History of the Blackstock Ranch Brands

The Flying Circle Bar

Black livestock brand design of a bold circle with a solid dot centered inside, drawn in simple black and white style Black livestock brand design of a bold circle with a solid dot centered inside, drawn in simple black and white style The Flying Circle Bar brand began simply as a Circle Dot. In later years, the design was expanded with the addition of a bar and wings. This modification was made deliberately to prevent others from over-branding or altering the original Circle Dot mark.

Its exact years of use before the 1930s remain uncertain, but it is known that the Flying Circle Bar was in operation well before the state of Idaho required the official registration of brands. Throughout its long history, this brand was applied across the family’s sheep, cattle, and horses. It has endured as a symbol of family heritage, passed from my great-grandfather through successive generations down to my own son.

The Rocking K

Black livestock brand design of a bold CV, drawn in simple black and white style The Rocking Kay brand was established in the 1950s by my aunt Catherine, affectionately known as “Kitty.” Inspired by her nickname, she created and began using the Rocking Kay during that decade. She held the brand for several decades, continuing its use until the 1980s.

In that period, she entrusted the brand to me, and I have carried on the tradition. The Rocking Kay continues to be used on the left hip of our livestock, a living mark of my aunt’s legacy and the strength of family continuity.





The C/V Brand

Black livestock brand design of a bold CV, drawn in simple black and white style The C/V brand entered the family’s history in the late 1950s. My father purchased a herd of cows from Johnny Wright, a well-known calf roper and team roper of his era. Along with that herd came the rights to the C/V brand. This purchase marked the beginning of my father’s ranching career after returning from college.

Over the decades, the C/V brand has seen intermittent use. For a time, it was held by my aunt, my father’s sister, before she passed it back into the family line. Eventually, the brand came into the care of my daughter, Kate, ensuring that the brand remains tied to family generations.

The C/V holds unique distinction beyond the ranch. It was placed in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Museum floor, in recognition of Johnny Wright’s achievements as part of the Cowboys’ Turtle Association—an early rodeo organization that later evolved into the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

Legacy of the Brands

Together, the Flying Circle Bar, the Rocking Kay, and the C/V brands represent more than livestock ownership. They embody a legacy of ranching traditions, rodeo history, and deep family connections. Each brand carries a story of resilience, innovation, and dedication that continues to mark not only the hides of cattle but also the enduring identity of the Blackstock Ranch across multiple generations.