“We believe in raising cattle and horses the way they used to be – hardy, capable, and built to last.” Mattie and Nash have combined their decades of ranching experience and proven bloodlines to develop herds that can thrive in tough country while still being the kind of animals working people can afford and depend on.
“Nash and I have lived many different lives, and each one has shaped how we raise our animals today. Nash came up through the ranks as a cowboy, pickup man, colt starter and ranch manager. while I grew up in the performance horse world with my family’s foundation bloodlines that go back generations.
We first met at a rodeo in Cody, WY, shortly after Nash came to Texas and started colts for my family. When he bought a ranch in Arizona, we moved out there together and brought the horses with us. The Arizona country was tough – rocky, demanding terrain that quickly showed us which animals had what it takes. If a horse couldn’t stay sound in those rocks, they didn’t stay around. Same went for the cattle – if they couldn’t survive on their own and raise a calf every year, they went down the road.
Now we’re back in Montana, focused on refining our herds to the best genetics while keeping that Arizona grit. Every animal we raise has been tested by real work and tough country. We know what it’s like to depend on your horses and cattle, and we raise them with that same standard in mind.”
The Diamond Bar Ranch
Let me start by saying the good Lord has blessed us beyond measures. We had the opportunity to buy the Diamond Bar Ranch in Meadview, AZ from Emmett and Lori Sturgill. I remember them being so surprised that we weren’t in our 30’s when we sat down for coffee with them, Nash was 22 and I was 19 at the time. It wasn’t long after and Lori was dead set that she wanted to sell the ranch to us even though we were unsure at the time how we could come up with the funds to purchase it. God made a way for us to buy it, and the rest is history. Emmett, Lori and Marge quickly became a part of our family. So, this is a shout out to the Sturgill’s for trusting us and giving us a start with the Diamond Bar, none of this would be possible if it wasn’t for them.
We started out on the ranch in the beginning of one of the worst droughts in Arizona history, it didn’t rain for over 400 days. We had very little financial stability and to make matters worse cattle prices were extremely low, but God still provided. It didn’t take long for us to realize that we were going to have to raise a very specific type of animal to survive in the Mohave desert. Nash did his research and found Barzona cattle. We bought our first set of bulls from the Fitzgeralds in Logan, NM and that set of bulls absolutely changed the course of our crossbred herd. We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to buy a set of purebred heifers from Mike and Pat to start our own herd. We also purchased a few outstanding heifers and bulls from Nancy Bard. The Barzona cattle have proven to do extremely well in the toughest desert conditions, and fridged Montana winter temperatures. This set of cattle has gone from one extreme to another and adapted exceptionally well.
Our quarter horses have also gone through an intense screening process. We have the utmost respect for the horses that gave us their all on days that we might have to go 50 miles or catch and lead out many cattle at a time. Many of the mares that had proven themselves in the remuda have since gone into the broodmare band and are outstanding producers thus far. We are trying to maintain the grit while putting emphasis on all of our horses having an exceptional mind.
“The S Bar is a very productive ranch just north of Custer, MT. High desert pine trees to rolling sage hills with extreme weather conditions ranging from -30 to 110 degrees. With a carrying capacity of 600 AU’s it is very sufficient, the draft horses are used to put salt out and haul fire wood, the Quarter horses are used to work the cattle, some go on to the arena, and the cattle provide the opportunity to keep it all going. The country can be very unforgiving but rewarding at the same time. My Aunt Jobey has really helped us to have an opportunity to operate this ranch.” -Mattie
We’re not selling animals we wouldn’t ride or ranch on ourselves. If you’re looking for livestock you can count on for the long haul we hope you will consider looking at our program.
We have tried to raise horses and cattle that don't require high input in order to perform well.
Good feet. Good bone. Good mind. If they don’t have it, they don't stay around.
They thrive in different environments—from high desert to hard winters.
Horses that can do more than one job. Cattle that fit more than one program.
Maintaining foundation while implementing modern performance.
They've earned their place through real work, not just breeding or papers.
Get on our waiting list to be notified when new horses, bulls, or heifers become available.
