After 40 years of operations, the iconic Griffin Valley Ranch is closing its operations to the public and will resume as a livestock operation.
Well known for its trail rides and summer horse camps, the ranch has been a staple Cochrane area dude ranch, started by Harold Griffin and now run by his grandson – John and wife Dani Owens – since 2009, when the couple took over operations and leased the land from their aunt and uncle, Al and Sheila Griffin, who have decided not to renew their lease.
"It was a surprise to us – the business has been strong, the bills have been paid," said John, adding that his family will take their horses and staff over to start up a new dude ranch – Bar JO Ranch – in the spring of 2020. Their contract ends at the end of December 2019.
Unlike recent years of headlines riddled with businesses shuttering due to soaring costs and shrinking margins, the ranch is not closing due to a lack of success but because land owners Al and Sheila are looking to regain their privacy and expand their livestock operations.
For the Owens, it's the end of an era and the start of a new family dream."Come out and enjoy riding at Griffin Valley Ranch while you can," said John, father of three. "This has been us, my family for the last 10 years. These horses have stories."
John said they are paring back their capacity as they move to Bar JO – which is located on the south portion of the family lands on 320 acres. The Griffin Valley Ranch is on nearly 1,300 acres of ranch, which means that John will be selling around half of his stock of horses to fit the new space.
And where did the name Bar JO come from? It’s all in the brand.
“It’s the brand on over 100 horses that we own on the ranch,” explained John. “My horse, Tucson, is the horse we based the logo after.”
The Owens will also be building a new arena and outbuildings to accommodate plans to carry on with their popular summer camps that provide horsemanship opportunities for youth.
"We have around 700 kids in summer camps this year," said John, explaining that this is nearly triple of the number of kids participating when he took the operation reins a decade ago.
According to a press release issued by the Owens on July 16, camp and trail riding operations will "continue as normal" throughout the balance of the 2019 season. The ranch has weekly and two-day summer camps with busing to and from Calgary, including Cochrane drop off locations.
As a farewell thank you, the Owens are offering 20 per cent discounts for all trail rides for the remainder of the season.
Bar JO Ranch will also be equipped to offer educational opportunities, as well as birthday parties, Stampede events and other events for organizations.
To book with Griffin Valley Ranch this season, contact griffinvalleyranch.ca or call 403-932-7433.
To learn more about Bar JO Ranch, which will be taking bookings for next season by this fall, visit barjo.ca.
