Lathrop Strang skied to his death Friday April 25th, on Mount Sopris. There are no words to describe the life you lived- you were amazing in every aspect of your life. We love you Lados.
Memorial Service May 3 at the 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.
Miles is our second embryo transfer foal. He is by Mezcalaro (KWPN Voltair) out or Librety’s Diamond (KWPN Procurer/Farn/Inshalla).
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. 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.
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.
Duncan is a nine 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, easy to manage at the horse shows and a joy at home. $80,000 DUNCAN WAS CHAMPION IN THE GREEN CONFORMATION HUNTERS AT ESTES PARK H/J FESTIVAL!!!! And 13th in the Hunter Derby his second show at 3’6”. See updated video, select comment/video button top right hand side of this article.
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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 champion in the Baby Green hunters!!!! $18,000 For an (old) Video of Jeffie please select the comment button Recient video in the works.
Wonder is a big, beautiful good moving gelding. Wonder should mature close to 17 hands, has a wonderful trot that floats across the ground. He was very willing and jumped in good form in the jump chute. He has been to California to see the world, and has been to one horse show showing in the baby Green Hunters, and was reserve champion!! He is very friendly on the ground and always wants to be with you. His mother was a beautiful jumper and mover, and showed successfully in the hunter ring.18,000$ 
“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. He would also excel as a dressage horse with a wonderful uphill balance and lots of suspension.$40,000 For a video of Hally in the Baby Green’s 07 please select the comment button. Newer Video in the works.
“Phillip” is a 16.1 h Selle Francais gelding, out of Liberty’s Diamond (Farn, Inshalla) a wonderful dutch mare by the legendary Circe De Blondel “Circa Z”. Phillip has had one season under his belt and proves to be a bold and scopey jumper. He did one event and won the Young Event horse section for the four and five year olds. He has been showing recently in the young Jumper classes in California and Colorado. For a vidio of this horse at his first jumper show in 07 please select the comment button at the top of this article. $35,000USD
2004 Brown gelding out of the Dutch mare, Kanta, (Calato, Silvano), by Acord III.
“Artie” is very kind, gentle and incredible to look at. He is very comfortable to ride. He has a very good canter, is brave to the jumps, and has a very easy lead change. He has been to two shows in the Baby Green Hunters, and has been a star!!! Artie jumped with a lot of scope and in good form in the jumping chute. For a video of Artie jumping one of his first courses please select the comment button at the top right hand side of this article. $35,000
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. Please contact us for further infomation.
Linus is a 16.3h, 13 yr old imported Dutch warmblood. He has shown at Spruce Meadows in the 1.40M, and done two Grand Prix classes. He is a beautiful floaty mover, forward to the jumps, honest and brave and very fast. He would be best suited as a teacher in the four foot division,or could excel as an equitation or Dressage horse. He is a special horse that needs the right home. Please call for lease details. (970) 963-2319
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
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.
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 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!
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
compete at highest level entered at this horse show.
SPECIAL PRIZES FOR WINNERS TBA!!!
* Unrated Classes
Schedule: Saturday - 8:00
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
Goldstar LH “Lilly” is a bay 16.2 H Hanoverian mare suitable for Dressage or show Jumping. Lilly is a ten yr old Hanoverian mare by Tristar KWPN. She is a very good mover, and a scopey jumper. She began her show career the summer of 07, and has been showing in the level three and four jumpers. She is very forward to the jumps and brave. For a Vidoe of Lilly please select the comment button at the right side of this article.
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.
“Dougie" 05 TB X Hol Cicera’a Icewater. This colt could excell in any areana. His father has proven himself in the eventing world, and with the addition of the TB Blood Dougie should be winner in the eventing world, provided the Hunter Jumper folks don’t snach him up first for his beautiful presence, movement and extreemley scopy canter. $20,000
“Gabe" 06’ Westfalen (Alme) X Hol Grannius II. He is two years old, 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. $10,000 
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. Call for price.
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
 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
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"Gabe” out of an Alme mare by Grannius 
“Narnia” out of Liberty’s Diamond by Cicera’s Icewater
“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
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. 
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..
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.
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 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!*****
| BOARD | |
|---|---|
| Stall (includes grain & turn out) |
$500/mo |
| Run, corral or close in pasture |
$350/mo |
| Run with handling and/or grain |
$400/mo |
| Turn out with main gang | $200/mo |
| Blanketing |
$25/month |
| NOTE: All supplements not provided by owner will be an additional expense. Board is due at the first of the month. Finance charges will be added to over due accounts. | |
| TRAINING | |
| Full training ( 14 rides minimum) | $450/mo |
| All other rides (exercise, hack, school) | $40 |
| LESSONS | |
| Private | $60 |
| Other | $40 |
| Use of ranch horse for lesson (additional) | $20 |
| Rental of horse for show/hunt/trail ride/free ride without lesson | $25-50 |
| OTHER FEES | |
| Shipping | loading fee $30 plus $1.50/mile |
| Farrier: | |
| Holding | $50 |
| Catch fee | $15 |
| Walker: Use fee TBA (ask Kit or Bridget) | |
| Arena Fee: | |
| All non boarders per horse | $10 |
| RFH Pony Club members | $5 |
| Monthly | $100 |
| Misc. | |
| Bathing | $25 |
| bandaging | $15/day, plus supply cost | Mane Pull | $25 |
| Trimming | $25 |
| Braid
Mane |
$40 |
| Braid Tail | $25 |
| Full Body Clip | $135 |
| HORSE SHOW FEES | |
| Local shows - coaching and/or riding | $50/day |
| Other shows | |
| Full day care (showing) | $100/day |
| Partial day care (non showing) | $75/day |
| Coaching/showing only | $50 |
| Supply charge | $25/show |
| Trainer's expense (hotel, food, etc.), tack/grooming stalls and paddocks are additional and will be divided among participating clients. | |
| Horses stabled with Strang Ranch and not on day care will be charged a $25/horse/show supply charge | |
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
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
