RANCH & REATA: Our Mission

“To some people horses have wings. Those who love horses are impelled by an ever receding vision, some enchanted transformation through which the horse and the rider become a third much greater thing.”
- Thomas McGuane

If anyone believed the “civilian” press, the American West, and all of its iconic symbols, has died more often than a cheap light bulb. They are wrong! The American West and the intrinsic importance of the horse are still sacred to a large part of America’s population even today in the 21st century. Why?

For many, the horse and cow culture of the American West continues to hold hard their hearts, minds and livelihoods. It is an indescribable passion that infiltrates their daily lives, in a way of life that enables them to be part of one of this country’s only root based cultures - a culture of personal self-reliance, of commitment to the land, and competency in doing work controlled by nature’s time clock of seasons. A career in agriculture and ranching is way of life never perfected but always a process of selection and an apprenticeship of acquired skills.

Today, there remain many who believe in the way of the West. What it is, what it was, and what it still can be – if approached with stewardship based on appropriate and selfless values. It is for those people everywhere, we created Ranch & Reata Radio and – coming soon – Ranch & Reata Digital Magazine.

Ranch & Reata is not just another horse or lifestyle website. It treats the West as a place of passion and possibility. The western music we play offers classics and new music, favorites and unusual mixes – all with the idea of creating a personal soundtrack for our listeners. Ranch & Reata is a music experience that is just that – great music all the time with little interruption. We want you to listen whenever a computer or wireless method avails it self. It’s easy. Just click on the little R&R Radio and follow the prompt to download the player and start listening. We guarantee, if you love the West, you’ve never heard radio like Ranch & Reata. Where else can you here everyone from Ian Tyson to Norah Jones, from Kevin Costner to Patsy Cline and Russell Crow to Tom Russell? Really, only one place…www.ranchandreata.com

And there is much more! The West has always been driven by great magazines – Western Horseman, Beef, American Cowboy, Cowboy, and Cowboys & Indians – among others. While they maycontinue to entertain and enlighten readers both in print and on the web, we believe there is still a little hole that needs to be filled. Our approach is providing a place where folks can read about great horses and great people, can read about the rise of the bridle horse culture and hear from other folks who feel a love for the West. 

Coming this spring we will introduce Ranch & Reata, the digital journal. Digital journal…It’s an e-zine magazine available on the Ranch & Reata website. We will publish it on the site quarterly but unlike a print version, our digital e-zine will allow us to update stories and add as we go along. A new idea in publishing and one we feel is long overdue and just the state of art you are looking for.  Your e-sub to R&R, the digital journal, will give you access to all issues and their updates. The West never stands still and neither do the people or stories it creates. We’ll be giving you more information as we go along. What will be in the journal? Glad you asked:

The western horse – the growing world of ranch horse competitions and the revival of the bridle horse culture originating along the Pacific Slope region of the far west and the impact it is having on reining, cutting and other performance horse genres. Horses of today – and tomorrow – that still fill our dreams are still written and told about for you!

Ranching and the cattle business…we are listening and writing too!  In the 21st century raising cattle is all about efficiency, and land stewardship. What is being done to promote careers in agriculture to mainstream America? We will attempt to inform and present new ideas and concepts from the experts in those fields.

Geography and travel – the West is alive with incredible destinations and travel opportunitities. Where can one see the West at its best? Where are the little known spots along the little traveled back roads that inspire people to head west?  We will share what we know and illicit ideas from you as readers and travelers as well.

People and personalities – the West by its diverse nature is filled with significant people and characters that continue to help mold its face. Who and where are these folks, what are their dreams and wishes for the West? What are they doing to help continue the greatness of the region and what is their vision and commitment to do so?

Art and indigenous craft – no other part of the country has been depicted so lovingly and continuously as the West. In paintings, drawings, sculptures, words, songs and film; the West is a fertile ground for creative representation and celebration. The crafts of the region such as bit and spur making, saddle making, silver-smith or rawhide braiding – and among others, have long been refined yet still remain as the classic example of function over form. The same can be said for the art and craft of Native Americans – usefulness celebrated with beauty and mostly, design by spirit.

Ranch living – the west has created a unique lifestyle based primarily upon being outside. Where are the great ranch homes, the food and drink and above all the peace of a region based upon the joyous enjoyment of space and what rules nature has provided while attempting to protect.

Culture – Events – there is no shortage of things to do in the West. Whether it is Ranch & Reata will be there.

Ranch & Reata Radio and Ranch & Reata digital journal will bring you a unique perspective on celebrating of the West.  We will do this with respect, expertise and accessibility.

Ranch & Reata is a complete, digital experience allowing us to add genre-based print, audio, music, and streaming video - from us and from you! We want and appreciate your participation.

Your music, videos, poems, stories, and photography….whatever you can contribute…we can print and air.  The West belongs to all of us.  We will be timely and we will be ready to serve you, your land, your family and your values.

Ranch & Reata will share information as well as elegant and in-depth looks into the culture of the West – told by those involved – the ranchers, horsemen & women who make the West such a special place to live in and protect.

Welcome to Ranch & Reata, the Voice of the West.  You’re new Home on the Range!