Doug Wallingford was born in 1955 to Norman and Pat Wallingford in Thermopolis. He attended Hot Springs County schools and graduated in 1974. From an early age, Doug was immersed in the ranching lifestyle, learning the value of hard work, responsibility, and horsemanship while riding alongside his father on the family ranch along Buffalo Creek.
While in school, Doug was active in Thermopolis FFA and high school rodeo where he further developed his livestock handling and horsemanship skills. Horses were not simply tools of the trade, but trusted partners in the daily work of gathering, sorting, doctoring, and moving cattle across rough country on Copper Mountain. These experiences reinforced the strong connection between competition, discipline, and practical ranch work. Many long days were spent horseback, whether checking fences, trailing cattle, or helping neighboring ranches during busy seasons.
Doug and his father, Norman, raised and rode quality Quarter Horses, carefully selecting mounts known for their soundness, cow sense, and ability to handle long hours in the saddle. Doug continues to take pride in good horses and good horsemanship to this day. “Neighbors helping neighbors” was not just a saying for the Wallingford family, but a way of life.
Each June was spent branding cattle up and down Buffalo Creek, riding from ranch to ranch to lend a hand wherever needed. These branding days required stamina, skill, and teamwork, with Doug often spending sunup to sundown horseback, roping calves, dragging to the fire, and ensuring the work was done right. Through these experiences, Doug developed a deep respect for the land, livestock, and the cowboy way of life—values that have shaped him both personally and professionally throughout his life as a working cowboy.