H1: Inside the Legendary 6666 Ranch: Yellowstone's Real-Life Texas Legacy
The Four Sixes Ranch, spanning over 300,000 acres in Guthrie, Texas, has gained significant attention thanks to its appearances on the hit TV show Yellowstone. While the Yellowstone Ranch depicted in the series is fictional, the Four Sixes is very real, with a rich history in the equine and cattle industries. Located about three hours from the Basin, this expansive property dwarfs the small town that surrounds it.
The ranch specializes in breeding quarter horses, which are used for ranch work, arena competitions, and racing. Dr. Glenn Blodgett, who has worked at the ranch for 40 years, notes that Yellowstone has sparked interest in ranch life among people who previously had little exposure to it. The show's popularity has also boosted tourism and business in Guthrie, with the Four Sixes Supply House seeing visitors from across the United States and even internationally.
Key Takeaways
The Four Sixes Ranch is a real 300,000-acre working ranch in Texas that gained fame through its appearance in the Yellowstone TV series.
The ranch specializes in quarter horse breeding and offers educational opportunities through tours and internship programs for those interested in the equine industry.
Yellowstone's popularity has significantly increased tourism to this small Texas town, bringing economic benefits to local businesses while showcasing authentic western lifestyle.
Yellowstone and the Four Sixes Ranch Connection
The Four Sixes Ranch, located in Guthrie, Texas, has gained significant recognition through its appearances on the hit TV series Yellowstone. Unlike the fictional Yellowstone Ranch from the show, the Four Sixes is a real working ranch spanning over 300,000 acres in the Lone Star State, making it one of Texas's largest ranches.
The ranch serves as a filming location for Yellowstone, particularly in storylines involving the character Jimmy Hurdstrom, who is sent from Montana to learn proper cowboy skills at the Four Sixes. This television exposure has significantly increased public interest in the ranch and its operations.
Dr. Glenn Blodgett, who has worked at the Four Sixes for 40 years as a veterinarian, notes that the show has sparked interest in horses and the western lifestyle among viewers who previously had little exposure to ranching culture. "I think the show has probably brought interest from people that maybe didn't own a horse that might want to own a horse," he explains.
The Four Sixes is renowned for its quarter horse breeding program. The ranch specializes in breeding prestigious quarter horse stallions used for ranch work, arena competitions, and racing. They employ advanced breeding techniques including embryo transfer, which requires surrogate mares to carry pregnancies.
Notable Equine Stars
Six's Pick: Bred and raised at the ranch
Bet He's a Cat: Featured in Yellowstone episodes, including scenes with Jimmy's character
The show's popularity has boosted tourism and business in the small town of Guthrie. The Four Sixes Supply House, the ranch's general and hardware store, has experienced significant growth in customer traffic and sales. Originally established to serve the ranch's cowboys who had no nearby shopping options, the store now welcomes visitors from across the United States and internationally.
While the show may inspire viewers to pursue the cowboy lifestyle, Dr. Blodgett cautions that becoming a working cowboy at the Four Sixes would be challenging without prior experience. "Most of the working Cowboys here grew up where their parents were doing the same kind of thing," he points out.
For those interested in experiencing the ranch firsthand, the Four Sixes offers tours by appointment. They also provide paid internship programs for undergraduate students wanting to learn about the equine industry.
Four Sixes Ranch Overview
The Four Sixes Ranch stands as one of the largest ranches in Texas, spanning over 300,000 acres near the small town of Guthrie. While many may recognize it from the popular television show Yellowstone, this working ranch has a rich history and genuine operations that extend far beyond its on-screen appearances. The property has gained significant attention since being featured in the show, attracting visitors from across the United States and even internationally.
Physical Landscape
The ranch dominates the local geography with its vast expanse of green land stretching for miles in every direction. Located about three hours from the Basin, the Four Sixes dwarfs the nearby town of Guthrie in both size and scope. The remote setting means that restaurants and gas stations are sparse in the area, making the iconic "6666" entrance markers a welcome sight for travelers. The property maintains multiple stables and specialized facilities that support its various agricultural and breeding operations.
Industry and Livestock
The Four Sixes Ranch is renowned for its quarter horse breeding program, which has been a cornerstone of its operations since inception. Dr. Glenn Blodgett, who has worked at the ranch for 40 years as a veterinarian, oversees a sophisticated breeding operation that includes:
Quarter horses - the most numerous breed at the ranch
Advanced reproductive techniques including embryo transfer
Breeding of well-respected stallions for ranch work, arena competitions, and racing
The ranch's horse breeding program has produced notable equine celebrities such as "Bet He's a Cat," which has appeared in Yellowstone episodes. Their breeding facility focuses on developing high-quality horses adapted to the demands of the western lifestyle.
The Four Sixes also maintains a significant cattle operation, continuing the traditional ranching practices that have defined the property for generations. The ranch offers educational opportunities through paid internship programs for undergraduates interested in the equine industry, helping to preserve traditional western ranching knowledge.
The ranch's supply house serves as both a general store and hardware outlet for the local cowboys and has become a popular tourist destination since the show's success. Visitors can arrange tours of the property by appointment, allowing them to experience firsthand the authentic western operations that inspired aspects of the Yellowstone series.
The Influence of Yellowstone on Four Sixes Ranch
The popular television series Yellowstone has brought significant attention to the Four Sixes Ranch, a genuine Texas institution that spans over 300,000 acres in Guthrie, Texas. Unlike the fictional Yellowstone Ranch featured in the show, the Four Sixes is a real working ranch with deep historical roots in the Lone Star State. The ranch's appearance in the series has created a surge of interest from viewers who previously thought it was just another fictional element of the show.
Dr. Glenn Blodgett, a veterinarian who has worked at the ranch for 40 years, has witnessed firsthand how the show has sparked interest in ranching and the western lifestyle. "I think the show has probably brought interest from people that maybe didn't own a horse that might want to own a horse," he explains. The portrayal of ranch life, while dramatized for television, has connected viewers to aspects of authentic western culture.
The Four Sixes Ranch is particularly renowned for its quarter horse breeding program. The facility specializes in breeding exceptional quarter horse stallions used for ranch work, arena competitions, and racing. Their advanced breeding practices include embryo transfer technology, utilizing recipient mares as surrogates. This commitment to quality predates the ranch's television fame, as maintaining superior horses has been a priority since the ranch's founding.
Some equine residents of the Four Sixes have even achieved celebrity status through their appearances on Yellowstone. Six's Pick was bred and raised on the ranch, while Bet He's a Cat gained recognition for his scene with the character Jimmy in the show. These horses represent the real-world expertise that underlies the ranch's portrayal in the series.
The economic impact of Yellowstone's popularity extends beyond the ranch itself. The Four Sixes Supply House, a general and hardware store that serves the ranch community, has experienced significant growth in business since the show's success. Originally established to provide necessities for cowboys working on the isolated ranch, the store now welcomes visitors from across the United States and even internationally.
Staff at the supply house frequently encounter tourists surprised to learn that the Four Sixes is a real place. "Some people were like, we didn't know this was a real ranch, we thought that Yellowstone was made up along with the show," one employee notes. These interactions allow staff to share the authentic history and operations of the ranch with enthusiastic visitors.
For those inspired by Jimmy's character arc in Yellowstone, the reality of becoming a working cowboy at the Four Sixes presents significant challenges. Most of the ranch's cowboys grew up in families already immersed in this lifestyle. While not impossible for newcomers to develop the necessary skills, the learning curve is steep. This reflects one of the many ways the television series both highlights and simplifies the realities of ranch life.
The Four Sixes does offer opportunities for interested visitors to experience the ranch firsthand through scheduled tours. For those seeking deeper involvement, the ranch maintains an internship program for undergraduate students interested in the equine industry. These programs provide authentic glimpses into the western lifestyle that has captivated television audiences.
Veterinary Perspectives
Dr. Glenn Blodgett's Professional Journey
Dr. Glenn Blodgett brings over four decades of expertise to the Four Sixes Ranch, having served as their veterinarian for 40 years. His veterinary career spans 48 years in total, with a specialized focus on equine care. Throughout his professional life, Dr. Blodgett has maintained deep connections to the livestock industry, particularly concentrating on horses and cattle following his graduation from veterinary school.
His work at the Four Sixes Ranch involves overseeing their renowned quarter horse breeding program. The facility specializes in breeding some of the most respected quarter horse stallions in the industry. These horses serve multiple purposes including ranch work, arena competitions, and racing.
Dr. Blodgett notes that maintaining high-quality horses has been a fundamental goal at the ranch since its inception. The breeding program employs advanced techniques including embryo transfer, which requires recipient mares to serve as surrogates for carrying pregnancies.
Influence of Yellowstone on Horse Enthusiasm
The popular television series Yellowstone has significantly affected public interest in the equestrian lifestyle. Dr. Blodgett observes that the show has sparked curiosity among viewers who previously had no connection to horses. "I think the show has probably brought interest from people that maybe didn't own a horse that might want to own a horse," he explains.
The visual portrayal of horses and their capabilities throughout the series has effectively stimulated wider appreciation for western culture and equestrianism. This increased visibility has resulted in:
More visitors touring the ranch facilities
Greater recognition of quarter horses and their versatility
Enhanced awareness of professional equine breeding practices
Expanded interest in western horsemanship techniques
While television naturally differs from reality, the Four Sixes Ranch continues its authentic operations as it has for generations, now with a broader audience appreciating their work. The ranch's breeding program, including its famous stallions like "Bet He's a Cat" (who appeared in Yellowstone), continues to attract attention from horse enthusiasts around the world.
The Four Sixes Ranch Operations
Horse Breeding Excellence
The Four Sixes Ranch spans over 300,000 acres in Guthrie, Texas, making it one of the largest ranches in the state. The ranch has built its reputation on exceptional breeding practices. Dr. Glenn Blodgett, who has worked at the ranch for 40 years as a veterinarian, oversees these operations with meticulous attention to detail.
The ranch specializes in Quarter Horses, which Dr. Blodgett notes are the most numerous horse breed in the world. Their breeding program employs advanced techniques including embryo transfer, which requires recipient or surrogate mares to carry pregnancies. This scientific approach has helped the Four Sixes maintain its status as a premier breeding facility.
"It's really been a goal here since the inception to always have good horses," explains Dr. Blodgett, who has dedicated his career to the livestock industry, particularly focusing on horses and cattle after veterinary school. The ranch's commitment to quality has made it a leader in the equine world long before its recent television fame.
Behind the Scenes: The Stallion Program
The Four Sixes Ranch houses several notable Quarter Horse stallions that have earned industry-wide respect. These horses serve multiple purposes—working on the ranch, competing in arena events, and racing. The stallion collection process is a regular and matter-of-fact part of ranch operations.
Among the notable equine residents is Six's Pick, a horse bred and raised on the property. Even more recognizable to Yellowstone viewers is Bet He's a Cat, who has made several appearances on the show. This stallion gained particular fame as "the horse that Jimmy collected" in one memorable scene.
The ranch offers paid internship opportunities for undergraduate students interested in learning about the equine industry. These programs provide hands-on experience with the ranch's breeding operations and horse management practices. For those interested in seeing these operations firsthand, the ranch does accommodate tours by appointment.
Since gaining popularity through the Yellowstone series, interest in the ranch and its equine program has increased substantially. Dr. Blodgett notes, "I think the show has probably brought interest from people that maybe didn't own a horse that might want to own a horse when they see the horses and see what they can do."
Four Sixes Ranch in Popular Culture
Yellowstone Connection
The Four Sixes Ranch has gained significant public attention through its appearances on the hit television series "Yellowstone." Unlike the fictional Yellowstone Ranch in Montana portrayed in the show, the Four Sixes is an authentic working ranch spanning over 300,000 acres in Guthrie, Texas. The ranch served as a filming location for portions of the series, particularly scenes involving the character Jimmy Hurdstrom.
In the show's storyline, Jimmy is sent from Montana to the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas to learn proper ranching skills and avoid trouble. This plot element introduced viewers nationwide to the real-life ranch. Many fans were surprised to discover the Four Sixes actually exists, having assumed it was a fictional creation like the Yellowstone Ranch.
The show's popularity has significantly increased tourism to this small Texas town. Tour requests have dramatically risen as fans travel from across the United States and even internationally, including visitors from as far away as Australia, to see the famous location firsthand.
Equine Excellence
The Four Sixes Ranch enjoys fame beyond television for its exceptional quarter horse breeding program. Dr. Glenn Blodgett, who has worked at the ranch for over 40 years as a veterinarian, oversees a sophisticated breeding operation that produces some of the industry's most respected quarter horse stallions.
These prized horses serve multiple purposes:
Ranch work
Arena competitions
Racing events
The facility employs advanced breeding techniques, including embryo transfer requiring surrogate mares. This commitment to quality horse breeding predates the ranch's television fame by many decades.
Several equine stars from the ranch have made cameo appearances on "Yellowstone." One notable example is "Bet He's a Cat," the horse Jimmy collects from in a memorable scene. Another ranch-bred horse, "Six's Pick," has also been featured on the show.
The Four Sixes Supply House, the ranch's general and hardware store, has experienced a business boom since the show's rise in popularity. Originally established to serve ranch employees who had no other nearby options for supplies, the store now welcomes curious visitors who come to learn about the ranch's authentic history and operations.
Local Business Growth
The town of Guthrie, Texas has experienced significant economic benefits from its connection to a popular television series. The small community surrounding a historic ranch has seen a surge in tourism and business activity since the property was featured on screen.
The 4-6 Supply House
The ranch's general and hardware store serves as a hub for local cowboys and visitors alike. Originally established to provide necessities for ranch workers who had no other shopping options within 30 miles, the store has evolved significantly over the years.
The shop maintains its historic character while offering a variety of merchandise. Staff regularly share the authentic stories and heritage of the property with curious visitors who often express surprise that the ranch is a real working operation rather than a fictional creation.
Visitor Surge After Television Exposure
Tourism has increased dramatically since the ranch appeared in the hit show. The store now welcomes guests from across the United States and international locations like Australia.
The property offers guided tours by appointment, allowing fans to experience the authentic Western lifestyle depicted in the series. Many visitors are drawn to the equine operations, particularly after seeing the ranch's horses on screen.
Notable equine residents include:
Six's Pick: A horse bred and raised on the property
Bet He's a Cat: A recognizable equine who made multiple appearances on the television program
For undergraduate students interested in the equine industry, the ranch provides paid internship opportunities to learn about their prestigious horse breeding program.
The Cowboy Existence
The Daily Obstacles of Ranch Life
Being a cowboy isn't just about wearing a hat and boots—it's a demanding lifestyle that requires specific skills and knowledge passed down through generations. Most working cowboys at prestigious ranches like the Four Sixes in Texas grew up in families already immersed in this tradition. Their parents likely performed similar work, giving them a foundation of experience that's difficult to acquire later in life.
For newcomers without this background, ranch work presents significant challenges. While it's possible for young, inexperienced individuals to develop into cowboys, the learning curve is steep. Ranch work demands physical endurance, animal handling expertise, and adaptability to harsh conditions.
The livestock responsibilities alone require specialized knowledge. Consider horse breeding operations, where tasks can range from sophisticated veterinary procedures to daily animal care. Cowboys must understand embryo transfers, breeding techniques, and proper handling of valuable stallions—skills that take years to master.
Ranch Living and Western Traditions
The Four Sixes Ranch exemplifies authentic western living across its expansive 300,000 acres in Guthrie, Texas. Located about three hours from the Basin, this working ranch houses significantly more livestock than people, creating a genuine immersion in the western lifestyle.
The ranch maintains prestigious quarter horse breeding operations, focusing on producing superior horses for:
Ranch work
Arena competitions
Racing events
At the heart of the Four Sixes operation is a commitment to quality horsemanship that dates back to the ranch's founding. Their breeding program includes advanced techniques like embryo transfers requiring surrogate mares to carry pregnancies.
The isolated nature of ranch life has created self-sufficient communities. The Four Sixes Supply House serves as both general store and hardware supplier for cowboys working on the property. This store became necessary because the nearest alternative shopping options are over 30 miles away.
Ranch life revolves around practical needs rather than conveniences. Daily work with horses and cattle takes precedence, with cowboys developing deep appreciation for the animals that enable their lifestyle. As Dr. Glenn Blodgett, a veterinarian with 48 years of experience who has worked at the ranch for 40 years, explains, this connection to livestock—particularly horses—forms the cornerstone of authentic western living.
Opportunities for Learning and Visiting
The Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie, Texas offers several ways for visitors and students to experience authentic ranch life. This working ranch, spanning over 300,000 acres, has opened its doors to visitors interested in learning about its renowned horse breeding program and cattle operations.
Tours of the ranch are available to the public by appointment. Interested visitors need to call ahead to arrange a time to see this historic property featured in the popular television series Yellowstone.
For undergraduate students passionate about horses, the ranch provides a paid internship program focused on the equine industry. This hands-on opportunity allows students to learn from experienced professionals like Dr. Glenn Blodgett, who has served as the ranch veterinarian for 40 years.
The Four Sixes Supply House, the ranch's general and hardware store, welcomes visitors from across the United States and internationally. Staff often share the rich history of the ranch with guests who come to see the real-life location featured in Yellowstone.
While becoming a working cowboy at the Four Sixes might be challenging for those without prior experience, the ranch maintains its commitment to preserving authentic Western traditions and practices. Most current cowboys grew up in families with similar backgrounds, bringing generations of knowledge to their work with the ranch's horses and cattle.
Living the Western Way: Guthrie's Legacy
The Four Sixes Ranch, spanning over 300,000 acres near Guthrie, Texas, has gained significant attention since its appearance on the popular TV show Yellowstone. Located about three hours from the Basin, this ranch is substantially larger than the town itself and represents one of the largest ranches in Texas.
Dr. Glenn Blodgett, who has worked at the ranch for 40 years and practiced veterinary medicine for 48, provides valuable insight into the horse breeding operations at Four Sixes. The ranch is renowned for breeding some of the most respected quarter horse stallions in the industry, used for ranch work, arena competitions, and racing.
"It's certainly nothing that I ever expected I would be doing in my lifetime," Dr. Blodgett remarks about his connection to the livestock industry. The ranch employs advanced breeding techniques, including embryo transfer requiring surrogate mares to carry pregnancies.
Visitors to the ranch might recognize some equine celebrities from the show, including a horse named "Bet he's a cat" who made several appearances on Yellowstone. This connection to the show has significantly boosted interest in the western lifestyle.
The popularity of Yellowstone has brought economic benefits to Guthrie. The Four Sixes Supply House, a general and hardware store with deep historical roots, has experienced increased sales due to visitors from across the United States and internationally.
"Some people were like 'we didn't know this was a real Ranch, we thought that Yellowstone was made up,'" explains a store representative. Tourists from as far away as Australia come to explore the authentic western experience depicted in the show.
For those interested in experiencing the Four Sixes firsthand, the ranch offers tours by appointment. They also provide paid internship programs for undergraduates wanting to learn about the equine industry. However, becoming a genuine cowboy at Four Sixes isn't easy without experience.
Most working cowboys at the ranch grew up in families with similar backgrounds. While it's possible for newcomers to develop into cowboys, ranch representatives acknowledge it would be a challenging experience requiring dedication and persistence.
