About Us
It has been said that nothing fertilizes the soil like the footsteps of its owners. Since 1965 we have watched the ranch that is our home become the vision of our family so long ago.
We have always felt that ours was a unique life, where we enjoy the undisturbed, unchanged beauty and solitude of the ranch combined with the amenities of a top quality resort. Add to that the opportunity to meet and spend time with our guests from around the world, and it makes for an amazing life.
As we look out across the timeless desert landscape to the mountains, we appreciate the lifestyle we have inherited. It is a privilege to share this experience and see it again through the eyes of our guests.
Who We Are
We are two brothers who had the good fortune to have grown up on our family dude ranch. In 1965 our parents took the gamble of their lives and bought White Stallion Ranch, a dude ranch wih 17 rooms and 200 acres. Through sacrifice, hard work, and vision they expanded the ranch to 3,000 acres and 45 rooms.
History
White Stallion Ranch was originally built in the 1900s and like most guest ranches began as a cattle ranch. The original property was constructed of Mexican adobe brick made of mudand straw. (During renovations, such items as wire and horseshoes have been found in walls.) A small part of this adobe has been left exposed and can be seen in the ranch dining room, the original building. In the 1930s, chickens and turkeys were added and the ranch developed quite a business with 30,000 birds.
In 1940, the ranch was bought by Max Zimmerman (a Chicago liquor store owner) when he moved West and become part of the then 100-strong guest ranch industry in Tucson. Max renamed the ranch MZ Bar Ranch and built six new buildings complete with kitchenettes. These buildings still stand and are now guest rooms 1-12.
In 1948, the ranch changed hands and was bought by the retired governess to the Dupont family. She continued the guest ranch operation and also used the ranch to provide housing for Air Force personnel and their families.In 1958, the ranch was sold to Brew and Marge Towne from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. They had previously stayed at a guest ranch in the area and loved it so much they decided to get into the business. Their favorite horse story was The Black Stallion and they wanted to name the ranch accordingly. They realized, however, that the initials (BS) would be unacceptable and, thus, White Stallion Ranch was born.
By 1965 the Townes were ready to move on and they sold the ranch to Cynthia and Allen True from Denver, Colorado. The purchase consisted of 17 rooms, 17 horses, and 200 acres. The number of guest ranches in the area had dwindled to approximately 30 and theTrues could see the toll that the growth of Tucson was taking on these properties. They began purchasing the adjoining land as it became available, and the ranch grew to its current size of 3,000 acres. Cynthia and Allen dedicated the rest of their lives to the ranch and to raising their two sons Russell and Michael in the business. They succeeded,and to this day the ranch is owned and operated by the second generation of Trues.
White Stallion Ranch has expanded to 41 rooms and suites plus a four-bedroom Hacienda. While keeping up the Old West tradition with many of the original buildings still in use, the True brothers have added modern amenities such as a fitness center with sauna, a sunken lighted tennis court and lighted sports court, and a large recreation room adjoining a movie theater. They have also established one of the largest herds of horses (more than 120) in Arizona and a large herd of cattle (approx. 150). As a result of the urban growth in Tucson, White Stallion Ranch is now one of only two remaining guest ranches in the area. It survives because of the brother's hard work, the foresight of their parents and the loyalty of their guests.
Allen, Russell, Michael and Cynthia True 1968
Russell and Michael with their parents Allen and Cynthia True
Our family's 1st generation, Allen and Cynthia True on Tico and Taco
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