François aka "Funny Frenchman"
Our Manager/ Ranch Hand responsible for the ranch operations of our organization.
He is a true jack-of-all-trades, but his heart belongs to the horses. Every morning, his first priority is to inspect them with the utmost care for their well-being. Afterward, he hops on the tractor to drag and water the arenas, ensuring our boarding clients have the best possible riding surface. And to top it all off, he’s incredibly funny.
Read more about François…
He handles all the maintenance, is incredibly handy, fixes everything, and mows around the cabins. When hay season arrives, he proudly mows the paddocks and transforms them into beautiful large round bales: the finest food for our horses on the Open Range. The rest is shipped via HaytoYou to our beloved Netherlands, so Dutch horses can also enjoy this delicious sun-dried hay.
Outside of work, François plays the drums in a band and loves a good party. In his free time, you might even find him dancing in his kitchen—because, as he says, it’s good for both the head and the body. Above all, he is a true horseman. He is a skilled show jumper himself and has experience in horse breeding. He has extensive knowledge of bloodlines and a keen eye for quality and pairings. He keeps a close watch on the pregnant mares and manages the insemination process. If something is wrong with a horse, he always makes time to take a look and offer advice.
François, aka "Funny Frenchman," is also—as the name suggests—very funny. He always walks around with a smile and will definitely try to pull your leg. He is a wonderful guy to have as our main man on the ranch. Without him, we would be seriously lost; he’s the one who truly knows his way around this 200-hectare property.
He has been working at the Open Range for eight years now, and we hope to have him with us for many more to come. Just stay young, FFM!!!
Anna – Ranch Hand
At 25 years old, Anna is an indispensable part of our team. As a dedicated Ranch Hand, she ensures that everything on the ranch is running seamlessly.
Whether she’s operating the tractor to drag the indoor and outdoor arenas or carefully checking and feeding both our own horses and our clients' horses, Anna does it all with precision. She keeps the paddocks pristine and makes sure every animal under her care is happy and healthy.
Read more about Anna…
While Anna is naturally a bit introverted, those who take the time to get to know her discover a kind, hardworking, and cheerful personality. She is known for her punctuality and the genuine joy she finds in her daily work. Her eye for detail and work ethic make her a favorite among both the staff and the horses.
In addition to her skills on the ranch, Anna is bilingual, speaking both French and English. Even though she might not always be the first to start a conversation, she truly enjoys a friendly chat. So, if you see her around the ranch, don’t hesitate to say hello! She may be quiet at first, but she’ll always greet you with a smile.
Meet Stéphanie: Keeping Our Bunkhouses Cozy & Bright
When you walk into your bunkhouse and feel that instant "home on the range" coziness, that’s the work of Stéphanie. She’s the one who ensures our cabins are fresh, clean, and prepared for your ranch adventure. With a tireless work ethic and a smile that lights up the ranch, Stéphanie makes sure your stay starts off on the right foot.
The Magic Touch for a Rustic Retreat
Our bunkhouses are meant for relaxing and enjoying the ranch life, and Stéphanie has an eye for detail to make that happen. She is thorough and hardworking, ensuring every bed is ready for a deep sleep after a day outdoors. She takes great pride in making our cabins feel warm and welcoming.
A Warm Welcome in Any Language
Stéphanie is as versatile as she is friendly! Whether you want to say hello or ask a quick question, she’s happy to chat. She is multilingual, speaking French, Portuguese, English and even a little bit of Dutch!
Hard Work Worth Rewarding
Stéphanie’s cheerful energy is infectious; you’ll rarely see her without a smile on her face. She does everything in her power to make your stay as pleasant as possible. If you appreciate the extra care she puts into keeping your bunkhouse cozy and clean, leaving a tip is a great way to show your thanks. She truly deserves it for the dedication she brings to our ranch family every day.
Daily Care from People Who See the Whole Horse
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Monitoring
Your horse's health is monitored daily
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Paddocks with fresh water
Paddocks with fresh water
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Unlimited biological hay
Unlimited biological hay
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Hoof health
Hoof health
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Ticks overall condition
Ticks overall condition
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Clean shelter
Clean shelter
Meet the owners
We are Rick and Rachelly, and we’ve brought our American dream to life. Open Range isn’t just a ranch; it’s as if a piece of Montana was transported straight to the French countryside. After twenty years of running a successful gym chain in the Netherlands, we traded our busy working life for the rugged Western lifestyle. Here, our love for nature and animal welfare comes together in an authentic ranch setting.
Our American Dream, Closer to Home
Our story truly began in 2006, when we got married in the Grand Canyon. That moment solidified our lifelong love for the Great Outdoors and the American West. For years, we dreamed of a ranch in Montana or Canada, but we didn't want to leave our family and friends too far behind. When we found this spot in France, we knew it was "the one." We have built Open Range to be a true Western escape—with the look, feel, and soul of a classic American ranch, but with the charm of Europe.
Life on the Range
We live and breathe the outdoor life. Rachelly spends her days dedicated to the well-being of our animals, while Rick is always "on the move"—building, repairing, and improving the ranch. Whether we are out on horseback, mountain biking, or checking the fences in our electric side-by-sides, we spend every possible second outside.
A Natural Paradise for Horses
At Open Range, animal welfare is our heartbeat. We want our horses to live as nature intended:
- Herd Life: Horses are social animals, so they always live in groups (from two up).
- The Land: They roam on large, rolling pastures with natural shelter and sturdy Western-style run-in sheds.
- Health: Unlimited hay and fresh water are always available.
Hospitality with a Western Twist
We love the social side of ranch life! Besides our horse activities, we offer three awesome guest cabins and a legendary Saloon. The Saloon is where the magic happens—it’s the place to grab a drink, play a game of pool or darts, and share stories with our guests. This combination of hard work, animal care, and "Western hospitality" is exactly who we are. Together with our dedicated staff and our animals, we enjoy this paradise every single day.
Welcome to Open Range!
Rachelly & Rick
Come and discover the magic of Open Range!
Step into the world of the open range and experience the true essence of Western life.