The legacy began four generations ago with a ranch 15 miles southwest of Viking that was owned by Louis and Molly Ruzicka. Louis loved his grain farming, was a natural mechanic, and that was his passion. He had a terrific work ethic and taught his children well. Their son Greg, having been schooled by his uncles Joe & Fred Swoboda in the area of caring for cattle and horses, soon discovered (as a very young boy) that this is where his passion lay. Greg is grateful for their early interest in his life, and later his life’s work which he has been blessed to enjoy.
In 1972 the ranch was purchased by Greg and his wife Lynn. Backed with the principles of great work ethics, integrity, and honest business, the ranch grew to what it is today – a foundation of quality Quarter Horses and reputable Angus cattle.
A tradition of excellence has brought third generation children into the fold at the Ruzicka Ranch.
The cattle division of the ranch is managed by Greg and son Mike Ruzicka. With great pride and pleasure, they have worked together to ensure the two cattle herds of both Red and Black Angus incorporate the finest genetics and produce exceptional breeding heifers.
The Quarter Horse division of the farm is managed by Greg and daughter Carolyn VanCleave.
Carolyn has taken great interest in horses since she was a very young child and is absolutely passionate about them. This passion has spilled over into the development of the Ruzicka Ranch Quarter Horse herd, where Carolyn and Greg work together incorporating proven genetics into a growing herd of quality bloodstock. Carolyn works as the advisor to Greg, tracking great stallions and the magic cross match to improve the quality of horses year after year – a passion that is built on 20 years of tradition and innovation.
Both Carolyn and her husband, Danny, work with and market the young horses, and do much of the preparations for the annual September production sale, while managing the growing number of outside mares brought to the farm each year for breeding. Rodeo, stock horse, and ranchers alike now visit the annual production sale – incorporating the foundation of the Ruzicka Ranch program into their remuda.
Family ties remain strong at the Ruzicka Ranch and the six children and 12 grandchildren of Greg and Lynn, the new generation of horsemen and women, come home to work and play under blue Alberta skies, surrounded by a heritage that they are all proud of. This is the Ruzicka Ranch – where quality Quarter Horses, reputable cattle, strong genetics, and a committed family ensure that the tradition rides on!