Meet Ty Nitti, a remarkable individual who stands as the only Sri Lankan cowboy and quite possibly the only Asian cowboy in existence. With his iconic hat and a heart filled with passion, Ty runs a horse ranch in the picturesque Apple Valley. The Double 6 Ranch, a cherished family-owned establishment, offers a wide range of professional equine services to individuals, horse owners, businesses, and even Hollywood actors. Ty is renowned worldwide as a lead wrangler and expert horse trainer, with over three decades of experience in
riding, breaking, training, and schooling horses.

His exceptional skills have also led him to the world of acting, where he has graced the silver screen in several recent movies. However, Ty’s love for horses is only rivalled by his deep affection for his birth country, Sri
Lanka. Departing from the island during a tumultuous period at the tender age of eight, a significant part of his heart has always remained tethered to these beautiful shores.

In 2017, Ty crossed paths with Ineke Pitts, a British woman who was establishing an English riding school in Ty’s homeland. Together, they discovered a shared spirit—a pair of kindred souls, foreigners facing challenges, breaking norms, and bravely introducing world-class horsemanship to their chosen home. Horses possess an incredible power to heal, especially those broken in spirit. They teach us profound lessons about ourselves, nurturing qualities such as humility, authentic leadership, compassion, and empathy. In today’s Sri Lanka, a nation with lost generations needing positive role models and such facilities, the presence of horses and equestrian centres is more vital than ever before.

Finally, in September 2022, the Ceylon Riding Club at Port City Colombo opened its doors. More challenges lay ahead, including the prevailing sense of despondency in the country and the scepticism of friends and advisors. However, Ineke and her dedicated team never shied away from hard work. The horses and ponies thrived in the beachside conditions, and anyone who rode there experienced the pinnacle of horsemanship
and animal care. Together with Michele Fonseka and Dan de Silva, Ineke crafted a magnificent Masterplan for the 3.5-acre site, which is now being brought to life by CHEC, the Port City Management Company. The award-winning design concept, in collaboration with the team from Brief Gardens, will soon transform the area into a horse-themed park surrounding the stables. Ultimately, it will become a public haven, welcoming individuals from all walks of life, beliefs, abilities, and backgrounds to immerse themselves in the transformative power of horses. Imagine a high- end equestrian club with a members’ restaurant and coffee shop, a vibrant piazza adorned with a majestic flame tree, and a grand show arena.

At the far end of the site, a cowboy ranch will emerge, complete with cacti, sand dunes, and a serene pond. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, an old-fashioned wind turbine will stand as an iconic silhouette. This magical place will serve as a sanctuary where people can come together, and experience the awe-inspiring bond between humans and horses, and foster healing and personal growth. Ty and his son Karnan Nitti, will be arriving on July 9th 2023 and staying for 30 days. The purpose of this visit is to help to promote Ceylon Riding Club to investors, to potential clients and partners and to demonstrate the famous horsemanship that launched Ty’s career as the trainer of horses for the movie “Zorro”. Today both Ty and Karnan have several movies to their credit and a wealth of experience that they will be sharing with the equestrian community in Sri Lanka including the equine vet community and the mounted services divisions.

The Club is looking for partners to make the most of this opportunity including promotional activities and sponsorships. Planned Activities (10th July to 8th August 2023) include a Childrens Day, for schools, parents, teachers and learning professionals and a Day for Youth, about the benefits of working with horses, and learning cowboy life skills. Double-Six Ranch and Ceylon Riding Club will celebrate a special relationship with media briefings, horsemanship demonstrations, Meet and Greet, Working with Horses – clinics on various topics including training a young or difficult horse and riding skills.

(Pix courtesy CRC)