Let's Talk About John Wayne

The Most Famous Western Movie Cowboy of All Times!

This week we talked all about Marion Mitchell Morrison, better known to movie fans as John Wayne. Some of you also might know him best for his legendary nickname Duke, named after his trusty Airedale companion. We thought we would share a little with you all about his legacy. His family later moved to California where he chased his dreams of playing football, but a bodysurfing injury lead him in a new direction to becoming the legendary movie star he is today. His devotion to following his dream to movie stardom led him to work for Fox Film Corporation on the stage crew as an extra in many football films.


His acting career was largely started by his role in the 1939 John Ford movie, Stagecoach, starring as the “Ringo Kid,” a fugitive on a mission to track down the man who killed his father and brother. After making his debut in Stagecoach, he appeared in 142 motion pictures, of which 83 were Westerns, playing cowboys, cavalrymen, and marshals. He spent time with known cowboys and was dedicated to bringing the true cowboy way of life to the big screen.

John Wayne (Skeeze) Pixabay 2014

He was best known for his role in True Grit, which is our personal favorite John Wayne movie here at the ranch. In this movie, he played Rooster Cogburn, a drunken U.S. Marshal who reluctantly helps a young girl bring the man who murdered her dad’s hired hand into custody. She hired him to help her track down the villain because she felt he had true grit. His character undeniably did have true grit with his outgoing and tenacious attitude. He later won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for True Grit. True Grit, is still today, one of the most iconic John Wayne films you surely don’t want to miss if you haven’t seen it already. Many of his films also display his memorable quotes, including “Hurry it up. We’re burning daylight.”

To read more of John Wayne’s legendary quotes or to learn more about this iconic western movie star, visit his website. If you’re planning a vacation to Iowa, be sure to visit the John Wayne Birthplace, and keep John Wayne’s vision of the Old West and his legacy alive! Help us celebrate this amazing cowboy all week long by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Source Links:

John Wayne

True Grit

Stagecoach 

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John Wayne

How Horses Say,"I Love You!"

Equine Valentine's Day Love Signs!

Have you ever wondered how your equine friend says, “I LOVE YOU” and displays their affection to their owners? Some of the signs can be so settle or out and out obvious. Just like humans, many horses have their own personality and display their love in so many ways. Horses are such compassionate animals and with their majestic outer beauty can be just as amazing on the inside. Your equine friend’s love is based on trust. Once that trust is established, some horses will want to move mountains for you to display their love and affection. Here are some of the amazing ways that horses show compassion and love to their owners. These are sometimes taken for granted but is truly the love language of our equine friends.

• A gentle whinny when you arrive at the barn is sometimes mistaken for their compassion for food, but many times horses are vocally saying they are excited to see you. This is their way of saying, “I love you!”

• Those warm snuggles aren’t a typical response to humans with being flight animals. When a horse allows that barrier between you to be broken down allowing themselves to get closer to you, it's their gentle way to say they are trusting in and love you whole heartily.  

• Those horses that can’t wait to greet you in the pasture are amazingly trusting that your love for each other is mutual!  Their natural instinct would be to run from their predators and protect themselves from any potential danger. Their love and trust for you has emotionally brought them to understand they are safe in your loving care.

•   Sometimes a simple resting of their chin on your shoulder is their way to give you the loving hug you need during those challenging times. They are showing you, they are there for you as your loving partner. 

• Other times, they will simply follow you around to display their love and affection to show you how much they want to be by your side.

• Horse’s that let out soft little nickers when you are present, is just another way they vocalized their compassion and tell you they love you.

• When a horse shares its breath with you, it is a true sign of affection, comfort, and love. They are totally entrusting in their human companion and sharing their breath is a way to treat you as part of their family.

Arabians (Ainslie,G-P) Artistsoul, 2016

Our horse’s love language is so unique which makes their display of love so special and meaningful. It can be truly heartwarming with their only means of showing love being through simple signs that we as owners can truly enjoy. We then can understand better their way of communicating their love to us and know how it lies deep within their sole. With that established trust and an unbreakable bond of affection, it can truly create a loving relationship between horse and rider.

Colorado Dude Ranch Hospitality

Get to Know Us at Circle Z Ranch

Offering You Outstanding Lodging for Your Next Equestrian Vacation!  

Circle Z Equestrian Ranch, best known as “Circle Z Ranch,” is a dude ranch located just north of Colorado Springs in the amazing mountainous state of Colorado. We are family-owned and operated for over 25 years. Taking care of customers' lodging and trail riding needs when they come to visit our ranch, is what we do best. We have over 15 trails, 10 cabins, and 20 camping sites for you to enjoy. The gorgeous mountainous terrain is the perfect backdrop to take in the breath-taking sunrises and sunsets. We also offer summer camps, giving kids in our local community the opportunity to learn and understand the ranching industry from knowledgeable staff.

 Horse (DeMers, James) 08-27-2013

We are open year-round, which makes our ranch unique. We open our trails to enjoy snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Visitors are welcome to relax in our cozy cabins and take in a campfire after a day out on the trails. Colorado’s mild winters also allows us to offer you the ranch experience in the winter on those beautiful winter days. The trails are open for visitors to hangout on with their equine friends as well, putting family time first and unplugging from the demands of life and technology.

On our blog, you should come to expect posts  on the latest trends on the dude ranch experiences, tips on booking those summer vacations, helpful information on trail travel safety, camping receipts, and the hottest vacation spots. We look forward to serving you and offering you the lodging and dude ranch experience you come to expect.