Horse Creek Ranch

Horse Creek Ranch raises Scottish Highland cattle in Alta Vista, KS, in Wabaunsee County and the Flint Hills near Topeka. Owner Carissa Mckenzie holds membership in the American Highland Cattle Association and follows its guidelines for genetic selection and herd health, ensuring that every breeding animal receives regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, and weight monitoring. Cattle graze on mixed pasture grasses through spring and summer and move into deep-straw shelters in colder months, with daily gentle handling to foster calm temperaments and ease of management.

The ranch’s family-centered approach shines through in all aspects of care, from balanced feeding programs to low-stress transport practices that honor both animal welfare and land stewardship. Nestled along a tree-lined creek, the historic farmstead has roots stretching back generations, offering a scenic backdrop where guests can appreciate the gentle nature of these hardy cattle and observe sustainable pasture rotation in action.