Horse Awards for 2022
Neptune “Rising Star”
This gentle giant is our home-raised Friesian cross out of our Mustang mare, Zoe. This was his first year moving into the guest string and he transitioned in beautifully. Steadfast and predictable, Neptune was quickly able to share confidence to his riders.
Goose “Guest Favorite”
Goose has been a special character here at the ranch and this year he was everyone’s favorite. Forward and powerful yet responsive and quick, this Percheron/QH gelding excels at the long trails. His favorite thing is a long gentle canter, and his legs just cover ground in a way that makes you feel exhilarated.
Echo “Most Reliable”
This was a remarkable year for Echo. She has always been a steady-minded mare, always game for trying what you ask. This year she wasn’t held back by any of her health problems that had plagued her in the past, and we are so happy to be able to rely on her.
New Arrivals
We welcomed three sweet stud colts in 2022. All three are by Finnian, Anna’s Highland. Canela is the strawberry roan dam, and she herself is out of Ginger. Her boy we call Merlin. Many of you know Prayer, the buckskin, and her boy we call Sage. Gypsy, the grey, is the mother of Coco, Pearl, and Willow. This is her one and only colt and we call him Compass. These boys are intelligent and kind and remember everything. We are pretty excited about them! They will all grey due to their sire so we are enjoying the fun colors while they last.
From left to right: Merlin, Sage, and Compass
Finnian and Anna
Going for a walk in early December with Finnian, Anna’s Highland pony. He is the sire of the three above and has several more foals expected in 2023.
In Memoriam
This fall we suddenly lost one of the greatest horses we have ever had. Abi touched so many people, and we are heartbroken about her loss. She was one of the most accepting souls, and could touch each person on a deep and healing level. She fractured her leg this fall and we were forced to let her go, but we will always remember her so fondly. Abi came to us in 2004 as a coming five-year-old. She lived a wonderful and healthy life, was only off for injuries twice in all those years. Ginger was her closest friend, and she is now sticking with Dixie and Zipper. I can’t put into words how much she meant to us all.
Horse Awards for 2021
Joker -
“Guest Favorite”
Sassy but willing, Joker earned herself a title this year with all the words of love and praise from everyone who rode her. This 18-year-old Quarter Horse cross Mustang was raised right here on the ranch, out of Deuce and by Kip. She has been a staple guest horse on the ranch her whole life, but because of her speed and skills, she was often reserved for advanced riders. Recently she has slowed down just a touch, but came back strong from having a splint bone removed back in 2019. Her quirks? She pins her ears at every other horse there is and helps remind her riders that personal space is a thing! Her shining qualities? She is incredibly willing and responsive and takes excellent care of her riders. Her gaits are comfy and her intelligence is radiant. Thank you Joker for a great year!
Abi - “Old Reliable”
Our dear Abilene is still going strong! This quiet mare likes to get along with people and horses and not make a fuss. She steadily figures out what’s needed of her, then goes and does it perfectly. Abi came to the ranch as a four-year-old in 2004 and will always be one of the best horses to come join the Rocking Z herd. She is moving into her 20’s with grace and still looks forward to going out each day, but we hope to balance her with more rest than work in years to come as she has definitely earned it!
Ella - “Rising Star”
Nicknamed “Mary Poppins” because she is practically perfect in every way, Ella is a sweet Quarter Horse mare who always is ready to play. Soccer, cow-working, sorting, barrel racing, and poles are her favorites. Of course trails are nice too, especially if there are obstacles and things to do! She really started earning for herself this year showing guests a great time!
In loving memory…
It is so hard to see them go, but we honor their memory for they served us well.
Roo
An amazing mare, Roo was always up to the job. She jumped, roped, ran barrels, played at liberty and taught many people how to ride throughout her life. Roo has been helping guests learn to ride on the ranch since 2004, These last years we had been managing her for Equine Metabolic Syndrome and she spent some time teaching college students the joy of riding. This last Autumn we finally had to say goodbye, and we are so grateful to her for having been a part of our life.
Aztec
This lovely boy was such a joy to handle and ride. We were hit very hard by his loss, which was due to a sudden and severe colic episode. He was born and raised here on the ranch, he was the last baby from Storm. His sister Gypsy has also given the ranch several amazing foals, including Coco and Pearl.
Aztec was the horse you picked when you wanted one with personality and energy. He was talented enough to sort, rope, and doctor cattle, but still smooth and steady enough that Anna rode him double with Arthur as a toddler. We cherish the memories he made with us.
Horse of the Year Awards for 2020
Orca
“Rising Star”
New to the herd last August, Orca is a gaited Tennessee Walking Horse whose smooth moves and calm personality have us very pleased with her. She has learned a great deal in the past year and we are confident that she will be even better this coming season!
Ginger
“Top Hand”
We don’t know how we will live without her - Ginger is who we rely on and trust in all sorts of unusual circumstances. She is smooth in her trot and her gorgeous canter, and her ability to adjust to new people is the best.
Ditto
“Gets Better With Age”
Ditto has been a stalwart keystone in our remuda since 2003, and is doing incredible still at 22 years old. She rarely brings the herd in and out these days, and instead teaches our younger guests how to be assertive and confident to convince a horse that the rider’s idea is the one the pair should go with. We have many great memories with Ditto, and are very happy to see her becoming older with grace.
Rocky
“Most Versatile”
Whether his guests were four years old and just starting out, or in their fifties and already intermediate riders, Rocky put himself out for each and every person to be the best he could be this last season. He chased cattle and roped, taught loping and the rising/posting trot, and kept going on the trail for what seemed like every day. His endurance is incredible as well, as he never strains himself but always keeps up in a calm and steady fashion. Rocky was, for many years, Patty’s personal horse due to ulcer-related pain. Once we had a good diagnosis and were able to treat his ulcers he has been able to truly show us just how consistent and mature he could be! We are proud to have a horse like him in our herd!
New Arrivals of 2020
We had two beautiful fillies born to us in 2020. Gypsy (Aztec’s sister, Storm’s daughter) was in foal to a Shire stallion and we named her filly Willow. Willow is greying out like her sisters, Coco and Pearl. Anna’s sorrel mare, Doc, was in foal to our neighbor’s Arabian stallion name TA Glacier. Her filly is called Yona after a Japanese story of a red-head with a lot of sass and spirit, which suits her a bit too well. She will be a little fire-sprite. The two fillies are currently inseparable.
Horse of the Year Awards for 2019
Aztec
“Guest Favorite”
Aztec is the youngest colt to Storm, and is half-brother also to Ringo and Caspian. He and Captain for the past years have vied for top spot, but this year Aztec was booked for half the season in advance by repeat guests! He is a very special gelding who can be as energetic or chilled as you request.
Dixie
“Old Reliable”
Dixie is such a piece of our history of the guest ranch. She was purchased in our very early years and trained by Dan into a steady and consistent partner in our program. She is in her early twenties now and likes hills less than she used to. We don’t know how many people she has taught to ride, as we didn’t keep as good of records for each horse in the beginning. We love her dearly, and she still can get up and go to barrel race or turn a cow!
Quigley
“Rising Star”
This lanky seven-year-old gelding is a pretty cool dude, although he is still a bit like a giraffe with his feet. He has a fabulous mind and striking personality that endear him to everyone he meets. He loves attention and could care less about the rest of the herd, just is happy to be with his person.
In Loving Memory
198?-2019
This past fall we said goodbye to our incredible miniature, Mr. Sugar. We acquired him in 2004, and never knew his age for absolute certain, just a qualified estimate from our veterinarian. Mr. Sugar used to take our youngest guests out on trips around the field being led by his best friend, Tony. He seemed to end up in guest rooms more than any horse really ought, and was used to teaching the games inside the saloon when the weather was too wet and cold to be up for being out in. He was super safe for little kids to braid and play with in addition to being ridden, and used to let anyone lead him into any place he could fit. You could rope off of him and he would neck-rein, and his trot was just perfect for helping kids get confident without feeling scary. We miss him dearly, and will always remember the mini that we all trusted with our most precious visitors!
Horse of the Year Awards for 2018
Here we offer recognition and gratitude to some of the most faithful and hardworking members of our team. This is just a part of our “Thank you” to them for being outstanding in general, and especially in the last year.
Captain
“Guest Favorite”
Our Captain Morgan won out this year when it came to favoritism (though Aztec was a close second). At 12 years old, this Morgan gelding is one steady guy and he is such a joy to ride. We lovingly call him “Barbie horse” because he is practically always clean - how a horse can need so little brushing is amazing. With his desire to please and gorgeously smooth canter, it’s no wonder he is requested!
Ringo
“Most Reliable”
Ringo has been a steady companion for many guests over the years but this past year his steadfastness has been exceptional. He is a joy and a comfort to those who match with him. He is a 12 year old Appendix Quarter Horse, and his thoroughbred shines through in his long lovely gait.
Axel
“RIsing Star”
Axel is our beautiful strawberry roan. Quite the opposite of the old country ballad, Axel is remarkable for his kindness and assurance. At 6 years old he is the youngest horse in the main guest string, and it is already his second year. He travels out with his usual aplomb, unswerving and consistent. We are very grateful to have such a wonderful young horse with us!
New Arrival
This year we had a beautiful filly, and named her Guinevere in honor of Anna’s son, Arthur. She arrived in June, and is out of Anna’s Colt-to-Maturity project from when she was younger; Doc. She is by Neptune, the young Friesian-cross-Mustang. She is a very confident little girl and we are very excited for her future!
In Loving Memory
Snip 1986-2018
Our dear old Snip passed away this last June. Many of you may remember him as the old horse in the pasture, but this old man helped to teach Maria and Anna how to ride. He was the last living colt from Patty’s breeding string, out of her mare Suzanne Babe who was out of Jag On Babe, who Patty bought when she was a teenager.
We all loved Snip dearly, and for many years he was the trusted mount for the grandchildren. He would always lead the way, even with four-year-old on his back, teaching them and safely bringing them home. He gave so much confidence to so many people!
Snip was started by Patty and was her personal horse for years. Paul, Dan, and Maria all showed him in the local 4-H competitions. Patty roped from him and he was her go-to horse until he had some trouble with ringbone at twelve. That cleared up though and he was the trusted kid’s horse for the following eighteen years.
Please, if you are interested in Snip, check back on this page because I will add more photos from when he was much younger (before our digital photos) when I return to Montana. Promise. ~Anna
Horse of the Year Awards for 2017
We offer gratitude to a few of our incredible horses for great achievement over the past year and particular contribution to our team. Our horses are the heart and soul of this ranch, and without them we could not do what we do.
Cisco and Justi, photo by Tracey Buyce
Cisco
Cisco gets the award for going "Colt to Guest String" in 2017. At six years old, this little Mustang/Quarter Horse cross is a rock star. At her young age, she is so calm and neatly put together that she has made a niche for herself with people who are frightened of riding. She offers soothing confidence to the nervous rider with the maturity of a much older horse! We are so proud of this little home-bred girl.
Cisco at three years old
Who's It
Who's It
Who's It gets the award for being "Beyond Priceless." This horse can teach anyone how to ride, and she does so with grace! At 20 years old she is still in excellent health and, other than some TLC for her back occasionally, never asks for the extra attention she deserves. Consistent and reliable, she takes the top marks for her "magic canter," which makes riders feel so comfortable with more speed.
Who's It teaching Tom how to ride (with Anna on Coco)
Chase
Chase gets the award for "Longest Serving Guest Horse" at the Rocking Z. He is officially retired this year! Now, this big Appaloosa was bought by Patty Wirth in 1992 at six months old. He was her rope horse, and became part of the guest string with our first clients in the year 2000. He has had more than 3000 people on his back, although I admit part of that is due to ten people in a day trying out pen-roping on him.
Chase and Zack with Viper and Patty
2017 Arrivals
Gypsy and Ginger granted us some fantastic fillies this year! Congrats to them on being fabulous mommies. The red one is turning strawberry roan, and belongs to Ginger. Her name is Cinnamon, or Canela, which means cinnamon. The dark one, who will go grey quickly, belongs to Gypsy. Her name is Pearl, as we wanted to name her after one of our favorite people: Margaret. Margaret is Greek for Pearl. They are by the stallion Midnight Corona, and are all Quarter Horse.