Hoyt Creek Ranch

09/28/2025

Who can name these 3 superstars?

09/25/2025

Good Morning - Sun coming up on the Prairie with the tall Bluestem.

09/01/2025

Ran across this history and wanted to share!

'Ghosts' of the Coal Mines
These horses or "pit ponies" were deprived of experiencing the sunlight and fresh air. Instead, they lived in darkness underground, relying on their instincts and the guidance of their human partners, known as conogons. These horses were born, worked, and perished in the dark, enduring strenuous labor. It was not uncommon for a single horse to pull up to eight heavy coal wagons alone. Despite their challenging circumstances, these animals maintained their dignity and were aware of their rights, such as refusing to move if they felt burdened with excessive wagons. They also possessed a remarkable sense of time, knowing when their working day should end and finding their way back to the stables even in darkness. This demanding work of horses in the mines continued until 1972 when technology took over, marking the end of an era. On December 3, 1972, Ruby, the last miner's horse, emerged from the mines in a grand fashion. Accompanied by an orchestra, Ruby, adorned with a flower wreath, was brought out of the darkness, symbolizing the conclusion of the era of mining horses and their connogon partners. To commemorate their shared labor underground, a sculptural composition named "Conogon" was erected within the Museum - Reserve “Red Hill”.

08/31/2025

Bluestem & Clouds. Have a happy & safe Labor Day Weekend!

08/22/2025

RIP Ron Turcotte 💖

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FSJXLgGFP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Hall of Fame rider is best-known for sweeping the 1973 Triple Crown aboard "Big Red"

07/26/2025

Sunrise on Saturday!

07/08/2025

Good morning from Hoyt Creek Ranch. May your day be as peaceful and pleasant as this prairie sunrise.

06/17/2025

Breeding Update:
There’s been a word from a little bird,
Who flew on down from Bent E’s herd.
LB’s swooning sweet, she’s set to start,
That stud has surely won her heart.

But Rosie girl, she’s playin’ it smart,
Still tuning up her tender heart.
She thinks he’s cute, she’s nearly there,
Just needs a moment—and some country air.”
~Clippity Clop

Stay tuned, friends, for more to come,
From these prairie mares and the chosen one! 🐴💕

06/15/2025

HC PlayDrift ZanIke “Ike”

Composition and Disposition Top-Notch

06/03/2025

⸻

🎉🐴 Happy 23rd Birthday to my heart horse, LB Miss Driftwood 🐴🎉

I’ve had this beautiful mare in my life since 2015, and from the moment she stepped off that trailer, something just clicked. We’ve never needed many words between us—LB and I share a bond that runs deep, the kind only few truly understand. When I’m with her, my heart feels full in a way that’s hard to put into words.

LB has blessed me with five incredible colts, each one strong, athletic, and full of heart—just like their momma. She’s the kind of mare who takes motherhood seriously: she loves hard, protects fiercely, and somehow teaches her babies to trust and love us humans. Being a mom is her greatest joy, and I’ve been so lucky to witness it over the years.

Just yesterday, I loaded her and one of her daughters, HC Driftwood Rose, and hauled them down to Bent E Quarter Horses to visit Bluestem Vaquero, a fine stallion who just so happens to be 23 too. LB’s already had three of his colts, and this breeding may be her last… so I’m praying real hard and wishing on her favorite peppermint treat for one more gift—my dream horse—a healthy blue roan filly that looks just like her! What a blessing that would be. 💖

She was 13 when she came to me, never broke to ride, but the time I’ve spent with her—grooming her, loving her, raising her babies together—those memories mean everything to me.

Thank you, LB, for being my rock, my heart, and my greatest teacher.
And thank you to my dad, Andy Loughrey, for putting her in my life and kickstarting my journey in the horse business.
And to my amazing mom, Connie Hoyt, thank you for loving her and caring for her and the little ones when I can’t be there.

Here’s to LB Miss Driftwood—my once-in-a-lifetime mare. 💕
~ Clippity Clop

05/02/2025

Mother’s Day next weekend….Fun earrings for Mom, July 4th!! & 2025 Grads!! Hoyt Creek Ranch Urban Prairie Mercantile. Pre-Tariff Prices 😉

04/26/2025

Mother’s Day is coming soon!! MAY 11th 💖Check out the cute earrings & western gifts at the Hoyt Creek Ranch booth in Urban Prairie Mercantile - Winfield!