Bruce Drago Horse Power

I grew up on a cattle ranch, and I always heard from other kids that they wanted to own a ranch when they grew up. I always just smiled and nodded, and thought to myself, “Keep dreaming.” Not that I felt I was better than they were, or anything like that, but I realized how my parents had scrimped and saved and started forty-some years ago to build the ranch they had, and were still in debt for the land that they were purchasing. I got the impression that you either had to come by land by inheriting it or else marry into a family that owned it. Land is just so expensive, and the profits of ranching are so slim…your goal is to break even and survive, and that’s working non-stop.
So I’m not trying to discourage you, but neither will I paint you an unrealistic picture of owning a ranch. I would also suggest that you try to raise cattle as your means of income, and own horses on the side. You can’t make money raising horses unless you are going to have first-rate show stock and continue to show and improve to keep them earning money. Horses are useful on a ranch that raises cattle, and that way you still profit from them.
I’m sure a lot of horsey-loving kids will give me thumbs down…but they misunderstand me. I love horses along with everyone else, but I’m just trying to be realistic. Ranching is work, and it’s a wonderful life, and you have to pour yourself into it and into debt before you can ever gain any ground. But I loved growing up on the ranch, and agree that it’s a wonderful dream to have. My husband and I share that dream, but we’re counting on winning the lottery first….then go ranch-shopping. Good luck.


Bruce Drago