More about Thunderball Ranch
Thunderball Ranch was established in 1969 by Gene Ayer and his daughter Lisa. In 1985 they moved the breeding program to its’ current location in the foothills of Mount Ellis just east of Bozeman, Montana.
Initially they bred or crossed Appaloosa’s with quarter horses and thoroughbreds. At one point there were over 80 horses on the Ranch which continued until the late 1980’s when Gene Ayer’s health required them to cut back on the breeding program. His daughter Lisa Ayer Grossi continues to operate Thunderball Ranch and has refined the breeding program to the two disciplines of English Pleasure, Dressage and Jumping.
Her roots run deep as her Grandfather rode with the Ranchero’s in California and her father, Gene, passed on his successful breeding techniques when they worked the Ranch together. Their most intimate conversation occurred when they were on horseback in the mountains behind their home enjoying the beauty of the “Big Sky County”.
Lisa is a hands on owner/breeder and now only breeds three mares a year. It takes her an incredible amount time to, as she says, “cook them just right”. Her method is not mysterious or magical. The horses’ up bringing is simple and natural with a mix of love and pecking order.
Her personalized license plate gives you a good idea of how serious she is – “ALFA MER”, head of the herd. She respects the horse’s personalities because she believes they indicate what they want out of life. For example, if the horse is the brother to a World Champion in one discipline and he indicates that he wants to do something entirely different and exhibits the ability to do so, Lisa will go with the intuition of the horse.
As you can see horse breeding is a passion for owner/breeder, Lisa Grossi. She wakes up every day with a smile and heads straight for the barn, thankful for having such a lovely and wonderful life! You won’t be disappointed with any of her horses. Thunderball Ranch is a busy place but you are always welcome.
Lisa’s horses will be for sale at the World Championship Horse Sale in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on November 18th,19th & 20, 2004. Stop by, you won’t be disappointed.
In qualifying for the World Championship Horse Sale we would like to thank the following people:
Media Works, for Graphic Design work- Kory, Kathy, Martha & Terry
Stina Richtsmeier, horse companion and partner in crime.
Leslie Furnace
Ann Radcliff
Tyrel Burklund
Jonathan, Matthew & Steven Rippel for being “The Greatest Team on Earth”.
Troy Kurth, my horse Godfather
The Ag Depot guys who load my grain – Garth, Dave & Ross
The “Barn Crew”: Leslie, Ann & Tyrel
