LIVINGSTON PARISH, La. (RFD NEWS) — Louisiana is known for its cattle, crawfish, and crops—but now, a new kind of horsepower is turning heads in the Bayou State.
Wilder Blue Ranch is Louisiana’s first Clydesdale ranch, drawing visitors from across the region for a closer look at one of the world’s most iconic draft horse breeds.
Co-owner Caroline Collins is no stranger to agriculture. Raised in Madison Parish, she grew up immersed in farm life before pursuing her passion for horses.
“Tallulah is where I’m originally from, and we grew up in the farming world,” Collins said. “I’ve always taken to ag, but something in me—I wanted to be a cowgirl and took to horses and ranching.”
She later moved to Montana to study horsemanship at the University of Montana Western, with a clear goal: return home and build a Clydesdale breeding program in Louisiana.
Bringing a rare breed to the South
Collins says Clydesdales are increasingly rare, with only about 5,000 left worldwide and roughly 3,000 in the United States.
The ranch is now home to seven Clydesdales—including what Collins says is the first registered Clydesdale foal born in Louisiana.
“He is the first registered Clydesdale foal in the state of Louisiana—pretty spectacular,” she said.
The goal, she adds, is to bring the draft horse world to the South while building a competitive team for shows and events.
Opening the gate to the public
While breeding and training are a major focus, Collins is equally committed to creating a place where the public can experience agriculture firsthand.
Wilder Blue Ranch opens to visitors each quarter, offering a chance to see not just the Clydesdales, but also chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and other farm animals—along with local vendors and family-friendly activities.
“I’m seeing the Clydesdales, pigs, and turkeys,” said visitor Avelyn Paryisey.
“I like to pet the horses—I like riding horses,” added Savannah Wilson.
Honoring tradition, building the future
The ranch aims to eventually showcase its Clydesdales in traditional roles—pulling wagons and participating in events that highlight the breed’s historic role in agriculture.
For Collins, it’s about more than just horses.
“It’s an overall joy and love for horses,” she said.
You can follow Wilder Blue Ranch on Facebook to stay up to date on upcoming events, including a summer celebration called “Red, White and Wilder Blue.”
Tammi Arrender reporting for RFD News.
