D20 Ranch

12/24/2024

Merry happy whatever you celebrate! We hope it’s a wonderful time.❤️⚔️💚

12/16/2024

Miss Rhaenrya is still searching for her new home. Can we find her one for Christmas?

12/03/2024

When things come full circle.🥰

It was about this time last year that I was casually scrolling Facebook and came across a photo of a horse that made me stop scrolling.

This bay tobiano was thick necked, big bootied, and so eye catching that it made me decide right there in that moment, “I don’t know what kind of horse this is, but I want to breed horses like THAT.” I came to learn that horse was Thunder Hill Equine Jafnhar aka “Jack” and he was a F2 North American Destrier Horse.

Over the course of the following year I learned more about the North American Destrier Horse Registry, became a part of the community, and began actively forming a plan to participate in the development of the breed.

That summer Jack came up for sale, and while I was incredibly tempted to purchase him I just wasn’t ready to bring a stud onto the ranch yet. But I was so happy to learned that he was purchased by a photography client if mine, Valhalla Ranch Gypsy.Ranch.Horses, right here in Colorado.

A couple of months later I got a message, “Are you interested in purchasing Jack?” Newly gelded and with an amazing start under saddle there was no way I could pass up the opportunity.

For the last two months Jack has been in the Colorado mountains learning to pack out elk and be a rugged mountain horse. Today he made the trip home where he’ll be an ambassador for the breed and D20 Ranch.

Now for the thank you’s…

Thank you Kade Bartlett for lighting the fire that would be my passion for this breed and starting Jack with such an incredible foundation.

Thank you Kristen and Matt Littrell of Valhalla Ranch for getting this boy started and giving me first dibs to bring him home.

11/19/2024

D20 The Rightful Heir “Rhaenyra”

2024 North American Palfrey filly
(Friesian X Mustang)

Ironman Friesian stallion X D20 Queen in the North “Sansa”

Paperwork being sent in for double registration with Friesian Heritage and the North American Destrier Horse Registry.

Growing into a very baroque style filly. This girl is THICK! But still very light on her feet. Shows interest in chasing cows but could just as easily be a great English mount. She’ll be ready to go after weaning Feb/Mar. Priority to a show home.

Located in Akron, CO
Price reduced for Christmas!🎄

11/14/2024

When you spot your other mom coming with your bottle.👅

09/03/2024

Miss Mable was on babysitting duty this morning when I went out to feed Orion. She’s turned out to be such a nice cow. Not only is she a great mom but she’s so calm to be around and stays on the right side of the fence *cough*rocco-and-tina*cough*.🥰

09/01/2024

I’m working at a horse show this weekend in the mountains surrounded by some of the most beautiful horses. But all I can think about is getting back to the ranch and these two.🖤❤️

08/31/2024

Just an evening dip with Bravo.

08/29/2024

Rocco and his boys enjoying a little bit of that gorgeous big sky golden light.🧡

08/22/2024

The brothers enjoying some play time away from the mom’s (but not too far away).

07/19/2024

Here they come… ROCCO BABIES!!!!😍😍😍😍

We’ve had two boys born on the ranch in the past three days (and two more calves over at the neighbor’s😅).

We are currently in full on fair prep for next week’s county fair. So you’ve got plenty of time to follow us over on TikTok when we begin naming them (and any others that may drop) at the start of August.🤍

06/27/2024

Snapped this sweet photo of our little equine family.🥰

Chap (black horse) is a gelding and obviously not Raenyra’s actual site, but he was present at her birth and has fully stepped into the “dad” role. It’s been fun to see this side of his personality come out.

06/18/2024

Today I had planned on jumping back into the swing of things with social media. I wanted my first post back to be an update on Sansa and her pregnancy. This is not the update I was expecting, but it is the best update I could have hoped for.

❤️🐉🖤

Rhaenyra (registered name TBD)
North American Palfrey (Friesian X Mustang)
By Ironman Friesian stallion out of D20 Queen in the North
Born June 17, 2024

06/08/2024

In case you didn’t know, D20 is owned by not just one, but TWO Marine Corps veterans. So that makes us doubly excited to participate in the North American Destrier Horse Registry’s Warriors for Warriors program!

D20 will help provide opportunities for other veterans to join the Destrier community by providing discounted horses, breedings, showing opportunities, and more!

We love horses and we love our fellow veterans. So getting to combine the two is something D20 Ranch is passionate about.⚔️

In a world where the term "warrior" holds significant weight, the North American Destrier Horse Registry (NADHR) is pioneering a groundbreaking initiative to honor and support those who have served our country and communities selflessly. The Warriors for Warriors program, established by the NADHR, is a testament to the transformative power of equine therapy and the unwavering commitment to giving back to our service members.

At the heart of this initiative lies a simple yet profound idea: to connect breeders, trainers, and warriors in a meaningful and impactful way. Breeders are invited to participate by donating, selling, or offering the use of horses registered as North American Destriers to veterans and members of the armed forces or law enforcement. By being listed and advertised as sponsors of the program, breeders not only showcase their support for our warriors but also play a vital role in providing them with access to the therapeutic benefits of equine companionship.

Furthermore, trainers are encouraged to offer their services to veterans and current or retired members of law enforcement. By listing their services on the NADHR website and social media platforms, trainers can highlight their expertise in training, riding, and other equine-related services tailored to the unique needs of warriors. This collaborative effort aims to broaden the range of services available to our warriors and ensure that North American Destriers find a purposeful place in the hands of those who embody the spirit of a warrior.

The Warriors for Warriors initiative represents a harmonious fusion of compassion, dedication, and service. It is a platform where breeders, trainers, and warriors come together to forge meaningful connections and create positive change in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for others. Through equine therapy and the bond between humans and horses, this initiative seeks to offer a holistic approach to healing, growth, and empowerment for our warriors.

As we embark on this journey together, we invite breeders, trainers, and all individuals passionate about supporting our service members to join us in this noble cause. Let us stand united in honoring our warriors and providing them with a source of strength, solace, and resilience in the form of the majestic North American Destrier.

For more information on how to get involved in the Warriors for Warriors initiative or to learn about upcoming opportunities, please reach out to us at [email protected] or through this social media platform. Together, let us harness the power of equine therapy to uplift and empower those who are true warriors in every sense of the word.

In solidarity and gratitude,

North American Destrier Horse Registry

02/17/2024

Name another bull you can walk on a hay string. I’ll wait.

Rocco treated his ladies to lunch in our hay pen on Valentine’s Day by taking down our gate. At least he’s easy to move out.😅

01/23/2024

Since being released with the rest of our herd Sansa has become very attached to Chap. I don’t blame her, he’s a pretty handsome fella. Don’t they make a cute couple?🖤❤️

01/23/2024

The Role of Crossbreeding in Horse Breed Preservation and Enhancement:

The concept of breeding horses often conjures images of purebred animals with long, untainted lineages. However, the development of new horse breeds through the crossbreeding of different existing breeds is not just a modern practice but also an essential tool in the preservation and enhancement of those foundational breeds. This article explores how the intentional blending of horse breeds contributes to the genetic vitality, historical preservation, and continuous improvement of equine breeds.

Genetic Diversity and Health:

One of the primary benefits of using other breeds of horses to develop a new breed is the infusion of genetic diversity. Many purebred horse populations suffer from a limited gene pool, which can lead to the proliferation of hereditary diseases and deleterious traits. By introducing genes from different breeds, breeders can increase heterozygosity, which often correlates with improved health, vitality, and resilience to diseases.

This genetic mix can alleviate inbreeding depression—a condition where a close genetic relationship among individuals leads to a decrease in reproductive success and an increase in the frequency of health problems. The new breed, thus, acts as a living gene bank, preserving the genetic material of the parent breeds in a new and diverse context.

Breed Preservation:

Crossbreeding can serve as a form of breed preservation, particularly for breeds that are rare or endangered. When a breed's population dwindles, it faces the risk of extinction and loss of unique genetic traits. By carefully selecting individuals from these breeds to contribute to a new breed, their genetic legacy continues. This not only preserves the genetic characteristics of the breed but also its historical significance and cultural contribution to equestrianism.

The resultant breed serves as an ambassador for its parent breeds, potentially sparking renewed interest and appreciation for them. This can lead to increased efforts to conserve and promote the original breeds, further securing their future.

Performance and Characteristics:

Developing a new breed by crossbreeding allows for the combination of desirable traits from different breeds to achieve specific performance goals or characteristics. For instance, a breed known for its speed can be crossed with another known for its endurance, aiming to produce offspring that excel in both areas.

Such deliberate selection and breeding practices can enhance the capabilities of the resulting breed, offering the equestrian community new opportunities for competition, work, or leisure. Additionally, this can lead to increased popularity and demand for the parent breeds, providing economic incentives to continue their breeding and preservation.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

Breeds of horses often hold significant cultural and historical value. By incorporating these breeds into new ones, their stories and traditions are carried forward, ensuring they do not fade into obscurity. This cultural preservation aspect can be particularly poignant for breeds with roots in indigenous or local communities, where horses play a role in the collective identity and heritage.

The development of a new horse breed through the crossbreeding of existing breeds represents a strategic approach to breed preservation and enhancement. It promotes genetic diversity, safeguards against the extinction of rare breeds, combines desirable traits, and maintains the cultural and historical legacy of the founding breeds.

Far from diluting the purity of equine lineages, the practice of crossbreeding is a celebration of the depth and variety of the horse world. It is a testament to the adaptability and continuous evolution of equine breeds, ensuring that the best of their past can contribute to a genetically robust and vibrant future