The Akehurst Family & The Flying A Brand
est. 1951
Longhorn Cattle Company and Quarter Horse Ranch
Ellensburg, WA
Our family has poured our heart and soul into this brand. It's our life's work and legacy
Founders Don and Barbara Akehurst established Akehurst's Flying A Brand in 1951 after buying their first quarter horse mare from the Lemon Ranch in Hardin, Montana. Nona (AQHA Registered #103258) was her name. During the same time period, Don started working in the horse and cattle industries simultaneously. His dual role as rancher and rodeo cowboy always required horses that could perform.
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In the years following Don's rodeo success, he continued to breed for performance qualities inside and outside the arena. Don's rodeo success highlighted the importance of having reliable and high-performing horses, which further motivated him to invest in top-quality animals. His experience in the arena showed him firsthand the traits needed for a horse to excel under pressure. This understanding guided his selection process, ensuring that the horses he acquired were versatile and capable both in rodeo events and on the ranch.
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The recognizable brand, placed on the left hip on our horses, is applied by an iron that is dipped into liquid nitrogen and then pressed onto shaved hide. This method is called freeze branding and is a more humane less painful procedure.
The Akehurst Family
Don and Barbara had two children, Greg and Kathy. They grew up on horseback, helping out on the ranch and going to rodeos with their parents.
Significantly, Don's son, Greg began helping on the ranch at the age of 8. He rode the horses, helped with the cattle, and started competing in Junior Rodeo Breakaway Roping, igniting a lifetime passion for horses. Greg now lives on the property with his wife Kris and their dog, Tilly. They manage the promotion and sales of the horse and beef operation. They live alongside Don, still helping him on the ranch with the day-to-day activities. Greg's daughter, Angela, also helps manage the operation with her son, Zane.
At its peak, the ranch had 450 longhorns that were used in cattle drives, parades, rodeos, publicity events and movie work. Don trained a few of the longhorn cattle to drive and pull an original chuck wagon in parades and attend fairs and cook off events with the entire family in tow. Barbara would paint the skulls of the longhorns and sell her artwork. They held ranch horse challenge events and other fun activities on their ranch.
The family was awarded the 50-year breeder award from the American Quarter Horse Association, as well as Ranching Heritage Breeder.
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The Akehursts have now expanded the family business with the grass-fed beef program.
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Whether you are searching for a great performance or family horse, look no further than the Longhorn Cattle Company’s Registered Foundation Quarter Horses.
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We invite you to visit our ranch and spend time amongst our horses. It’s the best way to match both horse and rider for a successful partnership.
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