The Durbanos, natives of Utah, moved to Wyoming in 1993 after purchasing a 35,000 acre working cattle ranch on the Little Laramie River and bordering the Medicine Bow mountain range. Quality horses, mostly geldings, were primarily used to move stock and work cattle herds. After one of their mares had a foal, they became interested in raising horses. Starting initially with registered paint and quarter horse mares, they acquired over 100 head. In September 2000, they had their first sale, with over 65 horses sold nationwide. Today, they are focusing more on their stallions and outside breeding program than managing a large mare population of their own. 

An apartment with observatory deck and two breeding rooms with a lab/pharmacy are part of the ranch's facility which includes 20 indoor stalls with outdoor runs adjacent to the 300 by 150 foot indoor arena; a perfect setting for training and working horses. The climate- controlled and well-lit arena is large enough for quality roping, reining and working cowhorse events, barrel racing and ranch rodeos.

The indoor breeding facility was designed for the comfort and safety of the horses, riders and employees. Vaccinations and preventative veterinarian care have always been primary to the Durbanos, and the new structure allows an environment for clean and safe medical treatment. The outdoor runs also are constructed for safety, and encourage the horses’ freedom of movement for exercise and good health. In addition, the landscape is conducive to good animal health. The 7,500-foot altitude breeds strong hearts and lungs, and the rich mineral content of the soil adds to strong bones and vigorous growth. All horses at Snowy Range Ranch are exposed to a wide variety of settings as they develop. They are nurtured and imprinted in indoor stalls with outside runs, then turned into green pastures to learn grazing, socializing, and about barbed wire fences and predators. Even stallions are allowed to familiarize and socialize, a key ingredient to good motility and collectability.

Snowy Range Ranch also hosts a number of world-class clinicians specializing in all facets of horsemanship and showmanship. Roping invitationals and jackpots also are featured throughout the year.

For information on breeding, clinics and other arena events, call 307-742-5502 or email us.