About Down Horn Ranch
Down Horn Ranch - A Hidden Gem
The following article, written by Briley Mitchell and featured in the Llano News, beautifully captures the heart of Down Horn Ranch and the story of its owner, Don Paul Freeman.
A beautiful hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country just east of Llano near the Little Llano River, this 100-acre ranch is a photographer’s delight with 4 natural springs, wildlife galore, and wild grapes, lots of wild grapes. Named after a long horn cow that lost blood flow to one of her horns during the freeze of 2020 causing it to drop downward. The Down Horn Ranch offers an Airbnb, scenic views, deer stands to watch wildlife, dark skies, and quiet all around.
Don Paul Freeman, owner of the property, has big plans of it becoming a destination for hunters of a different kind. “Nature tourism is our addition to the Airbnb which we are striving to make a unique and attractive experience.” Nature tourism is based on the natural attractions of the area which include but is not limited to bird watching, photography, camping, hiking, and wildlife. He added, “the beautiful sunsets, star gazing the vast open spaces and the different plants and trees that cover the property make it a delight to anyone that wants to be in the great outdoors. Mustang grapes are also in abundance here on the rand due to the amount of water available,” said Don Paul.
One of the goals Freeman has is to get involved with the conservation stewardship program (CSP), a voluntary conservation program that encourages producers to address resources concerns in a comprehensive manner. “By undertaking additional conservation activities and improving maintain, and managing existing conservation activities, we can achieve these goals.”
Freeman smiling as he talked about his plans, “with the help of the CSP programs out gates will be open to future workshops which are designed to help connect people who care and events that are designed to show management practices that work with nature, not against. With environmental and animal friendly management techniques that will provide water as a crop while improving forage for cattle, habitat for deer, turkey, quail and other wildlife.” He finished with the statement about the down Horn,
“It is our pledge to restore harmony to the ranch.”
Meet Bessie
Bessie is the inspiration behind the name Down Horn Ranch and a true reflection of the ranch’s one-of-a-kind spirit. Unlike a typical Texas Longhorn, Bessie has one horn that grows upward while the other curves down, giving her a look that is as unique as her personality. Spunky, independent, and full of character, she quickly became more than just part of the herd—she became the perfect symbol for the ranch. With her unforgettable appearance and lively personality, Bessie was the natural choice to lead the way and inspire the name Down Horn Ranch.
