The Baird family consists of Dave & Carmel Baird, their 6 children (spouses) and so far, 7 grandbabies! River Lane Ranch is a family-run with a few additional outside team members, who make the ranch complete.

It all began through their own traumatic life experience when their 8yr old daughter had a stroke, the Bairds found that Mike’s healing was improving rapidly through her horseback riding and time spent with the horses. As they watched Mikaela heal with horses, they knew this was the direction they wanted to take for their own ranch and breeding program.

From the time they met their first Gypsy Cob, it was clear to see the breeds energy, love and the connection with people was extraordinary. Trusting in their intuition and the guidance of others…they now have anywhere from seven to fifteen foals a year.

The family is proud to present to you all they have worked and strived to achieve.

One thing is for sure …there is never a dull moment at the Bairds~

Dave Baird is a master carpenter, an incredible craftsman and not to forget… a custom painter. You will find him in his shop or somewhere on the ranch building and/or making improvements to the ranch. The kids call him the Encyclopedia of infinite knowledge (they aren’t kidding). It just seems that if someone needs to know something, fix something, or create something…Dave is the one to help get it done. You’ll also find him driving the horses, foaling out the babies and checking in on all the seniors and rescue horses on the ranch on the daily.

Carmel Baird grew up with horses all around her as her parents and grandparents owned race horses. The love and admiration of horses was something that has always been deep within her soul. She is a very spiritual person who believes in intuition and animal communication. Many would say she’s the boss at the ranch, but she’d just tell you that she is adamant that things get done right and that the horses are always #1.

Melissa is the oldest of the Baird children who has been coined as being like the second Mom. She’s up to date on all the ins and outs of what’s going on in the world around us so she can download in her “Breaking Baird Family News” announcements as she calls them. Haha. Often, she’s on the grocery store runs and helps takes care of the kids and day to day household things needed at the ranch.

Wayne came home to live on the ranch after traveling the world and deciding that ranching and horses is where he really wants to be. He’s responsible for all the driving horses and training. He’s always the first one to the barn at 5:00 am and you’ll see him out filling waters, rounding up the dogs, fixing fences, day to day repairs, and so much more. He is also an incredible videographer who does many of the ranch videos and promotional work.

Jessica is the most loyal and dedicated person you’ll meet. She is always right there with her Dad building, renovating, and taking on any task you throw at her. From pulling quills out of the dogs, to riding and helping with horses, she can tackle just about anything. She is 100% about family and taking care of those around her. She is strong, outspoken, and some may say a little feisty, but what you see is what you get. She has 2 boys who she loves dearly and is recently engaged.

Emily is the sweetest and kindest person you’ll ever meet. She is always there to greet and take care of the guests on the ranch. She has 2 beautiful daughters and is an amazing Mom to them, and the rest of her nieces and nephews. She is often seen helping with pickups and store runs, cleaning the house and taking care of the smaller animals on the ranch. Emily is the peacekeeper and a caretaker of others.

Keghan Baird is an old soul. You’ll know that as soon as you meet him. It’s like he’s lived 10 lifetimes already in just this one. Strong and proud he says what he means and does what he says. His role on the ranch is training our horses and putting on the finishing touches. He is also the one bringing in hay and feed, fixing and repairing just about anything, pasture management and the list goes on. Many have noticed that he looks a lot like Rip from Yellowstone. We have said that if a role was scripted for Keghan, it would very much be similar to Rip. What you see…is what you get.

Mike (as we call her) is the youngest of the 6 children, but don’t let that fool you…she can work circles around just about anyone. Hard working, dedicated and her mom’s right hand, she truly never stops. Mike is also a trainer of our horses at RLR and has always had a passion for making horses as quiet and broke as possible. You’ll see her standing on them, climbing under them, waving flags or anything else she can find around them. After having a stroke at 8yrs old and using horses to heal, her passion is helping others to find their soulmate and begin their own healing journey with their horse.

Big Chris (as we call him) has been a part of our family for 15 years. He’s our oldest grandson’s Dad and just like another son to our family. Chris is the chef that every family wishes they had. 99.9% of the time you will find him in the kitchen making sure that everyone is fed and well looked after. Hard working, and loyal, Chris has always put RLR and his family first. Let’s just say after a long day of horses and hard work we often say around the table “ Thank God for Chris!”.

The most incredible, inspiring, and dedicated photographer we know. The things Maureen does with photography are like no other. Her photos are art that speak right to your soul. She is able to capture the true personalities and magic of the horses and humans she photographs. Maureen is a part of our family and our team. You will find her on the ranch several days a week as she also has her own horses that live at RLR. If you love horses and stunning photos be sure to follow Maureen on social media under Maureen Noce Photography…she is truly an inspiration and breath of fresh air.