Entrepreneurial couple operate a mix of businesses on their West Valley ranch

On their 28-acre West Valley ranch, Randy and Renee Downing lead humble lives with a focus on simplicity, though their thriving business suggests there’s also some entrepreneurial fortitude in the mix.

Randy and Renee operate a massive horse arena, boarding center and ranch supply store at their ranch.

“We’re in there to serve people, not as a business to make money,” Renee stated.

“It’s good for people that are farther out of town,” Randy added.

The Downings started Triple Take Arena in 2016. When they first moved into the Morning View Drive property, it was indistinguishable from the flourishing ranch where dozens of horses now graze.

As the head of his own construction company, Downing Underground Inc., Randy took it upon himself to rehabilitate the land and modernize the single building there. Since then, the Downings have continued to expand the ranch’s accommodations.

Triple Take Arena is now home to indoor and outdoor arenas, paddocks and stalls for more than 50 horses, a new hay barn with homegrown hay, acres of pastures and a new retail store, all constructed by Randy and his crew. In the next few weeks, they plan to finish construction on an additional building where veterinarians can work on horses privately.

“I just build everything,” Randy said simply.

“It’s one of the largest indoor arenas in the valley,” he said. The covered indoor arena is 80 feet by 200 feet and the outdoor arena is 150 feet by 250 feet with a return chute for cows. The paddocks for boarders are spacious as well, and the Downings reported the facility is almost always 95% full, if not over capacity. With their nine-person staff, they keep up with the building and grounds maintenance 365 days a year, ensuring the area stays clean and safe for horses and riders. They offer riding, lessons, therapy, medical care and other services year-round between the two buildings.

Yet Randy claimed, “It’s really a simple operation.”

No matter the weather, or commitments like Randy’s construction jobs, he reported, “We still do our duty. We don’t change our care.”

“My focus first and foremost is that the horses are comfortable and happy,” Renee added.

As if they didn’t already have their hands full maintaining the ranch and raising two of their grandchildren, the Downings added a ranch supply store this fall. The grand opening of Lazy R and R Ranch Supply took place Nov. 16, and although it’s his brainchild, Randy was as nonchalant as ever in describing his latest accomplishment.

“It fell into place as something that would fit here,” Randy said. “It just made sense.”

The store carries riding tack from “all the major brands,” including hard-to-find accessories such as English riding discipline supplies and Circle Y saddles. They also supply food for horses and pets from brands like Purina and CHS.

In addition to the riding supplies, Randy said, “I always liked guns, so I might as well sell some guns and sporting goods.” He has plans to continue adding to the store’s inventory and putting all of the items — estimated at more than 12,000 products — for sale on their upcoming website.

For now, the ever-modest businessman claimed he’s “just winging it.” But down the line, he reported, “I’ve got a big vision for it.”

But true to form, Randy’s big vision is primarily centered on the surrounding community. “We want to generate business here and be affordable to the community,” he insisted.

Even as the enterprise grows, it seems safe to assume the Downings will stay deeply connected to their roots. “This started as a community service,” Renee emphasized. “I never dreamed it would be this big.”

Triple Take Arena and Lazy R and R Ranch Supply are located at 300 Morning View Drive. The boarding facility is always open, and the store is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at bserbin@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.