Haines City, Florida
Life on Rouse Ranch
Ed and Carol Rouse here to share a little ranching experience, located in beautiful Haines City, FL.
In 2015 we started looking into miniature cattle when we came across the Miniature Zebu breed and fell in love with them. I visited several breeders and bought a bull and 5 heifers (Yikes). I wanted them all!
I went to the Florida State Fair where I got to meet many more zebu enthusiast. Got to see many more animals and watch them in the show ring. I couldn’t wait to start working with my little guys so that I could show, being raised on a Ranch with regular beef cattle was always interesting but these little zebus stole the spotlight.
Though I didn’t really know anything about breed characteristic’s nor lineage I went with what appealed to me and I thought I made some pretty good choices. Although, after attending my first show with my little guys I wasn’t sop sure some of them placed last in their class. (I took it to heart , maybe I should of learned more before I bought) Not true though cause the next show they did much better. A breeder came to me and said just because your animal didn’t do good doesn’t mean it’s a bad animal.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Ed was building and putting up covers for them to get out of the elements when necessary, and putting feed and water troughs in each pasture. There were always numerous trips to the feed store and Home Depot for much needed supplies to make each pasture unique, so they would be “well taken care of” as I like to say. Others tell me they are SPOILED!! 
I soon started posting on social media my zebus and was contacted asking if I’d like a pair. Well, me being the kind hearted person that I am, I said ‘Let me come look at them.” That was a mistake cause I took the pair (Goose and Gander) and five others (Abbi, Molli, Lil Bit, Besty, Zeby). Wondering how I was going to explain this all to the hubby. I then found another I wanted and had this one shipped in from Texas. Then FI had a breeder contact me about four a lady was wanting to sell as a group, well you guessed it!! Then the lady contacted me later and asked if I would like her last two
The grandkids, likewise, fell in love with our zebus. When they would visit, they spent all their time at the barn with them for hours. When they learned they could show, well it is a no brainer, they each fought 
over who was going to show who, just tickled my heart. They played a with them, rode on them, bathed them, and I believe a couple even got dressed up.
Everyday was a learning experience for me and likewise, I too could spend hours out at the barn, Ed works during the week, but on weekends you can find him out at the barn with them, they are like our kids. Each one has their own personality and uniqueness; my grandkids would always ask who my favorite was and I’d say ‘All of them’, but truly I had a favorite just wouldn’t say ….hehe….
Talk about a bittersweet moment was when I sold the first zebu, then another, but soon a few of the older groups started having babies so it was all better. Except, when you found yourself on the phone with Rick and Bobbi Ressler getting step by step instructions on how to help mom bring that beautiful little bundle into the world. There is always time for zebu licks and kisses at Rouse Ranch….. Bath time is always a struggle, not sure about yours, but mine aren’t fond of the water hose nor the soap, but love the back, jaw, and brisket rubs! In the mornings when they hear me come out they all start singing to me, not sure if it is to let me know they are happy to see me or to let me know they are hungry; they love treats ‘Nicker Makers’ are their favorite. I talk to all of them by name and let them know I’m happy they are happy to see me. They fuss over who is getting to me first as they are coming across the pasture. None of them are bottle babies yet but you would think they are by the way they act! You can sit on them, lay across them, or sit down out in the pasture and they will come lay beside you
If you ever want to visit Rouse Ranch, the gates are always open, our ‘kids’ especially love small visitors!! And of course, there is always chores to be done, feeding, hay to be put out, water troughs that need cleaning, stalls to be mucked, halters to be put on as well as lead drops. This is the picture of life on Rouse Ranch.
Ed and Carol Rouse
Rouse Ranch
Haines City, FL
