Renowned horsewoman Reata Clark has spent her whole life submerged in the horse industry.  From raising and training horses and traveling around the world helping her father, Buck Brannaman, put on horsemanship clinics, her passion has never wavered.  

She and her husband manage the OW Ranch in Decker, MT, as well as their own business, Clark Ranch Horses and Performance Prospects, based out of Sheridan, WY, along with their four children.  She praises.  “Raising kids and being able to do it in this lifestyle is so amazing, and we are lucky to be able to make good horses and good kids all together.”

Along with horse training and educating, Reata keeps busy with the logistics and planning for the Brannaman Pro-Am Vaquero Roping.  “We always tend to have a lot of irons in the fire.  The roping has become a huge cowboy event and we’re really proud of the direction it’s taking and how we plan to grow it in the next few years.”

Getting back in the saddle can feel intimidating to many women who have stepped away to pursue careers and have children, but Reata advises, “Nobody is there telling you that you can’t do it.  Even if it feels like someone is, nobody is.  You have to dive in headfirst.  It might be hard at first, but you’ve got to just do it.”

“Always do a little more than what you think is expected.  As women in the industry, we are so lucky to be able to have the support of all the men in our lives.  Never be “that token girl” on the crew, always make sure you’re capable.  Whether that means making breakfast for everyone or roping in the branding trap, always be willing to do all the jobs that need done.”

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