Denton County is home to numerous champion horses and riders, including Tom McCutcheon of Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses, Inc. and Jordan Larson of Skyline Ranch, both of Aubrey.   McCutcheon and Larson recently represented the United States with two other horse and rider teams, including Pete Kyle of Kyle Ranch in Whitesboro and Craig Schmersal of Marietta, OK at the Federation of Equestrian Internationals World Reining Championship in Manerbio, Italy in September. 

“When you have the amount of trainers, facilities and horses that we have in this area, you’re going to have the best of the best,” said Barbara Wibbels, manager at Tom McCutcheon’s ranch.  “I think because we have so many it adds a bit more to the competitiveness, so we’re striving to breed and train the best.”

“It is with great excitement that the Denton CVB incorporated the Horse Country Tour into its regular Denton product presentation this year.  The high caliber of ranches and farms in this area is evident by the number of championship trophies we see displayed at these ranches,” said Kim Phillips, Vice President of the Denton CVB.  “This level of credibility really enhances the tours for the visitors and generates more interest and appreciation for the equestrian industry.” 

The Horse Country Tour, which has gained much recognition in the travel and tourism marketplace across Texas and beyond, was launched by the Denton Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) in February 2006 as a self-guided driving tour.  It is now a popular regular tour offered to area residents and visitors.  The Saturday tour originates at the Denton County Historical Park at the corner of Carroll and Mulberry, near the Bayless-Selby House Museum.  It departs at 9:00 am and includes visits to some area ranches and it returns to the Bayless-Selby House Museum at approximately 1:00 p.m., allowing guests the option to enjoy many of dining options for lunch on or around the courthouse square in downtown Denton.    

Tickets are $25 each and should be purchased in advance at the CVB/Chamber office located at 414 W. Parkway, or by calling 940-382-7895.  “Day of” tickets are available for $30 on a stand-by basis with cash payment only.  For more information, call (940) 382-7895 or visit www.discoverdenton.com.  The Denton CVB can arrange and conduct private tours for groups year-round.  Please contact the Denton CVB for more details on private tours.