|
Figure
Four
Traditions
A Brand of Quality Since 1884  Early spring will find the Haythorn cowboys out in the hills as they follow the chuckwagon from one pasture to the next, branding the new calves. The calves are roped and dragged to the fire, just as were 100 years ago, when the first ranch were settling the west and building their herds. Visitors may see the cowboys halter breaking colts in late summer or working cattle on horseback. Over 100 years of
ranching and still going strong. The Historical Haythorn Ranch is much
the same today as it was over a century ago as a dream in the mind of
a young stowaway.
Late summer is also the haying
season, where you’ll see hay put up the old fashioned way with
teams of draft horses. Enjoy a meal cooked in big Dutch ovens over an
open fire at the tour’s end, and you’re welcome to browse
through our western gift shop.  Over the next eight
years he worked as a cowhand, making four trail drives North out of Texas.
Two of the drives went to Kansas and two to Ogallala, Nebraska. On his
last drive to Ogallala with only his savings and what he could carry on
a horse, he decided to strike out on his own. He bought a livery stable,
shortened his name to Haythorn and married Emma Gilpin of Authur County.
After a couple years, the newlyweds sold the livery barn and he went to
work as a wagon boss for P.A. Yeast. He took his wages in cattle and Emma
cooked at the Yeast Ranch for 25 cents a meal, if there were more than
10 men at the table. Less than that, she cooked for free. Nearly every
penny pinched was put aside to buy land.
 Harry then went to
work for the Triangle Ranch 16 miles away. He rode back and forth on the
weekends and left Emma to care for their holdings and cattle. Emma would
ride sidesaddle to the Ogallala general store 40 miles away, leading a
packhorse for supplies. Known as a crack shot with a rifle, she often
added a prairie chicken to the table. In 1884 Harry and Emma filed on
a land grant section four miles west of Authur, Nebraska, and an American
ranching dynasty was born. Today, Haythorn
Land & Cattle Company is spread out over 90,000 acres of deeded and
leased land, on four ranches in three Nebraska Counties. Waldo Haythorn
(grandson of Harry Haythornthwaite), the present day patriarch of the
family, and his wife Beldora, have managed to keep the family firmly established
in the Nebraska Sandhills through blizzards, low cattle prices and high
taxes. Waldo watches proudly today as his son, Craig, continues preserving
the Haythorn "dream" as present day manager of the ranch
 Horses have played a pivotal role in the ranch’s survival ever since Harry loaded his saddle on a train and headed for Baker, Oregon, where he gathered up 500 head and trailed them back to Nebraska. Since then, the Haythorn name has been synonymous with good, working ranch horses. The Haythorn Ranch was the first Nebraska ranch to register quarter horse, and today is the largest breeder of American Quarter Horse in America, and third largest in the world. In addition to the Quarter Horses, the Haythorns use Belgian and Percheron draft horses. The 6-horse hitches pull the feed wagons in the winter and stack over 6,000 tons of hay in the summer. Considered cheaper to operate, Craig Haythorn says, "You don’t have to put gas in a horse or change his oil, and they’re never too cold to start." The day to day life is much the same for the Haythorn cowboys today as it was over a century ago. The family has taken great pride in preserving the rich heritage and tradition of its founding father. Whether they’re tending cattle, fixin’ fence, feeding with a team, roping and dragging calves to the branding fire, or riding into camp and the chuckwagon at day’s end, the Haythorn cowboys are proud to ride for the brand. These rolling Nebraska Sandhills will be "home" to generations of Haythorns to come. Located just 17 miles North of Ogallala, and 5 from Lake McConaughy, the Haythorn Land & Cattle Co. is nestled in the rolling Sandhills. This area contains the largest underwater source on the continent, the Ogallala Aquifer. The sprawling landscape it supports is also the largest grass stabilized sand dune region in the world. Blue Stem, Gramma, and Buffalo grasses hold down the sand and keep the dunes in place. Summertime brings
the delicate wildflowers peeking out of the lush grassland, and the Curlews
calling to one another in the clear blue skies. To look out over the gently
rolling hills on a quiet summer evening as the sun sets in the West, is
truly peaceful. Stop by and visit us any ol’ time, the welcome mat
is always out.
·
Ranch Tours
· Chuckwagon Meals · Wagon Rides · Gift Shop 7000 square foot facility
is available with full kitchen, restrooms, and gift
shop, all under one roof. We would love to organize and/or cater your
reunion, reception, wedding or dance. A truly scenic location for any
event. Call now to make your reservations.
 Figure
Four Traditions
A Step Back In Time  Craig &
Jody Haythorn PHONE 308-355-4000 FAX 308-355-4444 last data transmission:3/31/2006/F@12:12-GMT You
are viewer~ Regardless of this 'techno babble'~ Thanks for checking this out! Come join us for
a visit at the Haythorn Land & Cattle Co. Take a step back in time
as we treat you to a scenic Ranch Tour from a horse drawn wagon. You’ll
enjoy seeing the large herds of horses that graze in nearby pastures,
as well as the colorful Longhorn cattle that dot the landscape.
In 1876, a lad named Harry Haythornthwaite of Lancaster, England, fell hopelessly in love with a girl. Both being sixteen, their parents considered them still too young and forbade their plans to marry. Young Harry was heartbroken and had to do something. Soon after, he was discovered as a stowaway on a ship headed for America. The Captain put him to work caring for some Hereford bulls being shipped to Texas. No stranger to livestock, or hard work, Harry’s ability impressed the Captain and upon arrival, he was dispatched to accompany the bulls to their destination.
|
|||||||
|
|
