Meet the Ranch Managers
Management of the Ranch
Although each ranch manager has unique responsibilities on the ranch, together they are in charge of overall ranch operations including facilities, livestock, agricultural enterprises, recreational activities, employee oversight and budgets. They live on or near the ranch to ensure access and active management.
Montana Canterbury
I was born in Salida, Colorado. I was raised on Trail's End Ranch in Hillside, Colorado where my Dad has worked on and managed for 23 years. I was home schooled for the bulk of my education, which gave me ample opportunity to work with and learn from my Dad. During high school, I had the opportunity to work as the ranch manager for Bob and Carol Allison on the L Diamond A Ranch, also in Hillside. Bob and Carol were just starting a Grass Fed Beef program when I was employed there. After graduating high school in May of 2004, I was accepted by College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO. I worked on the College’s Beef Farm for six semesters and two semesters in the technology department. In June of 2006 my wife Sara and I were married here in Hillside on Trail’s End Ranch. I graduated from College of the Ozarks May 11, 2008 achieving my B.S. in Agriculture with an emphasis in Animal Science and Agricultural Technology. I graduated as a member in good standing of Delta Tau Alpha the National Agricultural Honor Society.
Jake Blair
I grew up in Hurley Mo. I was raised on a family farm and have been around cattle, horses, and construction my entire life. All of that prepared me for the tasks that I am in charge of here at the ranch. I have done a little of everything in my life including most recently Real Estate and Engineering. My hobbies are compromised of a variety of outdoor activities, my favorite of which is bow hunting.
Jen Cole
I grew up in Southeastern Michigan where I spent my youth showing Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, and Tennessee Walkers in equitation, pleasure, trail, western riding, reining, and versatility classes, before moving on to compete with the Michigan State University Equestrian Team. At MSU I studied animal production and welfare in the Animal Science and Zoology departments before graduating with bachelor’s degrees in Equine Management and Animal Behavior. I decided to continue on with post-graduate studies and was lucky enough to be awarded a full scholarship to Hartpury College in England where I completed my master’s in Equine Science while working as a member of staff at the Hartpury Equine Therapy Center. Throughout my studies my focus has been to develop and utilize domestic and wild animal management practices that are sound for the animals as well as the environment and the humans around them. I have tried to carry this focus with me into my working career, and feel that I have found a good home for my interests in Maytag Mountain Ranch.
Since leaving England I have divided my time between working with boarding, training, and competition barns in Michigan and Florida and traveling as far as possible across the globe. I have spent over a year and a half traveling the world - trekking, riding, backpacking, biking, swimming, and driving my way through some of the most beautiful and remote spots on the planet. But even after the experience of pushing myself across the wildly breathtaking landscapes of the Patagonian Andes, the Australian Outback, the African Serengeti , the Swiss Alps, and the remote Chinese Himalayas I now find myself staring in awe every day at the scenery that makes up Maytag Mountain Ranch. It is like a dream to have landed here in such a beautiful spot that is dedicated to environmentally sound and sustainable practices – a home that is healthy for both the body and the soul, and a place where I couldn’t be happier to have finally landed after so much searching.
As the horse manager here at MMR my philosophy on riding and training is simple: a secure, balanced seat and effective use of the natural aids provides a solid foundation for success in any discipline you may choose as your riding career develops. The Maytag four-step horsemanship program, like any equine training scheme that produces excellent riders, is built around this way of thinking. It provides an excellent pathway to becoming a safe, knowledgeable, and respectful rider by supplying the logical steps to take to achieve the results you seek. Whether you are looking to become a rider who is confidant on the trail, successful in competition, or useful on a working horse I can help you to develop your riding skills to achieve your personal goals.
I am passionate about so many of the sports, events , and opportunities available both on the ranch and throughout the area - I look forward to helping you make the time you spend at the ranch unforgettable.
