The Incredible Legacy of the Women of Rankin Ranch

The epicenter of Rankin Ranch lies in a valley of Walker’s Basin, just outside the tiny town of Caliente, California. The cattle ranch has been in operation for over 155 years—and remained in the Rankin family the entirety of its existence. Six generations have sweat over the vast acreage they call home (31,000 acres to be exact).

Rankin Ranch / Crafted in Carhartt
Walker and Lavinia Rankin

In 1863, Walker Rankin established the property. Years prior, the Pittsburgh native felt called to the West, and luckily enough, found success in the California gold fields. All the hard work and dedication he and his wife, Lavinia, poured into the land left a lasting impression that would extend from their children, to their grandchildren, and so on. Walker is even credited with being the first to bring purebred Hereford cattle to the region.

After his passing, Lavinia continued to run the ranch.

“Her family came across the plains by covered wagon to settle in California when she was a young girl. This pioneering spirit carried through her long life of 100 years and 4 months. During this time, she saw so many changes with transportation transitioning from horse and buggy to seeing planes fly. She was a very progressive woman and owned one of the first cars in the area. My great-great grandfather, had little interest in traveling by car and preferred to ride his horse. But Nana would travel to her grandsons’ football games and take a car full of kids with her to cheer on the team…Her longevity and adaptation to the many changes that she experienced are admirable.” -Amanda Barrett

The expanse of all that has been accomplished on Rankin Ranch piles high. Many have been involved with the Kern County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen’s orgainzations. The honor of Cattlewoman of The Year has been bestowed on Helen Rankin in 1988, Glenda Rankin in 2008, and Amanda Rankin in 2013. Amanda was also selected to be a National Beef Ambassador is 2007, allowing her to travel around the US and speak about the beef they raise.

Rankin Ranch / Crafted in CarharttRankin Ranch / Crafted in Carhartt

Rankin Ranch also serves as a Dude Ranch, with mountain cabins and the opportunity to experience the cowpoke lifestyle. A wide range of activities from horseback riding to fishing to feeding farm animals to square dancing are on the agenda each day. It was developed by Helen Rankin in 1965 as a way to diversify the family business and take the edge off their dependence on the ever volatile cattle market.

“My grandfather, Leroy (grandson of Walker and Lavinia), had passed away unexpectedly in 1954 and my grandmother, Helen, found herself with a difficult decision to make, should she keep the ranch or sell it? Many people advised her to sell, as there were not many cattle ranches run by women at that time. She chose to honor our family’s legacy and learn how to manage the cattle ranch. Less than 10 years later she began building our guest ranch facilities. She was ahead of her time in the field of agritourism and inviting ‘city slickers’ to experience life on the ranch. Through her hard work and determination, she established our guest ranch which has been in operation for over 50 years. We now have 3rd generation Rankin Ranch guests. One family celebrated their 50th year visiting the ranch in 2018.” -Amanda Barrett

Rankin Ranch / Crafted in CarharttShelby Newman started full time at Rankin Ranch in 2017 after graduating from the University of Montana Western with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Natural Horsemanship. Before that, she spent her summers working with the Rankins.

“I would say that my job title is a secretary…but not the kind of ‘secretary’ that everyone thinks of. My job varies greatly from day to day and you never know what you might end up doing. In the case of Rankin Ranch, titles don’t mean much and no title is more or less important than another.” -Shelby Newman

On any given day, Shelby may have responsibilities to manage in the office like answering emails or helping guests. On other occasions should could be out in the pastures wrangling horses or being a camp counselor to the visiting children, many of whom are experiencing ranch life for the first time.

Rankin Ranch / Crafted in CarharttRankin Ranch / Crafted in CarharttMarie Myllyla has spent the past few summers working at Rankin Ranch. Earlier this year, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls with a BS in Animal Science and an emphasis in Equine Science.

“The best part of working on a ranch are the horses. I wouldn’t have had a job if it weren’t for those horses. They work hard day in and day out. They don’t complain. You’ll find one you get along with well and that really makes for a good day working with them 10+ hours. You get to know what they want, they get to know what you want.” -Marie Myllayla

Rankin Ranch / Crafted in Carhartt

“After graduating from Cal Poly in 2008 and returning home, I had an interest in selling our own beef. My time as a National Beef Ambassador had opened my eyes more to the ‘beef’ side of our business. This idea was not something new, as the family had considered it over the years. My father and I had many conversations about it before taking the leap in March 2014.

It has been an exciting adventure, with lots of learning along the way. We sell our beef here at the ranch to guests and the local community. We also travel to neighboring communities for Farmers’ Markets. We have earned a loyal following of repeat customers who love Rankin Ranch beef. Our beef is all natural, grass fed and grain finished. The beef is aged at the butcher shop for 21 days before cutting up into delicious steaks, roasts, and more. We are very proud of the quality of our beef with everything grading high choice to prime.” -Amanda Barrett

Rankin Ranch / Crafted in CarharttRankin Ranch / Crafted in Carhartt

“The best part about my job, that is an easy one… the people! The Rankin family is one in a million. From Bill and Glenda Rankin (Nana and Papa, as I know them) to all eight cousins in the 6th generation and everyone in between. Everyone is kind, genuine, knowledgeable, inviting, and so much more.” -Shelby Newman

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“Growing up on the ranch I learned the value of a positive work ethic and teamwork at a very young age. As children, we were always included in the day’s work and learned what it takes to keep the ranch running. My parents also emphasized the value of respect. You respect others, the land, and the livestock. When you give respect, you will often get it in return.” -Amanda Barrett (pictured below with her father, Bill)

Rankin Ranch / Crafted in CarharttRankin Ranch / Crafted in Carhartt

Horse Etiquette to Remember from Marie Myllayla

  1. Your horse dictates what you’re going to work on for that day. If you start your day thinking, “we’re going to work on leads,” you and your horse are going to struggle.
  2. Recognize the slightest response and reward it.
  3. Consistency is key with training – present a cue the same way every time. I think a horse’s best quality is their try. You find a way to get desire and try out of your horse and you really can’t ask for anything more.

Shelby and Marie herding cattle with the modern-day help of a helicopter.

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Tips From the Top Horse Rodeo Winner

Here are a few pointers from Joette Donnell, the winner of Top Horse at the 11th annual WRRA finals:

“Winning at a competition is the ultimate reward for all the time you put in practicing and money you spend traveling. It’s a lot of work to make it to the top of any sport. I will never feel like I have actually made it that far, but each successful competition I do well at, I feel like I am one step closer to being at the top. I have been blessed to have a family who is very good at training horses and competing in roping events. I have tried to take full advantage of my opportunity to learn from them. Dad used to enter ranch rodeos with my brother, JT, and I when we were in middle school and high school. We had a lot of success. I am very proud that my father would allow us to enter with him, he always had a group of grown men that would enter with him any where he wanted to compete.

Winning Top Horse was a great accomplishment! I am so proud that they chose B.P. and I. It took both of us as well as the Wild and Wooly team to achieve the honor. I love the ladies on our team! They have great work ethic and positive attitudes. That goes a long ways when you are trying to fulfill a dream.

I believe anyone who would like to win Top Horse needs to consistently work hard at their trade. They must ride all the time and keep their horse tuned up as well as themselves. They also need to perfect their roping and sorting skills in order to be on the top of their game. It doesn’t happen over night. Having a team that pulls their weight and beyond, is also a big benefit. It makes competition easier when things are going well. Your horse is much easier to show to the judges when everything your team accomplishes is fairly smooth and doesn’t leave a negative memory in the judges mind. As the saying goes…”It takes a village”, well that is true in so many facets of life. I believe anyone’s “village” helps them to accomplish their goals and realize their full potential!” -Joette Donnell

Best Horse in Show, Joette Donnell / Crafted in Carhartt

Best Horse in Show, Joette Donnell / Crafted in Carhartt

Best Horse in Show, Joette Donnell / Crafted in Carhartt

Best Horse in Show, Joette Donnell / Crafted in Carhartt

Wild ‘N’ Wooly Rodeo Team

The Wild ‘N’ Wooly Team did not disappoint at the WRRA World Finals in Loveland, Colorado. This group of amazingly talented cowgirls dominated! Each one was study, sure, and confident. It’s invaluable to have trusted team members who are always looking out for you. Way to go Rachel, Joette, Stormie, and Denise!

Wild 'N' Wooly at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Wild 'N' Wooly at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Wild 'N' Wooly at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Wild 'N' Wooly at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Moments Before the Rodeo

There is a side to rodeos that many don’t know about. It’s the quiet moments before the competition. Be it sharing a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll with your teammates or giving your daughter a tight squeeze as the hubbub slowly begins. Each one is a sweet slice of life that makes you feel an itch of nostalgia and a yearning for the next ride.

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

The ever talented Wild ‘N’ Wooley team is wearing: The Women’s Minot Shirt & Slim Fit Nyona Jean.