Off the Caprock about 90 miles from the Hub City lies one of the most historic ranches in the state of Texas. The 6666 Ranch is known for its extraordinary Quarter Horses, Black Angus Cattle and kind people.
Established in 1868 by Samuel Burk Burnett with only 100 yearlings and a vision, the 6666 Ranch has become a premier ranch known around the world. Today, those cattle and champion horses graze the pastures of 275,000 acres near Panhandle and Guthrie.
The 6666 Ranch is among the most storied, family-run businesses in Texas history. On a seasonal basis, the ranch is home to about 1,000 horses, 12,000 cows and only a handful of employees.
Dr. Glenn Blodgett has been the resident veterinarian and has managed the horse division at the 6666 Ranch for 36 years. He also directs the breeding program.
“Our breeding here at the ranch is artificial breeding and artificial insemination, and we also do embryo transfers and collect and ship semen all over the world,” Blodgett said.
Joe Leathers runs the cattle division of the 6666 Ranch and said they are always looking for ways to improve their practices. Leathers also said their cattle is the ranch’s best-kept secret.
“It is a seven-day-a-week job because you are dealing with a living, breathing animal,” Leathers said. “It is a struggle to maintain the good quality, but you have to continue to improve that quality. If you study just a little bit, you can always find ways to improve.”
The list of awards for the 6666 Ranch goes on and on, but for Dr. Blodgett and Leathers, it is a dream come true to work on such a historic and innovative ranch.
“We have had several stallions here that have been world-champion racing horses. We were world-champion breeders a few years ago,” Blodgett said. “I have been really lucky to have been associated with most of those guys. It is really very special.”
“We are blessed to have the crew and employees that we have,” Leathers said. “We are like a family. We think alike because we have worked together for so long. It is literally an honor to work here.”