Matagorda County · Texas · Est. 1848
7J Ranch
Six generations of Texas ranching — premier performance horses and Gulf Coast cattle, built on blood, land, and tradition.
Ranch Song
7J Tonight
A Harrison legacy, rooted in Matagorda County since 1848.
The Harrison ranching story begins with Thomas Harrison, who settled at Decow’s Point on Matagorda Island in 1848. His great grandson Francis (Frank) Thomas Harrison became a cattleman’s cattleman — buying cattle on horseback at age twelve, driving them to Bay City markets. Frank registered the 7J brand in 1929.
That brand passed to his grandson George Harrison in 1965. George married Donna Cornelius, whose own family roots run just as deep — her grandfather Will Cornelius arrived in the Markham community in 1896 and her father Leonard built the respected E Cross Cattle Company.
Together, George and Donna developed 7J into the diversified cattle and performance horse operation it is today, recognized by the NRCS for pasture and wildlife management.
Est. 1848
Six generations
7J Brand
Since 1929
Matagorda
Gulf Coast, Texas
“Good horses are made here the same way they were a hundred years ago — with time, patience, and a good eye.”
Good-minded, trainable, and built for ranch work.
For more than a decade, 7J has focused on developing a premier horse program — purchasing elite genetics and breeding proven mares to champion cutting stallions. The goal has never changed: produce horses that are good-minded, trainable, athletic, and full of potential.
Our broodmare band includes own daughters of Peptoboonsmal, Dual Rey, Thomas E Hughes, Dual R Smokin, Cats Moonshine, Bet Hesa Cat, and Very Smart Remedy. Foals from this band have gone on to compete in team roping and every aspect of ranch work.
7J horses are developed to excel in the arena and in every aspect of daily ranch work — gathering, sorting, doctoring, branding, and long pasture rides.
Inquire about a horse →
Commercial F1 & Beefmaster Cattle.
Gulf Coast · Matagorda County
7J has built a strong reputation raising top commercial F1 and Beefmaster cattle in Matagorda County. The cow-calf program focuses on producing marketable calves and superior replacement heifers adapted to the demands of the Texas Gulf Coast.
At the Ranch
Annual · Every October
Donna Harrison Memorial Team Roping
An invitation-only fundraiser held each October at 7J Ranch, bringing together participants and supporters for team roping competition, fellowship, and philanthropy. The event honors Matagorda County’s ranching and agricultural heritage and features barbecue and live country music.
Proceeds support the Donna Harrison Memorial Scholarship.
Roping Events
Arena Schedule
Additional roping events and updates will be posted here as they are scheduled. Reach out via Facebook to be added to the notification list.
Carrying her legacy forward.
The Donna Harrison Memorial Scholarship supports local students pursuing agriculture-related degrees. It reflects Donna’s legacy of generosity, community involvement, and dedication to education.
Scholarship recipients are selected on a point system considering academic focus in agriculture, demonstrated community service, and financial need. Administered by the Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Association.
Agriculture Focus
Academic emphasis in ag-related degree programs
Community Service
Demonstrated involvement and giving back
Financial Need
Support for students who need it most
Mail a Donation
Make check payable to:
Matagorda Co Fair & Livestock Association
Memo: Donna Harrison Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 1803
Bay City, Texas 77404
Drop us a line.
Whether you’re interested in a horse, the roping event, or the scholarship — send us a message and we’ll get back to you.
Or find us on Facebook