Meet Our Team

Linda Kruszka

Linda Kruszka, one of our founders and owners has been training and showing horses for over forty years. Her career has included multiple national champions in various disciplines as well as being one of the most sought-after horse trainers in upstate New York. She oversees all aspects of Tagalong Ranch’s equine program.

Mark H. Balentine

Mark H. Balentine, one of our founders and owners has ridden a horse twice in his life. So, when the opportunity arose to launch Tagalong Ranch, he bought his first pair of jeans. He plans to buy boots and a cowboy hat in the fall of 2024.

You won’t find him in the barn or on a horse. But rather tending to the gardens and performing quality control on the bourbon and cigar inventory.

Riley Kruszka

Riley Kruszka, an AKC Registered Red Heeler is the senior working dog on the ranch. Best known by the common name of Australian Cattle Dog, most days she can be found by Linda’s side keeping an eyeful watch on projects taking place around the ranch. When not hard at work on the ranch, you’ll often find her with a ball wanting to play.

Trudie Kruszka-Balentine

Trudie Kruszka-Balentine an AKC Registered Blue Heeler is the junior working dog on the ranch. Best known by the common name of Australian Cattle Dog, most days she can be found someplace comfortable, close to food and enjoying life. Not our hardest working farm hand, but without a doubt the happiest and first line to greet guests, enjoy a meal and bask in all that life has to offer. Trudie is our emissary of joy and happiness. No matter what challenges life may bring you, she just makes you smile.

Gordo Balentine

Gordo Balentine is a Blue Heeler who was rescued hours before being euthanized from a shelter in Los Angelas, California. He flew cross country to join the Tagalong Family after being returned to the shelter by three other families who just didn’t understand him or his needs. Best known by the name of Australian Cattle Dog, most days Gordo can be found no more than a foot or two away from Linda regardless of her being on a tractor or horseback. She is his person. Being the only male dog on the ranch, he’s can also be found chasing the girls around and showing off his athletic abilities.

Annie Balentine

Annie Balentine is a Blue Heeler and the newest member of the family. She was rescued hours before being euthanized from a high kill shelter in San Benito, Texas. She was driven from Texas to join the Tagalong Family. Best known by the name of Australian Cattle Dog, Annie has fit right into the Tagalong Family. She spends her days working around the ranch with the other dogs and then most evenings curled up on the couch. She’s the cuddlebug of the family.

Winston Balentine

(2006 – 2022)

Winston was one of our four felines on property. He was adopted by Tagalong just after his fifteenth birthday and has a very special place in our hearts. Battling cancer and fighting until the last minute he was an inspiration to all of us and reminds us how each day is precious.

He was the reason behind Winston’s Legacy. our 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the quality of life of sheltered senior animals. To continue the tradition in his honor, Winston II was adopted from a shelter in Georiga.