I visited Eaton Ranch in Wyoming in 2018 and was enamored with the lifestyle and how easy it was to forget the troubles of the world and to just get lost in the past.
Eaton Ranch was started by three brothers that established their horse and cattle ranch near Medora, North Dakota. Friends and family would come for extended visits and realized the expenses incurred. They prevailed upon the Eatons to charge for room and board so they could stay as long as they desired. Thus, the first dude ranch and new industry started.
In 1904 in order to provide a more suitable riding terrain for their guests, the Eatons moved to their current locations on Wolf Creek (near Sheridan, WY). Each of their friends built a cabin making each such interesting places to stay. The ranch has always been in the hands of the Eaton family and is now operated by the 4thand 5thgenerations of Eatons.
The wranglers, the backbone of the ranch, work so very hard to keep the ranch running smoothly, yet you can see the joy on their just after light when they head up the mountain to wrangle the horses needed for the day. The peacefulness of this ranch seeps into your soul.
On a hilltop overlooking the ranch is W.W. Keen Butcher’s tombstone on which is written “The outside of a Horse is good For the inside of a Man” or in this case “a Woman.”
Thank you to all of the wranglers, especially Kolton and Kristin, and to the Eaton family for carrying such a great “family tradition.”
Sandy Lebrun-Evans
Sandy Lebrun-Evans : Ranch Life
March 25 – May 5, 2019
Multiple Exposures Gallery
The Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N Union St
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.multipleexposuresgallery.com
