Limerock Ranch

Located in Northern California about 45 miles southeast of Sacramento, Limerock Ranch is named for the limerock mining and firing operations that took place on the land beginning in the 1850’s. Formerly within the eastern boundary of the almost 50,000 acre Rancho Arroyo Seco land grant, cattle ranching on big acreage is still a major industry in the area. The Limerock Spanish Barbs are bred to be versatile stock horses that have the stamina and fortitude for daily use.

Limerock Ranch is interesting in restoring Spanish Barb horse to what it was during "El siglo de oro," the Golden Age of Spain.  We also follow the Alta California horsemanship and study the cultural heritage and history.

Most of our Spanish Barb stock comes from Rancher strains (Wilbur-Cruce, Ira Yates, Ilo Belsky, and McKinley), but also some Sulphur, which was a feral strain from the Mountain Home range of Utah.

Our horses get regular turnout in a herd environment, and foals receive age-appropriate handling and training to establish respect and build confidence. Saddle horse training begins after the horses are three to four years old, and follows the traditional Vaquero/Californio methods starting with the hackamore. Our methods establish a foundation and deep skill set for the horses to be prepared for a variety of activities or jobs.
 

We accept reservations for future breedings and can broker breedings of other Spanish Bard horses and strains. In addition, we have or can help you find Spanish Barb/Colonial Spanish horses for sale or lease that meet your needs.