Russell Freeman is a Colorado businessman, rancher, and breeder of Longhorn cattle and Quarter Horses. He has been raising Hancock horses since 1994 when he bought his first stud-horse and brood of mares from his former father-in-law, who got him started in the horse raising business. Today, Russ still runs some mares out of the original mares from his father-in-law and credits those solid genetics for giving Freeman such a strong start in the horse business. He is a Colorado native and grew up with horses and cows, and raised dryland wheat in eastern Colorado. At one time, Russ’ grandfather was the most prominent landowner in the county. Still, after his land was divided between his six children, there wasn’t much left for Russ’ operation, aside from one pasture and an extremely treasured brand that had been registered by Russ’ great-grandmother in 1899.  Both Russ’ father and grandfather raised horses, and he knew that he wanted to put together his own horse program as well. After college, Russ started over, and the ranches near Yoder and Kim, Colorado are all those he has put together. Russ is a big supporter of rural education, the National Western Stock Show, the Ride for the Brand Ranch Rodeo, Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, and the Pikes Peak Range Riders.