Ariel was descended from a long line of champions. Once compared to the legendary Traveler by the National Quarter Horse Breeders Association, he was a successful sprinter that went on to sire several influential stallions and mares. Through his Thoroughbred sons, Ariel made a lasting impact on the western industry. Ariel was foaled in 1925.… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History – Ariel
Tag: Barrel Racing
The Western Thoroughbred History – Apollo
Apollo was an impressive racehorse that captured the attention of horseman Frank Vessels III. He went on to sire stakes winners of four breeds. His daughters are still producing top-notch racehorses and barrel horses, which has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest broodmare sires of all-time. Apollo was foaled in California in 1988.… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History – Apollo
The Western Thoroughbred History – Anchor Watch
Anchor Watch was a successful racehorse and enduring sire. His royal bloodlines were essential in establishing an enduring empire of barrel horses. His descendants still dominate futurities and open barrel races today. Anchor Watch was foaled on J. W. Dial’s ranch in Texas in 1953. He was by Degage, a stakes-winning son of Calumet Farm’s… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History – Anchor Watch
The Western Thoroughbred History – Afton Creek
Afton Creek was a blue-blooded Thoroughbred stallion that was unremarkable in his short racing career but became an influential sire of Quarter Horse racing, reining and cutting horses. Bull Dog, the grandsire of Afton Creek Afton Creek was foaled in 1950. He was by Coldstream, a multiple stakes winning son of North American leading sire… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History – Afton Creek
2020 WNFR Pedigree Analysis
In 2020, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo returned to Texas for the first time in nearly 60 years. Globe Life Field in Arlington hosted the historic rodeo, which was the first non-baseball event at the park. While there were significant changes, the 2020 WNFR still showcased the season’s top-fifteen money earners in bareback riding, steer… Continue reading 2020 WNFR Pedigree Analysis
OTTBwestern History – Leinster House
The Emerald Isle is known for its rolling hills, Celtic ballads and dark beer, but not necessarily for its barrel horses. Yet surprisingly, one of the greatest families of barrel horses began in Ireland. Many futurity, derby and open horses can trace their direct sire line back to a dark bay Thoroughbred stallion from the… Continue reading OTTBwestern History – Leinster House
In Defense of the Thoroughbred as a Barrel Horse
Thoroughbred horses have been instrumental in barrel racing since the invention of the sport. However, full-blooded Thoroughbreds that have won large barrel races remain relatively unknown. Their achievements have been overlooked and underplayed. And while barrel racers may be familiar with some bygone Thoroughbred stallions and mares, their influence in industry is often glossed over… Continue reading In Defense of the Thoroughbred as a Barrel Horse
NFR Pedigree Analysis
Each December, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada showcases the season’s top money-earning cowboys and cowgirls and their tremendously talented horses. Whether they are backed in the box or fixing to fly down the alley, all the WNFR equine athletes have something in common – Thoroughbred bloodlines. The great Thoroughbred stallion Three… Continue reading NFR Pedigree Analysis
Thoroughbreds of the BFA World Championships
The Barrel Futurities of America (BFA) is an organization that aims to unify the barrel racing futurity industry. The BFA World Championship is a week-long event in at the historic Lazy E Arena in Gutherie, Oklahoma. The payout exceeds $1 million and the highlight of the event is the $250,000 $uper$takes in which the winner… Continue reading Thoroughbreds of the BFA World Championships
Half Thoroughbred and All Heart
Many successful horses in the barrel racing industry have a Thoroughbred or two on their papers. Some great barrel horses even have a Thoroughbred parent. Martha Josey’s first barrel horse Cebe Reed was by the winning Thoroughbred stallion Frank’s Pal. Martha and Cebe won 52 consecutive races and qualified for the NFR in 1968 and… Continue reading Half Thoroughbred and All Heart
