Friends and Clients,

We regret to inform you that Catamount Ranch has closed its doors. The closure followed a long struggle where:

1. The success and growth of our business was disregarded by financial institutions whose most common comment was that "Vermont has no need for agriculture…"
2. Workers at the Vermont Dept. of Taxes acknowledged that it had seriously overtaxed the ranch but refused to correct their mistake
3. A local political climate spoke openly of preserving farms, but then privately supported efforts to harass and restrict our growth

During its operation, Catamount Ranch had many successes:

1. We became known for our ability to train and educate horses and mules when other trainers said they could not be trained
2. We helped hundreds of equine owners learn to better understand and communicate with their mounts
3. We founded the Vermont Mounted Response Unit, which has already saved dozens of lives, captured multiple felons and helped prevent a stalker from attacking the Governor

No longer in Vermont, we have moved to northern New Mexico and found a place where business can still be done with a handshake.

Grant serves as the general manager at Surprise Valley Ranch and commands the U.S. Mounted Response Training Center. Stefanie serves as assistant manager and webmaster for the ranch. Combined, we are responsible for ensuring that the training center, the ranch and over 10,000 acres of remote canyons and mountain terrain are kept in top condition.

We invite you to visit www.surprisevalleyranch.com and contact us to arrange a vacation or training program.

And remember, time in the saddle or with brush in hand is time gained.

Best to All,

Grant & Stefanie