Spartan

Some horses are talented.
Some horses are kind.
And every once in a while, you meet a horse who’s simply made to lead.

That’s Spartan.

Spartan came to our ranch as an eight-year-old black stallion—bold, confident, and fully aware of how impressive he was. He had presence. He had power. And honestly… he was a handful.

He didn’t stay a stallion for long. He was just too much for the kind of peaceful, connected herd life we wanted for him. So we made the decision to gelding him, and it changed everything—in the best way.

Because once Spartan was given the chance to live in a herd, his true nature showed up immediately:

A Natural Herd Leader

Spartan didn’t have to fight for leadership. He became it.

He moves first.
He eats first.
And the rest of the horses naturally watch him, follow him, and settle around him.

When Spartan stands quiet, the herd feels steady.
When Spartan steps forward, the herd comes with him.

On trail rides and outings, it’s the same: the other horses look to him for confidence and direction. Spartan sets the pace, holds the energy, and shows everyone else how to be brave.

He is—without question—the ranch’s natural leader.

The Horse Who Will Try Anything

What makes Spartan so special isn’t just his power… it’s his heart.

I’ve asked Spartan to do everything:

• Barrels
• Gymkhana
• Jumping
• Mounted shooting
• Mounted archery
• Endurance work
• Trail leadership
• New challenges he’d never seen before

And every time, Spartan shows up like he’s saying:
“Okay. Let’s do it. I’ve got you.”

That’s what makes him rare.

He’s athletic. He’s willing. He’s smart.
But more than anything—he tries with his whole soul.

Noble, Gentle, and Powerful

Spartan is the most noble horse I’ve ever met.

He’s kind.
He’s sweet.
He’s gentle with people.

But he’s also powerful—the kind of power you don’t have to force. It’s just there… calm, contained, and confident.

When you ride Spartan, you feel it:

• his strength
• his elegance
• his focus
• and the quiet certainty that he’s got a job to do

He’s the type of horse that makes riders sit taller without even realizing it.

Spartan the Barrel Horse

Here’s the part that still amazes me:

I had never barrel raced before.
When I decided I wanted to learn, Spartan didn’t just participate… he excelled.

Because Spartan has something you can’t train into a horse:

Heart.

Try.
Desire.

Right now, when Spartan isn’t out leading trail rides, he’s competing as a barrel racer—and he’s getting better all the time. He’s currently running at the 2D–3D level at barrel races, and improving with every run.

What You’ll Notice About Spartan on Your Ride

If you meet Spartan on the trail (and you probably will), you’ll see it right away:

• He’s stunning—black, powerful, and elegant
• He’s steady-minded and confident in new places
• He naturally sets the tone for the whole group
• He carries himself like a true leader—because he is

Spartan is the horse who shows the rest of the herd—and the rest of the ride—what we’re all here to become:

brave, calm, and fully present.

Spartan will be leading most of our trail rides, setting the pace, and showing  what a truly special horse he is. He is a joy to see on the trail, and will help take care of you by setting the pace and being an amazing leader to the horses everyone else rides.

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