CO
970-963-2319


DIRECTIONS:  From Hwy 82, turn North at stop light at  Catherine Store  on  County Rd 100.  Proceed up the hill 2.4 miles to County Rd 102 (Missouri Heights Rd.). Turn right. The ranch is on the left. Go about 1/3 of a mile and turn left onto ranch lane (mail boxes on the right).
Map and directions:

STRANG RANCH HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW
With many thanks to our volunteers who make this show possible!

Show Manager:            Bridget  Strang             963-2319

Schooling:                     Before 8:00 AM Sat and Sun.                 
                                    Unsanctioned schooling available Friday PM -  Contact Bridget for scheduling

Judge:                           Sue Moore – Sedalia, Colorado            
                                                                  
Entries:                         $12.00/class     EMT fee $7.00/rider - Non CWHJA members: $5/day additional

Stewards:                     Cindy Gooding, Billy Goedert

Stabling:                       Please call Bridget or Kit 963-2319
                                    $25.00/stall  $20.00/pen/horse       

Concessions:                Big Mamma’s Catering        

EMT:                            TBA                

Attire:                           Helmets and boots with heels are required.  All riders junior and adult (effective 2006) are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet with safety harness fastened when jumping.
                                        
Rules:                          USEF rules will govern all classes except
                                    where specifically covered by CWHJA.                                                                       
Awards:                       Ribbons through fifth place
                                    Champion & Reserve ribbons and prizes 
                                    in divisions with three or more classes only.             

Dogs:                           PLEASE LEAVE AT HOME!


<sup>SUNDAY   -   8:00 AM
32.*     Walk/Trot Equitation
33.*     Walk/Trot Pleasure
34.*     Flower Power Hunter Hack                      
35.*     Flower Power Equitation over fences (poles & flower boxes)                           
36.       Pre-Beginner Equitation   (walk, trot, canter
37.*     Warm-Up        (not judged)
38.       Pre-Beginner Rider Equitation over fences         12”-15”  
39.       Pre-Beginner Rider Equitation over fences                                
40.       Beginner Rider Equitation on the flat                              
41.       Beginner Rider Hunter              course 1           1’6”-2’                          
42.       Beginner Rider Huntercourse II
43.       Beginner Rider Equitation  over fences                          
Jumper Classes not to start before 12:00 noon
Hacking only – No open schooling
44.*     Schooling Jumpers         2’0”-2’3”        Optimum time class 
45.*     Schooling Jumpers        course 2           Optimum time class        
46.       Level One Jumpers       Table II 2 b      2’3” – 2’6”                              
47.       Level One Jumpers       Table II 2 c             
48.       Level Two Jumpers      Table II 2 b      2’6” – 2’9”                               
49.       Level Two Jumpers      Table II 2 c                                                          
50.       Level Three Jumpers     Table II 2 b      2’9” – 3’                                 
51.       Level Three Jumpers     Table II 2 c            
52.       Level Four Jumpers      Table II 2 b      3’ – 3’3”                                         
53.       Level Four Jumpers      Table II 2 c                 
54.       Level Five Jumpers       Table II 2 b      3’3” – 3’6”                               
55.       Level Five Jumpers       Table II 2 c                                      
56.*     Gamblers’ Choice         (2’6” or 3’ or 3’3”)  Riders must</sup>

^{compete at highest level  entered at this horse show.
          SPECIAL PRIZES FOR WINNERS TBA!!!
*  Unrated Classes}                            
 
Schedule:  Saturday  -  8:00
<sup>1.*       Warm –Up    (not judged)
2.         Baby Green Hunter       course 1           2’-2’3”
3.         Baby Green Hunter       Handy Hunter       
4.         Baby Green Hunter under saddle                            
5.         Evergreen Hunter          course 1           2’6”         
6.         Evergreen Hunter          Handy Hunter                
7.         Evergreen Hunter under saddle                                                
8.         Low Childrens/AA Hunter        course 1           2’3”-2’6”
9.         Low Childrens/AA Hunter        Handy Hunter         
10.       Limit Rider Equitation over fences
11.       Low Childrens/AA Hunter under saddle
12.       Limit Rider Equitation on the flat 
13.       Pony Hunter course I       2’-2”3” or 2’6”-2’9”
14a.     Pony Hunter  Handy Hunter  
14b.     Pony Hunter Equitation over fences                  
15.       Pony Medal                                  
16.       Pony Hunter under saddle                 
17.       Pony Equitation on the flat 
18.       Low Hunter course I            2’9”
19.       Low Hunter Handy Hunter
20.       Low Hunter under saddle 
21.       Childrens/AA Hunter course I            2’9”
22.       Childrens/AA Hunter Handy Hunter
23.       Childrens/AA Medal        
24.       Childrens/AA Hunter under saddle                             
25.       Open Hi/Low Hunter course I            2’9”-3’ or          
26.       Open Hi/Low Hunter Handy Hunter   3’-3’3”              
27.       Open Hi/Low Hunter under saddle                      
28.       Jr./Am Hi/Low Hunter  course I            2’9”-3’ or        
29.       Jr/Am Hi/Low Hunter Handy Hunter     3’-3’3”      
30.       Jr/Am Hi/Low Medal
31.       Jr/Am Hi/Low under saddle</sup>

» News Feb 07 «

We are busy showing at the new Thermal show grounds and the horses are doing really well. The new horse’s have stepped up the levels.

Clair D’Lune a grey mare with both Galoubet and Abdullah in her pedigree showed week three with great success, and several blue ribbons commemorating her clear rounds in levels two and three and ending up in level four.

Royal Saber also had several clean rounds and ended up in the level four jumpers.

Sue Piertrzak and her wonder horse Paddy O’Reilly had a great week taking home ribbons in a very tough modified class. Sues other horse Quiet Time, a young mare by Indoctro that Sue raised, has a very large string of blue ribbons across her stall from her debut in the jumper ring. We are very proud of her.

Fiona showed week one and picked up right where she left off from the fall. We are looking forward to week four and moving up a couple levels.

Raphael the beautiful grey hunter from Windhoek Farm picked up ribbons in the Adequon Open hunters and will be heading into the Second Year Green hunter ring week four, with his sights on the Regular Working Hunters.

The weather has been spectacular, and the show grounds are wonderful. We are all looking forward to the next three weeks of shows.

Congratulations to BettyAnn Shenk on the purchase of Guess What, a warmblood gelding by Aristos B. Week II this lovely horse earned a second place with Peter Pletcher in the Irons, in the First Year Green Hunters. We are looking forward to the future with this special horse. 

Laura Pietrzak joined us for the final three weeks, picking up great ribbons with her mare Ikeria in the Adult Hunters.

» Young sport Horses for Sale : Homebreds «

“Gabe" 06’ Westfalen (Alme) X Hol Grannius II.  He is two years old and small but mighty! He has been started, and is VERY athletic.  Gabe has been started under saddle and was simple and sweet to ride. $5,000.

Narnia, foal of 2006 out of KWPN Libertys Diamond, by the Holsteiner stallion, Cicera’s Icewater, Corofino - Cor de la Bryere.  This is a really athletic filly with a pretty trot and a lovely canter.  She is also very sweet and seems to have her dams’ wonderful personality. $15,000

Twinkle, foal of 2007.  This very special filly is out of a wonderful quiet TB mare by “Goodtimes” the son of the famous Dutch Stallion Nimmerdore.  Goodtimes has produced many Upper level dressage horses and show jumpers.  A Goodtimes daughter was the Champion at Dressage at Devon this year. This filly is very correct and has the wonderful quiet disposition of her mother.  $12,000.

Miles is a foal of 2008.  He is out of Liberty’s Diamond KWPN, by Mezcalaro.  He is the full brother to Zoe.  Miles is correct, kind and will be a big horse with a lot of presence. 15,000$

» 2006 news «

In January we made our traditional trek with nine horses, Mike, Kit and Bridget to the desert oasis of Coachella California..  After our brief stint of 24 below zero F, we really look forward to the riding and showing in the sun! Tahquitz Equestrian center, where we base our opperation is a wonderful facility to teach and train out of. It is a mile from the show grounds so we are close enough but always have a nice quiet place to ride and train and turn out our horses.  We had a great circuit in Indio, finding success in about every ring the show offered, from the very competitive Walk Trot class with Kit Cunningham, to a Championship in the level 5 jumpers for Sue Pietrzak and Paddy O’Reilly, and about every ring in between. The hunter ring was friendly to Nestor and Gail in the Open Hunters and Windhoek farms’ Raphael, where he moved into the First year Green division after collecting a few ribbons in the Pre-Green ring.  Mean while back at the ranch.... Tahquitz Equestrian center provided a wonderful place to further our education.  There were two visits from our favorite dressage instructor Maria Wasson. There was a very insightful weekend clinic with John Turner of Thumbs Up Farm. And for the month of February we had Greg Eliel, who helps us from the ground up getting our horses soft, straight and supple.
Indio led to our favorite show the Oaks Where Sue continued her winning streak, and then it was time to head home to Carbondale. We love our time in Indio, it is beautiful and exciting but it does not hold a candle to springtime in Colorado. April is a wonderful time on the ranch full of baby calves, sheep and soon- foals!!!!!

The summer flew by as usual.  We hosted five local shows at the ranch, and attended a few A rated shows in Parker and Estes Park.  Bridget and Sue Pietrzak made a quick trip to Spruce Meadows, (where Sue once again came home sporting that wonderful Canadian RED ribbon-the winner!!!!) Mean while back at the ranch the lesson program was in full swing, and there were many horses to be ridden.  July brought us two new foals. Libertys’ Diamond, now 21 had her last foal, (we will let surrigate mares have her foals from now on ).  “Narnia” is a very beautiful, grey filly by Ciceras’ Icewater.  Rowina, a new Westphalen broodmare, produced “Gabe”, a small but mighty colt by Crooked Willows Holsteiner stallion, Grannius.  The first week of July we had a wonderful clinic with Greg Best, who is a fabulous horseman and teacher, followed by a sold out horsemanship clinic with Greg Eliel.  Gregs’ methods of straightening and freeing up our horses and perfecting out positions produced wonderfully free and soft horses.  Maria Wasson again found time to come and teach every month. There was something for everyone!! Tuesday nights were dedicated to Pony Club. Bridget and the kids would load up and head out to Wonderview for our weekly dose of “good old fashioned horsemanship”.  Congratulations to everyone achieving their rating!!!!!!!!  The two and three year old’s were beautifully started by Hugh from Australia. We are hoping he will find his way back to the ranch in a more permanent position. He was great with EVERY horse he rode.  They overcame their fears and in a short time were happily being ridden all around the ranch.

August brought more horse shows, starting with Estes Park a first ‘away’ show and a first place for “Fiona”!!  Two local shows finished out the month and brought us to September.  High Prairie was another huge success for Sue and Paddy in the Amateur Owner Jumpers, first or second in every class!!!  We welcomed the CWHJA finals to the ranch in October to close out the year.
The fall brought with its amazing colors the pair pace at Pietrzaks. The costumes 34$, the preparation time - many weeks, the opportunity to canter across a field, jumping jumps with your friends, on a magical fall day in Colorado....... PRICELESS!!!!

Lessons slowly wound down as the horses coats got thicker and the cold set in. We are now covered by two feet of snow and the thermometer has dipped to 13 below zero, there are a few hearty soles still riding, but for the most part downhill skiing has replaced the posting trot.  The ranch has slowed down to a more comfortable pace with lessons and training going on at a quieter pace. The indoor is welcoming and warm and we enjoy our change of scenery from the summer.  We are beginning to look forward to our next adventures at Indio, with new horses and customers, and a brand new horse show facility!  As I dream about the possibilities of the future I also reflect back on the wonderful year and count my many blessings.  I am so thankful for the support of my family, and for the wonderful group of customers that are here now. And I am always thankful that the horses let me be a part of their lives.

Good luck and good health to everyone.
Cheers
Bridget and the Strang Gang

» Horses sold by Strang Ranch «

Diego: 1999 TB geld, Jr/Am hunter.	Nestor 1993 dutch Geld.
Streak, 2001 geld. 16.3 TB Ariadus (Acord II)	Beaker 2000 Pony TB/Sir William, bred by Strang Ranch.
Blizzard 1995 warmblood gelding. Congratulations to the Achenback family of TX.	Broadway TB geld

» Foals of 2006 «

"Gabe” out of an Alme mare by Grannius
“Narnia” out of Liberty’s Diamond by Cicera’s Icewater

» Foals of 2005 «

“Stormy” is out of Liberty’s Diamond, by Goodtimes (Nimmerdor)

“Fiesta” is out of the homebred Fiona, (Fajita X Hol. Challanger) and also by Goodtimes.

“Dougie” is out of the TB Hope, by the HOl stallion Cicera’s Icewater

» Foals of 2004 «

» 2004 SPORT HORSE by Acord III «

Argent is out of Marty, a Caleto/Sylvano mare by Acord III.  He has a wonderful mind, and is very comfortable to ride.  This horse will make a wonderful amateur horse.

» 2005 Colt by Cicra’s Icewater «

Dougie (2005) is out of the TB Hope by the Holsteiner stallion Cicera’a Icewater (Corofino/Carrado I) Dougie will be a big horse, already standing 16.1+ as an early three yr old.  He has a good, uphill trot, and a fantastic canter.  He is friendly and sensible and should excel in any discipline.  He has been a pleasure to break, and is very comfortable to ride.  He is doing some flat work in the ring and some trail riding..

» 2003 Circa Z son “Philip” «

Philip is out of Liberty’s Diamond by the legendary Circa Z (Quidam de Revel). Born 2003 he is 16+ hands tall. He is a very balanced horse, with an incredible jump!!!! Phillip won his Young Event horse competition last fall at High Prairie Horse Trials. He has shown successfully in the Young Jumper classes in California and Colorado. 

» 2003 TB X Ohorn son “Hally” «

Hally is out of the TB mare ‘Hope’ (Mehemet), by the dutch stallion ‘Ohorn’ (Ahorn).  He is lovely to ride and should excell as a dressage horse with his suspension and ‘uphill’ way of going. He also jumps in good form with plenty of scope in the jumping chute. However, with his pretty trot, and slow canter the hunter judges would love him!  The sky is the limit with this big fellow.  Hally has shown succussfully in the pre green Hunters in California and Colorado, getting good ribbons both over fences and on the flat. 

» “Fiona” 2000 Filly by the Oaks Holsteiner stallion Challanger «

Fiona is a beautiful mare out of homebred Fajita (see picture right) by the Cor de la Breyer son Challanger.  Fiona was bred in 04 to the dutch stallion Goodtimes, and had ‘Fiesta’.  She was put back to work the fall of 05 and began jumping in the spring of ‘06. She is a brave, careful and scopey jumper.  We are looking forward to her the winter circuit to further her education. ***** News flash- Fiona is Champion for the year end level 4 jumper division for CWHJA!*****

» Our rates «

» Lessons «

Lessons available for beginners to riders competing at “A” Level shows. There is an large lesson program for kids in the spring, summer and fall, starting at age 5. We have several knowledgable instructors to give the kids the one on one time that they need in the beginning. For the slightly more advanced kids there are several groups to join. We offer the oportunity to join ‘The United States Pony Club’ and can provide horses and transportation. The ranch has several very wonderful school horses, that suit the needs of the very young to the more advance adult.

Groundwork to jumping, we specialize in the all around horsemanship and can help from the ground up, producing tractable, manageable and happy horses, for dressage and jumping

» Facilities «

The Facilities:

- 125’ X300’ outdoor jumping rings

- 80’X 200’ outdoor dressage ring

- 75’ X 220’ indoor ring, with sand/rubber footing

- Eurociser

- 12 stall barn

- outside runs with shelter

- pastures