Ranch Owner & Visionary

Angie Merriman

Angie’s love for horses began in childhood in rural Missouri, where she’d sneak out at night to ride a neighbor’s horse—until her father finally bought her one of her own. That early passion has come full circle, and she now lives on a ranch in Gypsum, Colorado with too many horses. Angie enjoys trail riding along the Eagle River, the occasional arena ride, and is dedicated to breeding top-tier performance Quarter Horses. During foaling season, she can often be found in pajamas and muck boots helping deliver foals alongside Brooke and Dr. Kari. She plays a key role in keeping Splitwater Ranch running smoothly. Angie spent much of her adult life in California working in mortgage banking and advertising, and still enjoys visits to her home in Manhattan Beach. She’s also the proud mother of two daughters, Grace and Whitney.

Ranch Owner & Rider

Dwight Merriman

Dwight has spent his career buying, building, and selling commercial real estate across the U.S., including working with several fund formation companies. When he’s not chasing deals, he enjoys fly fishing, hunting, skiing, mountain biking, and raising horses. He grew up riding trail horses for hunting and fishing, following in the footsteps of grandfathers. Dwight shares his passion for horses with his wife, Angie, and was introduced to reining by friends in California. He now competes in Green Reiner and Rookie Level classes and considers reining one of the most humbling sports he's tried. Originally from Northern California, Dwight attended USC and UCLA and has deep roots in both California and Montana. He’s called the Colorado mountains home for over 15 years and thrives in the active, outdoor lifestyle they offer.

Ranch Manager & Head Trainer

Doug Milholland

Doug Milholland has been a prominent figure in the performance horse industry for over fifty years. An NRHA Hall of Fame inductee, he has won the NRHA Open Futurity, NRHA Open Derby, and multiple AQHA World Championships. Doug has dedicated his career to promoting the sport of reining, mentoring both non-professional and professional horsemen and horsewomen around the world. In addition to his success as a trainer and a breeder, he serves as an NRHA judge, AQHA specialty reining judge, and is a respected and sought-after clinician. The man is a legend and treats everyone and every horse with an open heart and mind.

Breeding Manager & Trainer

Brooke Milholland Culwell

Brooke Milholland, daughter of renowned horseman, Doug Milholland, has deep roots in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), having competed in youth and Non-Pro divisions. With a heritage steeped in equestrian excellence, Brooke brings extensive experience in breeding and showing reining horses. Before joining Splitwater Ranch, she successfully established her own breeding program under her father's guidance and has had her horses go on to work with top names in the industry. At Splitwater Ranch, Brooke plays a pivotal role in developing their premier breeding program. Her expertise and dedication make her an invaluable asset to our team, and we are proud to have her at Splitwater Ranch. 

Operations Manager

David Culwell

David Culwell entered the horse industry through his marriage to Brooke, Doug's daughter, transforming his initial hobby into a dedicated pursuit of the reining industry. Prior to joining the Splitwater team he successfully operated his large millwork company for over thirty years; his extensive business experience and exceptional memory have become invaluable assets to our team. David applies his strategic insights and detailed attention to every aspect of our operations, from breeding to horse show logistics, greatly enhancing our program's efficiency and success. Always smiling, he leads with an open helping hand. 

Team Support

Valerie Milholland

Having been by Doug’s side from the beginning, Valerie Milholland is an integral part of our team, offering a wealth of expertise from her distinguished career in the performance horse industry. With a proven track record of success across various disciplines, Valerie has also demonstrated exceptional coaching abilities and guided several students to achieve world championship titles. Her decades of experience and extensive knowledge are invaluable assets to our program, enhancing our daily operations and overall excellence.  She brings her joy to the ranch and to all of our lives.

Stable Operations

Jose Perez

Jose has been a dedicated team member at Splitwater Ranch for over three years, where he is responsible for the animal's daily care while doing everything from feeding the horses to basic medical care and barn maintenance. With expertise as a farrier, he cares for the foals and broodmares.  Jose consistently contributes to the ranch's operations by offering assistance wherever he is needed. Jose enjoys roping competitions in his free time. 

Marketing Manager

Whitney Merriman

Whitney manages Splitwater's marketing including the website, social media, photography, logos/designs for merchandise, sales materials, and other marketing or operational needs. Whitney graduated from the University of Southern California with a Business Administration degree and an emphasis in marketing.