Welcome to Box Hanging Three Ranch

Nestled five miles west of Dubois, Wyoming

Perched at 7100 feet above sea level, the Box Hanging Three Ranch embodies a legacy dating back to the early 1970s, when Sylvia Crouter and her late husband, JD Hodgson, set out on their equine adventure. Our journey began with a dedication to raising Tennesee Walking Horses, championed by our palomino stallion, Alcova Sox. His lineage derives from that of the iconic Norris Moonbeam. Here at our ranch, we take pride in reviving the lines of Golden Oldie. Our horses are trained on our scenic trails and streams. From the splendor of the Wind River to the rugged mountain foothills, our two-year-olds under saddle show confidence as they explore their surroundings.

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Meet Our Trainers & Crew

A man in a cowboy hat and jacket stands proudly, holding a horse by its reins in a sunny outdoor setting.

Martin Kurasz

Horse Trainer

Martin Kurasz has been with us for 38 years. Before this, he trained several horses from the trotting breeds, including a mustang captured off the Wind River Indian Reservation. Martin’s education to the Walking Horse’s four-beat running walk came initially through “on-the-job training” and what might be called “seat of the pants” learning: that is experiencing the feel of the gait and intuiting how to achieve a perfected running walk or rocking chair canter. Martin attended one of the late Diane Gueck’s weeklong clinics in Sherwood, Oregon, for more intense learning about this breed, but he has also taken advantage of Quarter Horse clinics, saying, “You can always pick up something new or useful from someone else.” A young horse “finished” by Martin is as easy riding as a colt can be.

A man in a cowboy hat and shirt stands confidently, embodying a classic Western style.

Eric Thompson

Horse Trainer

Eric Thompson was raised in New Mexico and growing up, was always around horses. As a high school student, he worked part-time for a guest ranch. When he entered the University of Wyoming as a geology major, he worked for an outfit that took in problem horses to be rehabilitated and screened for talent. Eric is married to a native Dubois gal, Johanna Wells, also a geology major, and is part of a family that hosts summer visitors. We know you will be glad to meet him when you visit this ranch.

A woman veterinarian stands in a stable, holding a horse with a nurturing touch, highlighting her love for animals.

Dr. Carolyn Copeland

Horse Vet

Dr. Carolyn Copeland of East Fork Veterinary Services takes good care of our horses. Dr. Copeland is available for emergencies, pre-purchase exams, and all routine veterinary work.