Broken Oak Ranch

Larry with Frankie

Started out with circus ponies

Larry has been working with horses since elementary school. He grew up on a farm near Rochester, Indiana and started out breeding ponies. With an early eye for turning a dollar in the horse trade and a supportive family, young Larry approached a local circus family in Rochester and sold his first pony for use in the circus for $500. "That was a lot of money back in those days," Larry recalls.

Early success

Larry purchased additional mares and raised more foals.  Selling them as two-year olds to the circus. That's when he developed the passion for raising foals. He has been raising  horses ever since. 

When he was in his early teens and too big to ride ponies, he sold all the ponies and bought his first horse, Ring Gold, a palomino. "I trained him over the summer and we went to the county fair and won," Larry remembers. Showing became another passion.

Marriage and a horse farm

Just after Larry and Judy were married they purchase a farm near Rochester, Indiana.  Judy shared Larry's love of horses, but rode English rather than Western.  They, along with their children, began to compete in quarter horse shows throughout the Mid-West.  They found themselves doing well in the show arena.  They participated and placed in such prestigious shows as the All American Quarter Horse Congress. 

As time progressed Larry and Judy became very involved in the Indiana Quarter Horse Association.  Larry served as a director and vice president of the association for several years while Judy was in charge of several committees.  They were also involved in 4-H, where they served as horse and pony leaders.  They helped many 4-H horse and pony members make the "Best Better."

They continued raising training and showing quarter horses until the Murfitts moved to the Lafayette area. They then turned their attention to the American Paint Horses.  When the right piece of property was found they began to build the Broken Oak Ranch, not just for their own horses, but for anyone who shared their love of horses. 

 Winning duo: Frankie and Larry

Science teacher and cowboy

Now a science teacher at Wea Ridge Middle School, Larry spends all of his off-time working on the ranch or showing. "Who would be better to teach a person to ride than someone educated in the art of teaching," Larry asks rhetorically? Larry has been a breeder, trainer and exhibitor for decades. "Every horse we've shown has earned points," Judy says. Larry can help any rider of any age and level prepare for the show ring, and he can show you how to make your horse the best it can be.   Although involved with showing, the Murfitts still enjoy trail riding and just riding for fun on their ranch and nearby trails. They also enjoy dressage and jumping events.  The Broken Oak Ranch is the best place for the horse and rider in your family.