The roots of Aus Ranch Performance Horses can be traced back to early 1900’s North Dakota homesteaders.
Kristin Aus is a third generation horse breeder. Her parents, Merle and Rose Marie Aus, have been raising quality horses in eastern Montana for over 50 years. Merle’s father raised horses in western North Dakota from the time he homesteaded there in the early 1900’s. While horse breeding has changed a great deal over the intervening century, Kristin greatly values the wisdom and common sense she has access to living on the same ranch with Merle and Rose Marie.
Kristin grew up on this ranch and it is an ideal location to raise healthy, sound, sensible horses. Because the terrain is so rough, horses learn at a young age to pay attention to where they put their feet. This is an invaluable advantage to barrel racers, ropers, and hunter/jumpers – and it is something you cannot train into a horse later in life. In addition, because horses here have to travel for feed and water, young horses have the opportunity to grow up where they can run enough to develop strong bones and muscles. This rugged lifestyle is complemented with the best of nutritional supplementation and vet care. We think it’s an ideal combination!
Merle has led quite an interesting life. If you enjoy reading about the “good old days” and what cowboy life was really like, check out his web page at http://www.merleaus.com and buy his autobiography!