WELCOME TO NAVASOTA RANCH
We're Cathy and Ace
Family-owned ranchers, retired professionals, proud Texans — and we'd love to share our 70-acre piece of the Lone Star State with you.
OUR STORY
A Legacy Continued, A Dream Realized
Navasota Ranch was born from love — for family, for the land, and for the lessons of a Texas ranching tradition passed down through generations. Cathy grew up on her father's ranch. Gale was a longtime Oklahoma and Texas rancher and farmer whose passing in 2023 inspired her to carry his legacy forward in a new way.
Together, in 2025, we opened the gates of Navasota Ranch. Cathy is a retired speech pathologist who spent her career supporting hundreds of children and training fellow professionals at conferences nationwide. Ace is a retired engineer with decades of experience in oil, gas, and energy. After full careers and full lives, we set out to build something new — together, on land we love.
Our 70 acres in Grimes County, Texas, are home to miniature Highland cattle, horses, and the kind of slow-Texas hospitality we grew up with. We chose miniature Highland cattle for their calm, gentle nature — they're perfect for guests of all ages to meet, photograph, and interact with. Two miniature horses are joining the herd soon.
Beyond our guest pastures, the property is also home to a working herd of Corriente cattle that graze the open acreage through a leasing partnership. You'll see them moving across the land, gathering near the fences, and adding to the everyday rhythm of a real Texas ranch. They're a beautiful reminder that this land is alive — working, breathing, and rooted in tradition.
Cathy with her father Gale at his ranch, before he passed in 2023.
THE FAMILY
Three Kids, Seven Grandchildren, One Big Ranch
We have three grown children and seven grandchildren who live nearby — and the ranch is as much for them as it is for us. They're the reason we wanted a place big enough for family gatherings, animal lessons, and the kind of childhood memories you can only make on a piece of land. When you visit Navasota Ranch, you're stepping into a place built by family, for families.
"Most weekends, you'll find at least one grandchild helping on the ranch"
MEET THE HERD
Our Animals
Each animal has their own personality — and they're a big part of every visit to Navasota Ranch.
Nugget
Mini Highland Cow
Our smallest miniature Highland cow and the star of our gender reveal experiences. Famously fluffy, endlessly calm, and a guaranteed scene-stealer in every photo.
Victoria
Reserve Champion Mini Horse
Our newest and most decorated guest. Victoria is a Reserve Champion miniature horse registered with both AMHA and AMHR, joining the ranch from a respected breeder. A striking solid-black coat and an elegant, gentle presence.
Huey, Dewey, Louie
Our Rouen Ducks
Named (proudly) by the grandkids, our three Rouen ducks are the ranch's tiniest residents and biggest personalities. Watch for them waddling near the coop or chatting with anyone who'll listen..
The Rest of the Herd
Also on the ranch: Butterfinger, Tater Tot, Midnight and Shadow, our other miniature Highland cattle. Our horses Misty and Kiki. And a brand-new miniature horse foal named Stormy joining us soon.
OUR MISSION
Sharing the Ranch, Sharing the Lessons
We believe in passing on the experiences that shaped us. Cathy and Ace both serve on the Houston Rodeo's Ag Education Committee, working to introduce children and schools to the world of agriculture. It's volunteer work we're proud of — and it's part of why we built Navasota Ranch the way we did.
Cathy also completed Texas A&M's program for the next generation of agricultural owners, formally preparing for the agritourism business she'd dreamed of for years. Between Cathy's lifelong connection to ranching and Ace's engineering background, we've brought together the structure, the heart, and the hospitality to make Navasota Ranch a place where guests of every age can connect with the land.
Whether you're visiting for an event, a Highland session, or a weekend stay, you're part of the next chapter of a Texas tradition — one we're honored to share.
We didn't build Navasota Ranch to be a business first. We built it to be a place we'd want to share — and we have a lifetime of agriculture, education, and family to draw from to do that right.
COME VISIT
Whether you're staying the weekend, booking a private event, or just curious — we'd love to welcome you to Navasota Ranch.