These Taylor men were avid horsemen also, always bantering the Utes for a horse race. A bond of respect and friendship was established between these horsesmen of two very diverse cultures.
As summer drew to a close the Utes shared the knowledge that there was a straighter, faster way back to the mormon settlements in northern Utah. They disclosed the route over the La Sal Mountains, through the Moab valley and the ford across the Colorado river there.
The Taylors came back that way, finding the lush graze on the East face of the La Sals(home of today's summer pastures of Taylor Creek ranch.) They continued on to Moab valley, then and there deciding to bring their families and livestock back as soon as possible.
In the fall of 1882 Lester Taylor, his very pregnant wife and 6 children arrived in the Moab valley. On January 11 of that winter, my grandfather, Don Taylor, was born in Moab, Utah.
That clan of people went on to establish a ranching dynasty of cattle, sheep and horses. Don Taylor, his son Lester Taylor and Lester's sons D.L. and Joe D. Taylor continued the ranch. Thus the grandchildren of Joe D. Taylor are the 6th generation to raise quality livestock on this ranch.
A Boy with a Dream
Don Taylor was a sheep, cattle and horseman. His dream was keeping the ranch together for the family to use and enjoy. Fancy race horses were his only vice. He match raced his horses and did relay team races around southeast Utah and western Colorado. Don's third grandson was to have a passion for horses even greater than GRAN DON. Joe D.Taylor was encouraged and taught by Don and aunt Clara Taylor Gerhardt to become the dedicated horseman that he became. Joe's dream was to breed a family horses that were well conformed and had a love of people. Today's Taylor Creek Ranch foals will leave their dams to be petted by visitors.
{ Here I would add some horse history with names, the Ruler/Candy line and some major prizes, show wins or points. However it is you keep score. This could tie to the pictures.}
Joe D. Taylor was to travel internationally, buying , selling and judging horses. His family of horses is recognized for their beauty, disposition and athletic ability.
