Bio
Howard Haythorn, a prominent rancher and horseman, attended St. Johns Military Academy in Salina, Kansas, graduating with honors in 1945. In 1951, he married SueAnn Cochran and soon after, served in Korea with the US Army Corps of Engineers from 1951 to 1953. The couple had three children: Mary Helen (1954), Margaret Emeline (1955), and Harry Byron (1960).
An accomplished rodeo competitor, Howard qualified for the first RCA steer roping finals in 1961 in Clayton, NM, and again in 1963 in Pawhuska, OK, where he placed fourth. He became a pioneer in ranching by introducing longhorn cattle to the area in the 1960s, adapting to economic demands by breeding them with yearling heifers.
Howard’s passion for horses led him to excel in breeding quarter horses and draft breeds over seven decades. He successfully bred and trained cutting, reigning, calf, and steer roping horses, gaining recognition for his contributions to the equine industry. His dedication earned him an induction into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Westerners.
Leading the Haythorn Ranch Company, Howard’s efforts culminated in the ranch receiving the 2009 AQHA Best Remuda Award, highlighting the quality and excellence of his horse breeding program. His legacy of hard work and a deep commitment to the western way of life has shaped the ranch’s success.
Today, the fourth and fifth generations of the Haythorn family continue to honor and build upon the rich heritage established by Howard and his ancestors, ensuring the ranch’s continued prominence in the Sandhills.
