Back to Basics – Eco-Friendly

Experience ranch life off the grid - there are no electrical wires or phone lines coming into this ranch!  Yet, enjoy all the basic conveniences of everyday life.  Since the late 90’s, our personal goal has been to “get off the grid” and live the way Nate lived as a young cowboy growing up in Wyoming in the 20’s – immersed in nature, learning from the land and livestock, independent of remotely supplied utilities, and self-sufficient.

Nate (b.1921-d.2016), the steward of the Brown family’s land for decades, had to be environmentally conscious before it was popular to be so.  Nate and his wife, MaeCile, took HorseWorks beyond the basics of grazing and livestock management to relocating the ranch headquarters on a totally off-grid, beautifully secluded and peaceful part of the original Brown family ranch. The facility's power is provided by solar panels that charge battery storage.  Sustainable food production is part of the long-term picture, including a small apple orchard, fruit and vegetable garden, and a year-round aquaponics greenhouse. We welcome you to come and experience the joy of going off-grid.  Learn from the challenges we faced and share your eco-experiences and dreams with us as we blaze our new off-grid trail!

A Little About Nate's History

nate_01Nate was born into a world without electricity or indoor plumbing… so it’s no surprise that he was not bound by what we consider the ordinary conveniences of everyday life – Internet, store-bought food, lots of fridge and freezer space, and unlimited phone service. Once, Nate, his mother and sister didn’t go to town for three years!

Nate knew how to survive, and as he said, could live in a tent as long as he had horses to ride, a warm fire to sit beside, and books to read. Though he appreciated being able to haul feed and livestock long distances, he missed the times when he woke up in his sleeping bag and listened to the sound of a nearby stream running over the rocks.

It took twelve years from making the decision to move off-grid to beginning the construction of HorseWorks' off-grid ranch.  We have enjoyed the challenge of this ongoing journey.

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