Roof collapse threatens future of local ranch, fundraiser underway

PARKER VILLAGE — A partial roof collapse at a family-run horse ranch has prompted a fundraising effort to preserve what owners describe as a four-generation legacy.

Bobby’s Ranch, which has been in operation for more than 50 years, suffered significant damage to its main barn during a late winter storm in March, when the heavy, thawing snow caused part of the roof to give way.

“We heard some metal creaking in an area of the roof that was never a concern,” one of the family members who runs the ranch, Theresa Osgood, said. “We worked as quickly as we could, but by the time we got the ladders, the roof had come down.”

No people or animals were injured, but the collapse impacted a central structure on the property that houses more than 60 horses and serves as the primary space for lessons, training and boarding.

The damage forced the ranch to close to the public for the entire month of March, halting trail rides and lessons. The roof collapse meant that the ranch had to quickly adjust operations to continue caring for dozens of animals on site.

“We had to be creative about how we fed the 26 horses,” Osgood said. “Once it was safe, we got back to normal duties, but we couldn’t have the public in yet.”

The ranch is home to about 66 horses, along with donkeys, goats, chickens and other animals.

Bobby’s Ranch was founded in 1972 and began its story with just two horses. Current owner, Bobby Haigh, started the ranch when he was 16 with his father Bob Haigh Sr. When the ranch was founded, it acted as a simple way for Haigh to stay busy.

Since then, it has expanded into a community-centered operation offering trail rides, riding lessons, horse boarding, training and occasional celebrations. In addition to its public offerings, the property includes Hidden Acres Sanctuary, a nonprofit that provides lifelong care for older and neglected horses. 

The roof collapse resulted from a combination of heavy snowfall and rising temperatures, which made the snow dense and unevenly distributed across the structure.

“It stayed so cold for so long that when the snow was up there, and it was cold, it was okay because it was lighter,” Osgood said. “But once it warmed up and melted, it got heavier.”

Repairs are expected to be costly. While immediate damage has been estimated at around $13,000, owners say a full roof replacement, including structural supports, could be closer to $300,000.

The ranch started a GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate some of the costs, which has raised more than $12,000 so far. 

Owners say losing the barn, and potentially the ranch, would have lasting consequences not only for their family but for the animals and community tied to it.

“If this barn isn’t fixed, we have to decide whether it’s worth keeping the property,” Cassie Miller, who also runs the ranch, said. “All the horses that have lived here for years would have to be sold and separated. We don’t want that.”

Over the decades, the ranch has become a gathering place for generations of riders and families, many of whom return year after year.

The family is planning a community fundraiser event in May to support rebuilding efforts, with hopes of restoring the barn and reopening it fully.

Link to GoFundMe