WORKING WITH HORSES AND PEOPLE FOR OVER 50 YEARS
Bob Keen Sr.
Bob Keen, Sr is a retired Lieutenant with the Burlington Police Department, a graduate of the New York School of Criminology and was appointed by Governor Martin to the North Carolina Board of Corrections. Because of his love of horses Bob established Circle K Ranch in 1960, has been an Open Show Judge for 40 years and an Appaloosa Horse Association Judge for 17 years. At 83 years old Bob continues to travel all over the United States judging shows, presenting at clinics and continues to promote and teach youth in the art of showing in the horse industry. His life has been outlined in the book "Hoof Beats Across America" and his professional, personal and equine history are portrayed in photographs throughout his office and in his extensive trophy collection. Bob promotes several local horse organizations with horse shows at the farm throughout the year. Bob is the developer of the Synergistic Training Program (STR).
Christine has always loved to share her passion for horses with others. Her teaching focuses on building confidence in both horse and rider while staying safe and having fun. She always approaches problems with a can-do attitude and teaches her students to do the same. She grew up eventing and has developed a passion for dressage in recent years. Christine uses this background to help build essential basics that will help her students excel in any discipline they choose. She is so excited to become a part of team Circle K Ranch and is looking forward to working with everyone.
Christine Phipps
Freddie Shoffner
IIt is an honor to have Freddie Shoffner as a member of Team Keen. Freddie is an accomplished Horse Person as well as a Champion Level 6 Mounted Shooter. We look forward to working with Freddie on our Training Program.
Bob & M.K.
Cowboy Logic
"If you want to be a Cowboy, you need a good horse.
If you want to be successful you need Good People!"
At Circle K Ranch, we grow our own Cowgirls!
Thank you to all the family and friends that joined us in celebrating the life of Ellis Robert "Bob" Keen Sr.
It is with a heavy heart we write this post today. Yesterday afternoon we lost the legend that was Robert “Bob” Keen Sr. To know Bob, was to love Bob; he was a man among men, and of those men, he was truly a Cowboy. Bob's legacy spans over nine decades, in his 88 years of life, he impacted too many lives to count.
Bob’s generosity knew no bounds; he would take the shirt off his back for you, putting those who were a part of Team Keen ahead of all else in the world. Bob had a love for horses; Circle K Ranch K Ranch was his happy place, a place he built over a 60-year span with his blood, sweat, and tears.
Bob loved his family, his soulmate Anne who he would smile at the sheer mention of her name. He loved his son Bob Jr, who he spoke about often and proudly every chance he could. To Bob, family was more than those who shared his blood; it was everyone who came into his life and left him a bit happier. He loved his MK; he loved watching her ride Rocky around the farm and would say, “she’s sure gonna be something someday”.
We can’t fit 88 years into writing. If you were lucky enough to have been a part of Bob's life, big or small, take a moment and remember him.
There will never be another Robert Keen Sr, and for that, the world is a bit less fortunate today. But what he left behind is an example of what we should all aspire to be. We will miss you Bob; as hard as it will be to not have you out there on the gator watching over us with Dove just a few strides behind, we will press on and keep your dream alive.
We have it from here, partner……
Team Keen!