SD Farmers Union Celebrates the Gonsoir Ranch Family of Groton

By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union

 Kristen Gonsoir’s first horse was a small, naughty pony a neighbor offloaded for the horse-crazed 5-year-old to love. When its cantankerous nature didn’t deter their daughter’s affection, Kristen’s parents bought her the real deal – a mare named Cinnamon. 

 Kristen trained Cinnamon for 4-H reining competitions and by the time she was 12, the bourgeoning horsewoman was ready to try her hand at horse breeding.

 “I insisted my parents take me to a special equine reproduction clinic at SDSU. Here I was, not quite a teen, in a room full of adults. I took notes and asked questions,” recalls the AQHA Professional Horseman, AQHA Specialized Judge, POAc Judge and Quarter Horse breeder. 

 Her parents helped her locate a stallion and Kristen found her calling. 

 “I have always loved horses, but it’s the breeding that is my favorite part because it’s the science aspect combined with horse aspect,” explains the high school chemistry instructor and young grandma, who enjoys sharing her first love with her greatest love – her family – husband, Tim, son, Stan, 29, his wife, Madeleine, and grandson, Dayton, 2, and daughter, Joellen Miller, 22, and her husband, Jordan. “It was fun family time together, whether it’s riding together or we’re going to a horse show or rodeo.” 

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