Honoring the past while building a new future.
The land that is now home to New Branch Ranch has a deep and complex history — one we’re proud to acknowledge and strive to honor through our work today.
Long before horses grazed our pastures or children learned to ride under our oaks, this property was known as the Seven Oaks Plantation. Like many places in the South, its roots trace back to a time of both agricultural tradition and difficult truths. We recognize the full weight of that history and do not take lightly the opportunity we have to write a new, healing chapter on this land.
In time, the plantation was transitioned into a working cattle farm, and the property continued its legacy of livestock and land stewardship. The wide-open fields and strong infrastructure laid the groundwork for what would one day become a place of growth, healing, and learning for both horses and humans.
Just beyond our fence line stands a powerful symbol of the area’s agricultural legacy: the oldest operational grain elevator in Westwego, Louisiana. Towering along the horizon, it reminds us daily of the history, industry, and resilience that built this region. It also reflects the importance of preserving and respecting the land while continuing to grow and evolve.
At New Branch Ranch, we are committed to honoring that legacy by continuing the land’s agricultural purpose — but with a new mission. Our focus on equine wellness, education, and rescue gives new life to these fields while preserving the spirit of hard work, connection, and care that has always lived here.
We believe in giving back to the land that gives so much to us. Through our programs, our nonprofit foundation, and the community we’re building, we hope to carry forward the best of this property's history — with perseverance, compassion, integrity, and purpose.
Learn More
We encourage continued learning and reflection on the history of this land and region. Here are a few resources for those interested in exploring more: