Wyoming
Chad Madsen Of Afton Owns Wyoming's Largest Horse Herd — And Knows Them All By Name
Blaze a new trail in the wilds of Wyoming with just about any outfitter or dude ranch in the state, and chances are you’ve ridden on one of the thousands of horses owned by Chad Madsen.
Madsen is the owner of Yellowstone Horse Rentals in Afton, Wyoming. To say it’s an empire is no stretch. When Madsen looks out on his herd of 2,500 horses in winter, he sees a horse horizon. Nothing but horses from near to far.
The horses are sent out to dude ranches and outfitters across Wyoming and beyond in the summer. Then they rotate into hunting parties in the fall.
Wintertime, there are some horses that go out into the Wyoming winter for sleigh rides and the like, but most of them take a trip to Madsen’s Pavilion Ranch for a well-earned vacation.
They’ll get new shoes and shots, as well as all the hay they want, until it’s time for them to get back to work, taking tourists on adventures in the Wyoming wilderness.
Believe it or not, Madsen said he knows every one of all these 2,500 horses by name, as well as all of their individual quirks. It’s all part of ensuring every customer across the state gets the horses they’re going to like the best.
“With new horses, we’ll send in a description with the do’s and the don’ts,” Madsen told Cowboy State Daily. “Whether this horse is a good kid horse or a good lady’s horse or a guide horse.”
Some ranches have favorites, Madsen added, and those favorite horses will go back, year after year, to the exact same ranch throughout their careers.
If, on the other hand, a horse isn’t working out at a particular ranch, Madsen will rotate that horse to a new group, making sure it has the right fit.
“One horse might be hard to catch, but he’s a really good ride,” Madsen said. “Another might be fast in the line when they’re walking. It just kind of depends on the horse.”
-
Some of Chad Madsen’s horses run through the western Wyoming snow. (Photo by Skye Clark and courtesy Chad Madsen) -
A blue-eyed horse seems unfazed by the western Wyoming snow. (Courtesy Chad Madsen)
Building A Horse Empire
Madsen didn’t start out to build the largest horse herd in Wyoming. His family had an outfitting business with its own herd of horses, so he was familiar with them and loved working with the animals.
Then in high school, he worked in the horse-leasing business.
“When I was 21, that guy wanted to sell his horses, so I talked the bank into loaning me some money to put down, and he financed me on the rest,” Madsen said. “That was 350 head of horses 25 years ago in the middle of March.”
That was as big as Madsen figured he’d ever get. But times changed, and Madsen was just ideally positioned to fill a growing need.
“When I first started out, a lot of local guys in the fall had their own horses,” he said. “But now, nobody wants to own their own horses just to go hunting.”
Wyoming outfitters, meanwhile, have a short, eight-week season.
“You just can’t financially justify owning horses for that,” Madsen said. “Dude ranches in the summer can’t really justify owning horses for a 12-week season either.”
For Madsen, the timeframes all work out well for all three of the tourism industry’s biggest needs.
“The horses coming from their summer releases are in good shape,” he said. “They’ve been getting used all summer. So that’s really a lot better than owning a horse who is fat and out of shape and doesn’t really want to go up the hill to go hunting.”
Buying Them Gentle
Madsen travels across the country every winter to stock up his herd with gentle horses.
“Our goal is to buy them already gentle,” Madsen said. “We don’t really have any tricks other than that. There’s no substitute for work. Horses that work for a living are the ones you want.”
Madsen will buy 250 to 300 new horses every year, and goes to auctions all winter long, making sure he’s all stocked up for the summer.
“We like the draft crosses,” he said. “They’re not all draft crosses, but we like quarter horses. The bigger frame, bigger boned, bigger-footed horses.”
Madsen buys horses from the “ground up.”
He looks at their feet, he looks for a sound body, and he looks for that friendly, gentle temperament that means they’ll be a happy horse for a dude ranch or outfitting group.
“Generally, you want to buy them in the prime of their life,” he said. “We don’t always do that, but that’s what we want.”
He does still buy older horses though. They are often good for children.
“Not every horse you buy is gonna work,” he added. “That’s just how it is.”
-
Chad Madsen driving a team of his horses on a winter sleigh. (Courtesy Chad Madsen) -
A pair of horses named Faceoff and Stardust at Chad Madsen’s ranch in Afton, Wyoming. Despite having 2,500 horses in his huge herd, Madsen says he knows every horse by name and termperament. (Courtesy Chad Madsen) -
Chad Madsen’s horses are identified by their J Box Dot brand. (Courtesy Chad Madsen)
West Is Short Horses
One reason Madsen travels far and wide to buy horses is that the West is short on them — and getting shorter all the time.
“Some of the bigger cow outfits still use horses, but it’s not like it used to be,” he said. “There are a lot of cow outfits that don’t use horses at all anymore. They use four wheelers and side by sides.”
These days, he’s finding some of his best stock from the Amish, in the Midwest. That’s because the Amish are still very much in the horse business. They still primarily use horses for transportation, farming, and other work.
The shortage of horses has made what Madsen does even more important for the state of Wyoming’s tourism industry.
“The outside money that this brings back into the state of Wyoming is actually pretty remarkable,” Madsen said. “And a lot of that money is coming from outside the state.”
Huge Economic Ripple Effect
Madsen wouldn’t name a specific figure for what his horse herd brings to Wyoming, but said it’s in the millions. That money gets used to buy hay and other supplies for the horses, as well as fix or buy equipment, and shoe horses. It also pays worker salaries, who in turn go out and buy clothes, food, and all the other necessities and wants of life — a huge ripple effect that makes Madsen’s operation a vital prong in the tourism industry.
“I’ve always been kind of proud of that,” Madsen said. “The fact that these horses bring a lot of money into the state. As far as being essential to the tourism of Wyoming, they really are. They’re bringing in a lot of money for the state and helping (tourism) across the state.”
Madsen, meanwhile, loves what he does for a living. Nothing looks more beautiful to him than that horizon full of beautiful, spirited horses, manes and tails flying in a Wyoming wind.
Renée Jean can be reached at renee@cowboystatedaily.com.
A pair of bills signed into law last week aim to build out a more comprehensive system of literacy education across Wyoming’s public schools.
One mandates evidence-based practices and requires regular screenings for dyslexia, while the other enables the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) to hire a dedicated literacy professional to oversee statewide compliance.
Gov. Mark Gordon’s signing of both bills on Friday was the latest accomplishment of an ongoing push for improved literacy standards. That push has been spearheaded by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.
“Wyoming is not going to let a single child fall through the cracks,” Degenfelder said during a public bill signing last week. “We are not going to fall behind when it comes to ensuring that our children can read at grade level.”
The primary bill, Senate File 59, establishes a statewide K-12 program for teaching students to read that is built on “evidence based language and literacy instruction, assessment, intervention and professional development that supports educators, engages families and promotes literacy proficiency for all Wyoming students.”
The bill defines evidence-based strategies as those that conform to the science of reading, a term that will be defined and updated by Degenfelder’s office. Nationwide, it generally means putting academic research into practice in classrooms. SF 59 specifically prohibits the exclusive use of “three-cueing” — a strategy once widely employed to teach reading but which education experts now say is outdated and less effective than other strategies.
It also requires annual dyslexia screeners for students below the third grade, and testing for reading difficulties for all students.
The screeners are used to identify the severity of reading difficulties in order to direct “tiered” support that offers the most intensive interventions to the students most in need, while still providing “evidence based” language instruction to all students.
Each school district must formulate an individualized reading plan “for each student identified as having reading difficulties or at risk for poor reading outcomes.”
Districts must now report to the state annually regarding their literacy-related work. Any district where 60% or more of the students are struggling will be required to implement “summer literacy camps or extended supports, including after school support and tutoring.”
The bill also requires literacy related professional development for teachers and specialists “appropriate to their role and level of responsibility” related to literacy education.
SF 59 was backed by dyslexia advocates and literacy specialists.
Senate File 14, the other literacy bill signed into law Friday, appropriates $120,000 annually for the next two years for a full-time position at WDE “to assist school districts in implementing a reading assessment and intervention program and language and literacy programs.”
Both bills go into effect July 1.
LARAMIE — The University of Wyoming and the Mountain West Conference announced the Cowboys’ 2026 football schedule Monday, a slate that opens with the Border War and concludes with back-to-back home games in Laramie.
Wyoming opens the season Sept. 5 on the road against Colorado State in the 118th edition of the Border War. The Cowboys then host Northern Colorado on Sept. 12 in the home opener before traveling to Central Michigan on Sept. 19.
The Cowboys begin Mountain West play Sept. 26 at home against Hawaii in a matchup for the Paniolo Trophy. Wyoming then faces back-to-back road games at North Dakota State on Oct. 3 and San Jose State on Oct. 10.
Advertisement – Story continues below…
University of Wyoming sports coverage
in Southwest Wyoming is supported by these great sponsors:
Wyoming returns to War Memorial Stadium on Oct. 17 to host conference newcomer Northern Illinois before facing Air Force at home on Oct. 24. The Cowboys will have an open week on Oct. 31.
The Cowboys open November with road games at UNLV on Nov. 7 and at UTEP on Nov. 14, marking Wyoming’s first meeting with the Miners as members of the Mountain West. Wyoming closes conference play by hosting New Mexico on Nov. 21 and wraps up the regular season with a nonconference game against UConn on Nov. 28 in Laramie.
Each Mountain West team will play four home and four road conference games during the 13-week season, which will conclude with the Mountain West Football Championship Game featuring the two teams with the highest conference winning percentages. The championship game date will be announced later.
With the conference schedule set, Mountain West television partners CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and The CW will begin selecting broadcast games, which could include moving some contests to non-Saturday dates. Network assignments and kickoff times will be announced at a later date.
Season ticket renewals for the 2026 Wyoming football season are now available. Fans can renew their tickets online by visiting gowyo.com/tickets and logging into their account.
The 2026 Wyoming prep girls’ basketball season is nearly done. Two state champions were crowned in Classes 1A and 2A last Saturday. Southeast won the 1A title for the third consecutive season, and Sundance won the 2A title for the first time in eight years. Class 3A and 4A held their regional tournaments, which qualified teams for the state tournament later this week in Casper.
WYOPREPS WEEK 12 GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS 2026
These are the girls’ basketball team records for all games played through March 7, 2026. For all but 16 teams, this is the final record of the season. Those squads will play in the 3A-4A state tournament starting on Thursday in Casper.
1A Northwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Burlington 24-5, 8-0
Riverside 14-10, 6-2
Dubois 11-10, 4-4
St. Stephens 3-16, 1-7
Meeteetse 1-20, 1-7
1A Southwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Cokeville 23-4, 10-0
Little Snake River 23-4, 8-2
Farson-Eden 16-12, 5-5
Saratoga 13-11, 5-5
Ft. Washakie 8-13, 2-8
Encampment 3-19, 0-10
1A Northeast: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Upton 16-7, 10-0
Kaycee 13-12, 7-3
Hulett 12-13, 7-3
Arvada-Clearmont 9-12, 4-6
Casper Christian 4-13, 2-8
Midwest 1-16, 0-10
1A Southeast: (Overall Record, followed by Reg. Season Points)
Southeast 24-5, 40 points
Lingle-Ft. Laramie 17-11, 31 points
Lusk 15-13, 26 points
H.E.M. 13-11, 24 points
Rock River 6-14, 12 points
Guernsey-Sunrise 2-18, 4 points
2A Northwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Thermopolis 16-13, 5-1
Greybull 16-15, 4-2
Rocky Mountain 9-17, 2-4
Shoshoni 11-18, 1-5
2A Southwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Wyoming Indian 23-7, 6-0
Big Piney 8-16, 4-2
Kemmerer 2-21, 1-5
Wind River 2-23, 1-5
2A East: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Sundance 23-4, 5-0
Big Horn 21-6, 4-1
Tongue River 18-11, 3-2
Pine Bluffs 17-12, 2-3
Moorcroft 7-18, 1-4
Wright 3-23, 0-5
Read More Girls Basketball News from WyoPreps
WyoPreps 1A-2A Girls State Basketball Scoreboard 2026
WyoPreps 3A-4A Girls Regional Basketball Scoreboard 2026
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Final Basketball Poll 2026
WyoPreps 1A-2A Girls Regional Basketball Scoreboard 2026
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Poll 2-25-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 10 Scores 2026
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Poll 2-18-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 9 Scores 2026
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Polls 2-11-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 8 Scores 2026
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Polls 2-4-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 7 Scores 2026
Nominate A Basketball Player for the WyoPreps Athlete of the Week Honor
3A West: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Cody 24-0, 10-0
Lander 21-4, 9-1
Pinedale 20-5, 7-3
Powell 16-9, 6-4
Lovell 16-10, 4-6
Worland 9-16, 2-8
Lyman 10-11, 2-8
Mountain View 4-19, 0-10
3A East: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Wheatland 22-4, 10-0
Buffalo 13-11, 8-2
Douglas 14-11, 6-4
Burns 16-13, 5-5
Torrington 10-11, 5-5
Glenrock 12-13, 3-7
Newcastle 1-22, 1-9
Rawlins 2-21, 0-10
4A Northwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Green River 23-2, 6-0
Natrona County 9-16, 4-2
Kelly Walsh 8-15, 2-4
Rock Springs 5-20, 0-6
4A Southwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Star Valley 16-7, 5-1
Evanston 16-10, 5-1
Riverton 7-19, 1-5
Jackson 3-19, 1-5
4A East: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Cheyenne East 21-3, 11-1
Cheyenne Central 16-9, 10-2
Sheridan 14-10, 7-5
Thunder Basin 14-10, 6-6
Laramie 12-11, 6-6
Campbell County 1-19, 1-10
Cheyenne South 1-21, 0-11
*The second Campbell County-Cheyenne South girls’ game was canceled.
Wyoming 3A Boys Swimming & Diving State Championships 2026
Photos from the 3A Boys State Swim Meet
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Marcello Monterastelli Photography & Jared Newland, WHSAA
Trading property tax for sales tax: Legislature moves forward with parts of homeowner relief package
In final address, Gov. Bill Lee credits TN economic, innovation gains
Most applicants for Texas school choice vouchers already attend private schools, state data shows
‘They’re trying to change the rules’: Republicans ramp up fight to stop new maps in Utah
Vermont highway shut down following rock slide
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Map: 2.3-Magnitude Earthquake Reported North of New York City
Trump stirs GOP primary drama with visit to Massie’s Kentucky home turf
Israeli air strike targets building in south Lebanon
Ed Martin, outspoken Justice Department lawyer, is formally accused of ethical violations | CNN Politics
Trump reveals top issues GOP should focus on to secure midterms victory: ‘I’ve never been more confident’
-
Wisconsin1 week agoSetting sail on iceboats across a frozen lake in Wisconsin
-
Massachusetts1 week agoMassachusetts man awaits word from family in Iran after attacks
-
Maryland1 week agoAM showers Sunday in Maryland
-
Pennsylvania5 days agoPa. man found guilty of raping teen girl who he took to Mexico
-
Florida1 week agoFlorida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days
-
Sports6 days agoKeith Olbermann under fire for calling Lou Holtz a ‘scumbag’ after legendary coach’s death
-
Virginia6 days agoGiants will hold 2026 training camp in West Virginia
-
Politics1 week agoMamdani’s response to Trump’s Iran strike sparks conservative backlash: ‘Rooting for the ayatollah’