Dan Mar Ranch was designed and built by owner, operator and Master Builder Dan Hurlburt. The site of the facility is not by chance. Dan selected the site because of the view of area mountain ranges to the west, accessibility by both road and air, proximity to larger cities such as Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse plus the suitability to equine activities. He incorporated many unique features within the facilities, both within the house and the equestrian facility. His love of architecture has an appealing nature to all the structures on the ranch and will make a new owner proud to call the ranch “home”.

After purchasing the property in 1975, Dan broke ground in 1976 doing a majority of the work himself. After milling most of the rare woods that make up the residence in his own workshop, the build was completed with Dan taking up residence in the fall of 1979. The 4-car garage with drive-in workshop below was completed in 1985 and the first barn, the smaller 5-stall, was completed in 1995. The larger 10 stall barn and indoor arena was completed in 2002. During this life-long undertaking, the outside has undergone multiple transformation including adding fencelines and runouts to increase the number of turnouts. Pay special attention to the detail, workmanship and material used in the construction. Every detail was created in Dan's workshop and put together by him. The materials are rare—the estimated investment in purchased material alone exceeds $600,000 not to mention that the labor was the owners, not contract labor and due to his construction connections, some material was provided in other methods.. Those in the equine business feel that the barns alone are worth in excess of $1,000,000.

The ranch received its 3 year CHA accreditation in 2003 and its NYSHHAP accreditation in 2006, the first in Livingston County, making Dan Mar one of the only two facilities to receive both accreditations in New York State. Out of the 32 sites that have received CHA accreditation in the U.S., Dan Mar is the only one ever to have received a perfect score of 100%! 

Clinics became a norm at Dan Mar with Jeanne Wise Smith
presenting a clinic with her horse in March of 2004. Using a
round pen, she shared a wealth of information she has learned
from renowned horse trainer John Lyons. Jeanne worked for
John for many years, and is the co-author and executive
producer of two of his training manuals.

2004 made way for Dan Mar summer camps that filled fast and were packed with activities. Campers experienced riding classes, special presentations on horse care, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to improve their equine skills.  Campers also enjoyed swimming, arts and crafts, and of course, the challenges of barn chores.

Riding clubs for area schools began in 2004.  The first one held at the facility, was in March of 2004, with Dansville Elementary School.  They named it the Dansville Mustang Riding Club, and it was enjoyed by all.  From there, Wayland-Cohocton School was interested, and their first riding program was held in November of 2004.  Thus, the Wayland-Cohocton Riding Eagles Club was formed.

Classes continued at the ranch, reaching enrollment of up to 75 students. Students were taught in both English and Western lessons, with dressage and jumping for our advanced students. 

The ranch not only progressed in lessons, clinics and clubs. The ranch recently underwent a new 30 architectural roof and new drive. The front porches of the house have been recently removed with plans for new stamped concrete to be put in place when New York weather cooperates. A full new driveway has been put down and the barns have had a new roof as well.