Working Cow Horses
A working ranch focusing on high level working cow horses
Welcome to Whispering Willows Ranch. We are located just 15 minutes south of Steamboat Springs, CO. Along with our sister location, Yampa Valley Ranch, we are a diverse operation proud to offer a full-service horse operation, cattle and beef sales, hay production and sales, fishing, hunting and more! Please check out our individual services for more information on each of these areas.
Our Services
Training
Whether you’re looking to put your horse in training or progress your own skills, we offer intensive training programs as well as lessons for all ages.
Breeding
With a focus on high earnings mares and updated knowledge on the industry top studs, we foal out a limited number of high potential foals each year.
Lessons & Clinics
We offer a variety of western riding lesson options from beginner to advanced riding and show preparation.
Boarding
Top of the line boarding facility available just 15 minutes outside of Steamboat Springs with all your needed amenities.
Meet our staff
Ed John
Head Horse Trainer
*Likes horses*
Ed grew up in Colorado Springs, CO in a non-agricultural family but had a strong desire to be a “cowboy” from a very young age. Through family friends, he was introduced to ranching and horses around 13 years old. From that time on he pursued every opportunity he could find to work with horses and cattle. He graduated from CSU with a Bachelors Degree in Equine Science and found his way into the western performance horse world. Going on to work for some of the biggest breeders and trainers in the industry over the next 10 years. During this time Ed developed a true passion for the working cow horse, both in and out of the show arena. Ed and his family found their way to Whispering Willows Ranch in 2021 to manage the Horse Division.
Fun fact: If not on a horse Ed likes to be in the wilderness hunting mule deer or fishing for trout.
Chase Hall
Ranch Manager
*Likes cows and grass*
Chase grew up in Montgomery, Tx where he developed a passion for agriculture and the outdoors. He went to Texas A&M University on a United States Marine Corps scholarship and graduated with a Bachelors in Animal Science with a focus on beef cattle production. After graduating and Commissioning in the Marines, Chase put his Ag career on hold to serve as a Combat Engineer Officer with 7th ESB and CLB-11 at Camp Pendleton, CA and forward deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. After 5 years of active service he decided to return to his true passion of developing profitable, productive, landscapes through the use of regenerative practices and producing healthy and delicious beef along the way.
Favorite quote: "Meet your meat" -Ron Swanson
Garryn Clark
Assistant Ranch Manager
*Likes Things with Engines & Wildlife*
Garryn Clark is a bonafide hillbilly that grew up in the hills of Saint Clairsville, Ohio where his upbringing consisted of hunting, fishing, and turning wrenches. Garryn enlisted active duty in the United States Marine Corps as a Heavy Equipment Engineer in 1st TSB and CLB-11 at Camp Pendleton CA and forward deployed with the Ranch Manger Chase on the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. After 4 years of active duty, he worked with the ranch before pursuing a career as a wildlife Officer for West Virginia. After gaining experience away, Garryn returned to the ranch, drawn back to the lifestyle and work he enjoys most. With a strong passion for wildlife, and being mechanically inclined, Garryn spends as much time as he can hunting, fishing or fixing things.
Fun fact: Garryn still serves in the Untied States Marine Corps Reserves
Chrit Rudkin
Ranch Hand
*Likes his Dog & Tractors*
Chrit grew up in Novato, CA, where he developed a passion for baseball that carried him through high school and into college. Before committing to the student-athlete path, he had considered pursuing a degree in agricultural science or wine and viticulture. Although he had no prior experience in agriculture, Chrit made a spontaneous move from California to Colorado in 2023 to explore the ranching life and hasn’t looked back since.
Fun fact: His real name is Christian.
