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With stellar athletes and proven performers, Cinder Lakes Ranch is home to some of the best bred equine talent the performance horse industry has to offer.
Kathy originally became involved with horses in 1992 when her son Rick Ford began competing in local horse shows. As luck would have it, Rick and Kathy saw a reining class at a show and became interested in the dynamic sport. Eventually they purchased a reiner through top NRHA trainer, Darren Stancik, and have been building their operation ever since.
For over 20 years Kathy has lived in Oregon and Rick for 19 years before moving to Arizona and on to Texas in April, 2006. In 1992 they purchased a ranch in North Bend, Oregon. After a period of time, however, the wet weather conditions on the coastline inspired them to search for a drier climate more conducive to raising and riding horses year round. In 1999, they found the ideal location in Powell Butte, Oregon—now Cinder Lakes Ranch.
In 2005, Cinder Lakes Ranch formed Cinder Lakes Ranch, LLC and expanded to a second location in Valley View, Texas. This facility, operated by Rick Ford, is located in the heart of horse country. The Texas operation serves as an ideal satellite location with easy access to stallions, embryo transfer centers and breeding facilities.
The quality of broodmares at Cinder Lakes Ranch is truly second to none. When asked what the goal is for Cinder Lakes Ranch, Rick is clear on the objective. “We are building the highest quality band of broodmares we can,” he explains. “We want to show people that the strength of the mare is just as important as the strength of the stallion.”
 Rick Ford on Willy Wonka Chic2006 NRHA Ltd Non Pro Derby Champions |
A Team Effort
Cinder Lakes Ranch, LLC is a true joint effort between Kathy and Rick. While she does not show herself, she oversees the daily operations at the Oregon location, where the recipient mares are located. In 2008, the Oregon facility will foal out 26 recipient mares carrying foals of the Donor mares still located at the Valley View facility and will expand their services to provide boarding and foaling out for clients. Kathy is looking forward to attending more show events in the future.
Rick, who is not only Kathy’s son but also her business partner, is actively involved in the show end of things. Competing as a non pro in NRHA competition since 1998, Rick recently won the Limited and Intermediate Non Pro divisions of the 2006 Cactus Classic Derby on Chexanicki. He also won the 2005 NRHA Limited Non Pro Derby and made the non pro derby finals at the AARC in Las Vegas and NRBC in Katy, Texas on Willy Wonka Chic. In the near future, RIck is planning on competing in NCHA events, and has been training with Mike Mowery to show Meradas Style and Little Starling.
Rick manages Cinder Lakes Ranch, LLC in Texas, and keeps track of the broodmares that are being bred, as well as horses in training. He also handles a portion of the marketing and sales of horses while attending many of the major shows. After studying biochemistry at ASU in Arizona for a couple years, Rick will in the future transfer to the University of North Texas where he plans to complete his B.S. In Management.
 Snip O Chex & Andrea Fappani Full sister to earners of over $257,700 |
The Right Match
Cinder Lakes Ranch, LLC is home to a very impressive number of young up and coming performance horse prospects sired by outstanding stallions such as Cat Ichi, Custom Crome, Shining Spark, Wimpys Little Step, Smart Chic Olena, Smart Little Lena, High Brow Cat, Dual Rey, Conquistador Whiz, Magnum Chic Dream and Peptoboonsmal.
As a result, careful attention is given to each youngster when it is time for them to begin their training.
“Rick decides which trainer will work best by looking at each individual horse’s style and trying to fit it with the different talents of each rider,” explains Kathy.
They are also thankful to all who put forth the efforts in searching for the best broodmares that the Ranch could buy.
The breeding and embryo transfers have also gone very smoothly thanks to the expertise of Gerry Longworth at Outwest Stallion Station, Royal Vista Southwest, Houston Ranch, and Uselton Veterinary Services.
On the training end of the business, special thanks is given to top trainers such as Matt Gaines, Andrea Fappani, Todd Bergen, Mike Mowery, Dell Hendricks, Tracer Gilson, Shad Parkinson, Matt Mills and Darren Stancik. “We truly appreciate their honesty and hard work,” note Kathy and Rick.
At the ranch itself, Kathy explains that onsite trainer Mark Muriset, who starts the 2-year olds, and his Fiancé Lea Anne Reid, are "an integral parts of our program from the time the recipient arrives to letting go of the 2-year old into training.”
You can learn more about these up and coming performers by visiting the In Training page.
 Katie Starlight 2x Worlds Greatest Horseman Champion Dam of Nu Circle Of Light |
A Big Thank You
It has taken a lot of time and effort on the part of Kathy and Rick to assemble the horse power behind Cinder Lakes Ranch, LLC and develop talented performers.
However, both Kathy and Rick are quick to point out that they couldn't have done it without a lot of help. They feel fortunate to have James Frahm (JAF) as their breeding manager in Texas and Lea Ann Reid as their foaling manager in Oregon—both are extremely talented and dedicated individuals. They are also very thankful to the owners that allowed them to purchase their star horses.
“Paula Hunsucker became a friend in the process of negotiating the purchase of Katie Starlight. Bonita Manion reluctantly sold us Miss Echo Wood. Kelle Smith let go of her companion-Chexanicki, aka ‘Foxy,'" explained Kathy. "We feel fortunate to have these three mares, along with Metermaid to Order purchased in early 2005 from Jon Sather, and Meradas Style purchased early 2006 from Venture Farms.
Cinder Lakes Ranch, LLC
11828 FM 372
© Cinder Lakes Ranch. All RIghts Reserved.
Photos: John Brasseaux, Waltenberry. Website: AxialArts
