About Us

Sergeant Edward Hinman arrived in America from England, laying the foundation for generations to come. He and 25 other members of the Hinman family proudly served in the Revolutionary War, marking the beginning of a long legacy of dedication and service.

Fred and Myrtle DeBarard began ranching in Colorado, raising and selling registered Hereford cattle. Their cattle won numerous Grand Champion titles at major stock shows across the country, earning national recognition for the family.

Around the same time, John Orr immigrated from Ireland and, with his wife Elenor, homesteaded in Nebraska. Otto and Irene Hinman, along with five brothers, founded Hinman Brothers Construction and a freighting business during World War I. Their work expanded into tungsten mining in Colorado, and they played a key role in building infrastructure like the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Glenwood Canyon, and US Highway 6. To support their efforts, they purchased a ranch in Kremmling, Colorado, where they ran teams of horses used in construction.

Meanwhile, Edwin McLearn arrived from Nova Scotia, met his wife Ethel, and established the McLearn Mercantile Company. He also started a sheep ranch in Rifle, Colorado, continuing the family’s tradition of hard work and entrepreneurship.

Fred DeBarard gained national recognition for his work in livestock, earning Man of the Year in 1951 and Stockman of the Century in 1974. He was inducted into both the Hereford Hall of Fame and the Colorado Hereford Heritage Hall of Fame. Fred and his wife also began racing horses—one of their most successful horses was exercised and jockeyed by Mike Cervi, owner of Cervi Rodeo Company.

John and Elenor Orr started raising cattle and over 150 head of horses. They opened the general store and livery stable in Lewellen, Nebraska, where John later served as Mayor. Their children began competing in rodeo, continuing the family’s western roots. Ted and Sarah Orr started ranching in Kremmling, Colorado, running cattle and sheep and launching several successful ventures.

Mike and Winona Hinman married and moved to a Kremmling ranch, where they became stewards of the land—raising livestock, building reservoirs, and supporting the community. Mike served as president of the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association and was a founding director of the Centennial Turf Club. Winona, known for her outstanding cooking, played a vital role supporting the ranch and its hands.

Carl and Denny Ellerman were born to Emmett and Maggie (Kirkpatrick) Ellerman, continuing the family’s legacy.

Rod Hinman attends Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and becomes a true all-around rodeo cowboy, competing in bareback riding, bull riding, calf roping, and team roping. He earns Gold Card status with the PRCA and wins events in Denver, Greeley, Spanish Fork, Vernal, and more. After marrying Jean, they ranch in Kremmling and build a remarkable career, winning nearly every major grand championship. Rod serves as Colorado State Fair Commissioner, RCA Spokesman, and President of the Colorado Hereford Association. Jean, known for her grit, knowledge, and cooking, becomes the first woman to judge a major cattleman event. In 1970, Rod is nominated for Cowboy of the Year. They raise four children: Tammy, Mona, Mitch, and Doug.

Carl Ellerman marries Zetta Larue Sheel. A skilled horse trainer, silversmith, and cowboy, Carl builds CnE Bits and Spurs, crafting gear used by world champions. Zetta works for the American Quarter Horse Association, and together they raise three children: Jay, Stacey, and Kelly. Denny Ellerman marries Carmel Moore in Woodland, California.

Tammy and Jay attend college and work for the Van Newkirks at the Snubbing Post in Torrington, Wyoming. Fun fact: Susan Maddox also worked there, and Keith Maddox—owner of Best Hats Fort Worth and American Hat Company—was a rep in town at the time. Tammy and Jay get married and spend their honeymoon competing at the college rodeo finals.

Wad Hinman transitions from ranching to public service as a House Legislator, while Mona Wahlert (Hinman) contributes to the Ronald Reagan presidential campaign.

Denny Ellerman follows his dream of cowboying in California with the Bureau of Land Management. In 1973, Denny and Carmel’s five children—Mette, Tammy, Troy, Fawn, and Jozell—along with cousins Karen and Debbie Moore and friend Kasey Weston, form The Flying Cossacks, a world-famous trick riding group. They perform at rodeos across the globe, including the NFR and even in Kuwait.

Jay and Tammy welcome their daughter, Taya McAdow (Ellerman), into the family. Around the same time, Tammy begins selling jeans for Rocky Mountain Clothing—now known as Cinch Jeans—helping launch the brand alongside Brenda Van Newkirk by selling straight out of vans and trunks.

Jay qualifies for the rodeo finals for the first of five times, competing alongside legends like Bobby Harris, Walt Woodard, Rich Skelton, JD Yates, and Jay Wadhams. He goes on to win AQHA championships, the Dodge Finals, and multiple circuit titles. Jay and Tammy also purchase their first property, starting a long line of team roping places they would build and sell together.

Meanwhile, Mona Wahlert (Hinman) and Dave Wahlert help launch Superior Livestock Auction, with Mitch Hickey (Hinman) joining the team as well.

Tammy and Jay start the Colorado Junior Rodeo Association, creating a space for their children and others to compete, grow, and learn through rodeo. After 1993, Jay transitions to full-time horse training, showing, and teaching, working with Pitzer Ranch and several other respected programs. In 1993, they welcome their son, Brit, continuing the family's deep connection to the Western lifestyle.

Tammy begins her real estate career working for her cousin, Ed Orr. That same year, Troy Ellerman is named Commissioner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Tammy wins the Cruel Girl Championship, while Jay takes home the Roper Open title and returns to building custom bits. Taya follows in her mother’s footsteps, winning the Cruel Girl All Girl.

Brit earns state championships in Team Roping and excels in leadership, winning awards in DECA and Future Business Leaders of America. He serves as President of FCA, Student Council, and FBLA, captains the basketball team, and begins speaking for RFD-TV Cowboy Church.

Brit wins state and national high school finals, two circuit championships, and qualifies three times for the college finals. He graduates high school and college on a rodeo scholarship to the University of Wyoming, earning a degree in business administration and marketing.

Tammy wins PDL and, with Chad, starts Lariat Homes. Texas Saddlery and Ellerman Brands also begin during this time. Taya marries Ross, connecting Hubbard Feed and Reddit Sales.

The family continues to train calf, breakaway, and team roping horses. Jay and Brit begin custom work and repair, and Jay judges the first American Rope Horse Futurity in Fort Worth. Brit also coaches high school basketball, and Ellerman Marketing is launched.

New businesses launch across the board, continuing the family’s legacy of entrepreneurship. Brit lands roles with Yellowstone, Miranda Lambert, and more, appearing in commercials and films. He marries Makenna, whose background includes horse racing, ranching, breeding, investments, and a deep connection to rodeo and roping.

Makenna starts Ellerman Insurance and Investments, adding to the growing list of family-led ventures. In honor of Denny Ellerman, the cousins launch “Wild Rider.” The Ellerman Brands continue to grow, staying rooted in family and built on tradition.