slate-river-nighttime

In Our Dreams…

slate-river-nighttime

Have you ever daydreamed about what your perfect horse property would look like? Maybe you visited a ranch that left you with stars in your eyes. Or maybe you hope for the chance to visit one of the historic and beautiful ranches that have shaped the Western performance horse industry. In the June 15 issue of Quarter Horse News, the editorial staff takes you on a tour of our dream properties. Here’s a sneak peek from Editorial Coordinator Nina Rosenbeck, who is dreaming of Slate River Ranch.

Located in Weatherford, Texas, the cutting horse capital, Slate River Ranch is an easy choice for my dream ranch. With 40 stalls, including several with custom SR logo stall fronts, and 245 acres to roam, there is always room for any extra horses I bring home.

As a working cutting horse ranch, Slate River Ranch is already set up to easily flow through the motions of riding and training horses. The design of this ranch allows for smooth movement of cattle back and forth to the working arenas. With all the land, I am sure I could find a nice area to set up a jumping course for my hunter/jumpers, too!

Being from Michigan, riding horses year-round can be a problem, but not at Slate River Ranch! There are two indoor arenas, one of which is even climate-controlled, and three outdoor arenas to choose from. All horses can be warmed up and cooled down on the walker, which is also conveniently covered to protect from the elements of the weather. And when winter does hit, the oversized washing machine and dryer are perfect for keeping up with all those filthy horse blankets.

Because my herd also includes a few broodmares, I’m always impressed by the thought Slate River Ranch put into designing the ranch around the mares. Broodmares have their own barn, where their every need is met. With a vet room, stallion collection room and a breeding area, everything can be taken care of in one location.

Slate River Ranch owner Glade Knight hails from the hospitality industry, so it’s no surprise that Slate River Ranch caters to the needs of riders, too. There is a fitness room located upstairs, near the large indoor riding arena. Once riders finish their work out, they can view the action in the indoor arena from a climate-controlled, fully furnished viewing area that comes with a complete kitchen and bath.

At the end of the day, all business matters can be completed in the large office, which, like all the other living spaces, is gorgeously decorated with a sophisticated Western theme. But the office isn’t just for business. Complete with a full kitchen and huge dining room table, it is a great place to enjoy the company of your friends. If you’d rather be outside, the large porch is a good place to cookout or relax in the rocking chairs and enjoy the Texas evening. If I could, I’d love to call Slate River Ranch home, and I know my horses would, too!

About the author: Nina Rosenbeck completed a degree in criminal justice before choosing to pursue her passion of working in the equine industry. She joined the Quarter Horse News staff in 2014, and is an integral link between the magazine and Cowboy Publishing Group’s statistical database, Equi-Stat. An accomplished English rider, Rosenbeck is always expanding her equine pursuits and is currently learning to rope.