The Haythorn name is synonymous with ranching in the Nebraska Sandhills region since 1884, when Harry Haythornwaite (later changed to Haythorn) filed on a homestead that became the historic Haythorn Land and Cattle Company. In 1940, Harry’s sons, Harry Jr. and Walter, split the cattle and Harry Jr. (along with his teen son, Howard) started the Haythorn Ranch Company near Maxwell, Neb., which is where his grandson Harry Byron Haythorn and family presently raise about 100 AQHA horses and up to 1,500 mother cows on approximately 20,000 owned and leased acres. Asked about being a part of the rich Haythorn ranching legacy, the current Harry gave a humble reply. “It’s really an honor and a pleasure to do this,” said the personable cowboy. “I thought about a few other things, but really the only thing I ever wanted to do was ranch. I like caring for animals and watching the