Colorado ranger

Overall description of the breed

The Colorado Ranger, or Colorado Rangerbred, is a breed of saddle horses originating from the high plains of Colorado in the United States. The history of this breed begins in the late 19th century, with the importation of two stallions from Turkey to the state of Virginia. These two stallions, gifted by Turkish Sultan Abdülhamid II to American General Ulysses Simpson Grant in 1878, arrived in the United States the following year. One of the stallions was an Arabian horse named Leopard, and the other a Barb stallion named Linden Tree. These two horses had a significant influence on many American horses. They were first used in breeding in Virginia, then transferred to Nebraska, and finally to Colorado, where their lineage was developed to create the Colorado Ranger.

In the early 1900s, two stallions named Patches and Max were born, and they are considered the true founders of the breed. Mike Ruby, a passionate breeder, began selecting horses from these two stallions in the 1930s. Ruby kept meticulous records on each foal he raised, including birth dates, coat descriptions, and complete pedigrees. His manuscripts still exist, and all horses of the breed are still recorded by hand. Modern files are also maintained to ensure complete documentation.

In 1935, Mike Ruby founded the Colorado Ranger Horse Association (CRHA), and the breed was officially named "Colorado Ranger" after two of his stallions, Leopard 3 and Fox 10, were presented at the National Western Stock Show in Denver in 1934. They created a sensation and received the approval of experts from Colorado State University.

Colorado Rangers are medium-sized horses, typically standing between 15 and 16 hands high (60 to 64 inches) and weighing between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds. They are distinguished by their elegance and suitability for cattle work. They have a robust conformation with strong, well-muscled limbs. Their coats can vary, but many have spotted patterns inherited from their Appaloosa ancestry.

In terms of health, Colorado Rangers are generally robust and healthy horses. They are known for their endurance and ability to work hard under difficult conditions. Their longevity is also notable, with many individuals living well beyond 20 years.

The temperament of Colorado Rangers is described as balanced and reliable. They are intelligent, easy to train, and possess a gentle nature, making them excellent companions for ranch work, as well as for recreational activities and equestrian competitions. Their education and training are facilitated by their willingness to learn and receptivity to commands.

The Colorado Ranger is an officially recognized breed by several global equestrian organizations. The official studbook is maintained by the Colorado Ranger Horse Association, which continues to manage registrations and promote the breed. The efforts of this association have helped preserve the pure lineage of these horses and maintain their quality standards.

In summary, the Colorado Ranger is an American horse breed with a rich history and origins tracing back to two influential Turkish stallions. Their robust conformation, gentle temperament, and great endurance make them versatile and valued horses. Thanks to rigorous selection efforts and the dedication of the Colorado Ranger Horse Association, this breed continues to thrive and maintain its reputation for excellence in the equestrian world.