About Painted River Ranch
Whether your influences are 2 or 4 legged, makes no difference. Success is measured by the drive, determination, thought and patience you put into your achieving your goals. It is not money or material things. Success is often achieved without even realizing you’ve gotten there.
The great thing about a horsemanship journey is that you never quit learning and setting goals. You never make destination.
Once a goal is achieved, you up the stakes and make new ones. You never really recognize what you’ve learned or accomplished until a time comes in your life (and believe me, we all have “times”) where you have to reach in that tool kit and hope like hell you’ve acquired the right tools to face the task. It isn’t until you make it out to the other side, do you realize your success.
Horses have always been the largest influencers of my life. They do not judge or criticize, but I haven’t found one yet that hasn’t taken the time to point out my weaknesses or flaws in my abilities or character. I have no choice, but to improve myself. It is my job as a responsible breeder to educate them to fulfill a lifetime career for a new loving owner.
The greatest gift you can give a horse you’ve bred, is to give them a solid foundation under saddle that will last them a lifetime. It is their training that guarantees a quality of life.
A Little Bit About My Sidekick Ralph
A smart ol cowgirl knows and appreciates the value of a good ranch hand. Ralph is all that and then some. He knows when to pick me up and brush me off and send me back on my way. He is there to encourage and support me and knows exactly when I need a hug or a tear wiped. I could not have found a kinder, gentler soul than Ralph. I call him my gift from heaven and know that someone up there heard my prayers.
Ralph has a surplus of tools in his kit he has to reach for on the ranch. He is a welder, a photographer and a master baker – his cinnamon buns are what stole my heart.
Ralph loves being a rancher, when he’s not welding some new contraption, he’s building something with wood. He does all the field work and keeps Painted River Ranch in tip top shape. He has become a perfectionist at stacking square and round bales, and I learn how to stay out of his way. Nothing is done “half-assed” and it needs to be done right the first time.
Most of all, Laura knows she could not do what she loves doing without Ralph’s support and understanding. She is sure grateful he is a part of her life.
How My Horsemanship Journey Began
At the age of 12, I went to a 5 day colt starting clinic in Montana. I didn’t realize how signficant this experience would be as a horse trainer.
Painted River Ranch History

As a trail committee volunteer we planned and budgeted for clinics to bring world class clinicians to the park. We held events like the Trail Challenge Buckle series and IMTCA clinics and competitions. It was a great way to learn some new skills. I’ve met so many great people and friends at the park.
What I’ve been up to…
International Mountain Trail Course Association (IMTCA), Grasswood Horse Park
Sharing My Knowledge and Experience
I am a retired Verterinary Health Technician and spent close to 20 years in the field where worked with some of the top equine and mixed practice veterinarians in Alberta. I love to share my expereinces as a Animal Health Techncian, a horse breeder and trainer as well as my mountain trail stories.
Since that day and every step of the way she has been so helpful. We have learnt an abundance of new things and I know for a fact that without her guidance and training we would never be where we are today. Laura has taught my husband and I how to be great horse people and that there is no one method of training rather finding what works for you and your horse.
Fast forward a year and a half and we are riding out on trails, doing arena work, doing fun patterns, learning to ride on our own and in a group but we are mainly learning and we will continue to learn every single day! Laura came down my path. She has helped me succeed in making my dreams come true and for that I will be forever grateful!