Deep Hollow Ranch - A Rich History Rooted in Family Tradition

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As a boy, Leaver and his family used to come to the ranch to go horseback riding. He became a summer ranch hand for Phin, and helped out with everyday chores of cowboy life. The feel of a cattle ranch agreed with Leaver, and he fell in love with ranching. But not long after, the ranch was put up for sale. Leaver realized that the land was in danger of being developed if he didn't act fast. Although he was only 19 at the time, Leaver found a partner and purchased the ranch. Three years later, he married Shank's daughter, Diane. Together they have strived to preserve the land and the traditions of the West.
	In recent years, Diane and Rusty have put countless hours and energy in revitalizing Deep Hollow, and making it a working ranch with family values. With the help of many friends and hired hands, they have restored the barns and fences to their original rustic beauty. They brought in 50 head of cattle, and have plans to bring in more.
Cutting has a long tradition at Deep Hollow. In the '50s, Phin had a cutting horse named Joe Cody, who sired many championship horses, and Joe Cody's bloodline still floursishes today. One of Rusty's favorite pasttimes is breaking and training cutting horses. He competes nationally and locally.
The Leavers' committment to preserving the land dosen't stop at Deep Hollow. When they heard that the Montauk Historic Society desperately needed to raise funds to save the Montauk Lighthouse, the Leavers stepped in.
	For years, the land surrounding the Lighthouse had been eroding. When the structure had been commissioned by order of President George Washington in 1792, there had been almost 300 feet of land in front of it. By the late 1980s, 55 feet of land was left. Seeing an opportunity to help out, Rusty approached his friend and neighbor, Paul Simon, and asked him to perform a concert. Simon gladly obliged.
The day was such a success that the "Back at the Ranch" concerts have almost become an annual event. In past years, stars such as Billy Joel, Mary Chapin Carpenter, the Allman Brothers and Don Henley have donated their time and talents to help raise money. Back Next