As the visionary behind Iron Rose Ranch, Tom Bailey transformed his Carbondale, Colorado, ranch into a premier cutting horse breeding and training facility spanning over 1,500 acres, committing himself not only to the horses but also to recultivating the land for regenerative agriculture and water rights. A champion rider himself, Tom earned numerous National amateur titles throughout the West and advocated for equine medical research in partnership with Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. His endowment of two tenured chairs at the university significantly advanced both veterinary and human medicine, reflecting his deep commitment to improving lives through research and education.

Over three decades, Tom thoughtfully executed a plan to preserve the land for regenerative agriculture, water rights, and the continued cutting horse operations he cherished, ultimately transferring the land and operations into a 1,000-year trust, fully endowing it to protect its future. Following his recent passing, Iron Rose Ranch continues to honor his vision, with a team of hand-picked trustees upholding his legacy. Their committed to developing horses known for their unmatched athleticism, trainability, and spirit, as well as maintaining state-of-the-art facilities – featuring specialized barns and expansive training grounds – remains steadfast. Tom’s dedication to land preservation has set a standard for future generations of Western land stewards.