Dave Clarendon’s Wyoming journey first brought him to Sheridan County in 1963, at the age of nine. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1954, the oldest of three sons. His family moved to south Florida when he was four. Dave’s father was involved with the polo community in Argentina, and this led to yearly visits to the Sheridan/Big Horn area. Dave immediately fell in love with the Big Horns and the Wyoming cowboy way, and vowed that he would make his living as a cowboy and rancher here.
His first ranch employment came in the summer of 1969, when he was hired by Allen Fordyce at the Bar 13. Much to his dismay, his first assignment as a “cowboy” was pushing a lawnmower, soon thereafter though, he was mounted on a horse and performing all the ranch duties as a hired hand.
His years of employment for Fordyce took him to work at all the various ranches and lodges that the Fordyce family owned and controlled. Dave worked for several different outfits over the years. Around 1975 Dave purchased his first cattle, approximately six steers. The next year he expanded a bit and bought 30 heifers. He also acquired his first of several brands.
His livestock holdings besides cattle and horses, expanded to include sheep, which he owned in partnership for several years. His dream of becoming a landowner came to fruition in the mid-1980s, and over the years has expanded to ranches on McCormick Creek, Cat Creek, and Arvada/ Powder River. Also included are various other land holdings, all in Sheridan County. He also works to maintain ranch lands and open space in Sheridan County.