DvH 2010 06 Northern Nevada

Each site and farm and their horses are unique. While there are certain common design features in all barns, simply copying an existing barn cannot begin to address specific needs. A custom design equates control over the layout, materials, special features, and ultimately the construction. The design of a custom barn or farm will address all of your wishes, goals and requirements.

We collect as much information about the property as possible. This includes property survey drawings, aerial photographs, zoning information, and acreage. Then we generate a list of what the client likes to build or develop (i.e., a list of buildings or spaces, number of stalls or paddocks, and any special features that he may desire). By creating an outline of his vision for the project, the design team strives to maintain that vision throughout the entire project.
Architekture 1x1 and DvH design, draws upon their equine experience to evaluate and accommodate the specific needs of the client and the site. Since we do not sell or rely upon a certain type of building system, our client received unbiased evaluations and recommendations for every aspect of his project.

 

Wild Mustangs and Rocket Engines.

The largest herd of wild mustangs in North America once ranged in Northern Washoe County. Tens of thousands of years ago, North America was the original home of the horse. That horse was much smaller and more timid than the horse that eventually evolved into the animals we see today. When man ventured across the land bridge connecting the two continents, about eleven thousand years ago, he hunted the prehistoric horse into extinction. Several fossils have been found around Pyramid Lake and throughout Washoe County indicating that horses lived successfully for thousands of years prior to man arriving in Northern Nevada.

Horses came back to North America with the Spaniards and their missionaries in the 1500’s. In the 1700’s, ranchers from Europe brought more mixtures to the range and by the mid 1800’s the wild horse was firmly a part of the plains and western desert mountains. The plains horses were captured in huge herds during the move west by settlers and again during the many wars, including the Civil War. Then came the automobile, and horses became obsolete. The animals were left to roam the range. Ranchers and sheepherders didn’t like them grazing on their lands so they were hunted. Certain wranglers knew there was extra money in doing this job for the ranchers so they banded together and became the first “Mustangers”, hence the name of the horse. A Northern Nevada gal by the name of Velma Johnston, later known as Wild Horse Annie, took up a campaign to save the horses in the early 1950’s. In 1971, the Wild Horse and Burrow act was signed and the Mustang was saved from extinction.

The movie “The Misfits” starring Clarke Gable and Marilyn Monroe was filmed here, the film shows the unmistakable beauty of Palomino Valley, Winnemucca Lake, and Tule Mountain. Much of the movie was filmed at the Quail Canyon Ranch just west of Pyramid Lake. The Sky Ranch airport was used during filming for the airplane sequences. The little dirt airstrip was later the very first site of the Reno Air Races now held every September at Stead Air Field north of Reno.

North of Spanish Springs on Pyramid Highway 445 the road leads up into a canyon. Near the top, you will come to some unusually large concrete structures.

This is where Rockwell International, later known as Rocketdyne, tested the massive F-1 and J-2 main stage engines for the Saturn V launch vehicle. The rocket engine firing could be heard all over the northern valleys and even as far away as Reno and Sparks during the early 60’s.

Just past this area is a road that goes northwest to the Winnemucca Ranch and the base of Tule Peak.

This area is some of the most beautiful in Northern Washoe County.

If you have a day or two go hike through the area. Little valleys over each rise give way to spectacular sights and herds of deer, antelope, and bighorn sheep. From the valley, it’s hard to tell how much natural beauty exists atop Tule. The top of Tule opens to wonderful views of Pyramid Lake and most of the Red Rock, Honey Lake, and Smoke Creek Desert Areas. The Paiute Indians, who lived in the area near Winnemucca and Old Milk Ranch, held Tule Peak in high esteem.

The area is sacred to the Pyramid Lake Indians.

Not many people know the wonderful story of the valleys of Northern Nevada. From Saturn rocket engine test site to the home of the wild horse, a look down from atop Tule Mountain will affirm your belief that this land is historical and beautiful.