It's ironic how the Thoroughbred is often overlooked in rodeo history. The speed and grit that the breed famously possess is exactly what the sport demands. And although they’ve been largely forgotten or ignored, these horses have been competitive on the barrel pattern for generations. One of the greatest Thoroughbreds to ever run down the… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History: Cariboo Chief
What Luck was foaled on April 24th, 1967. He was bred by Ogden Phipps and Wheatley Stable and foaled at Claiborne Farm near Paris, Kentucky. What Luck was by Bold Ruler, the 1957 Horse of the Year. Bold Ruler made 33 starts and won 23 races. His major wins were in the Wood Memorial Stakes,… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History: What Luck
Hempen was foaled on March 24th, 1962. He was bred by John and Phyllis Valpredo in Bakersfield, California. Hempen was by Indian Hemp, a chestnut son of leading sire Nasrullah. Indian Hemp was a stakes winner in England and North America. He won the 1951 Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and 1953 Yerba Buena… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History: Hempen
First Ambassador was foaled on March 29th, 1974. He was bred by Farnsworth Farm near Ocala, Florida. First Ambassador was by Diplomat Way, a son of Hall of Fame inductee Nashua. Diplomat Way won fourteen races, including the 1967 Blue Grass Stakes. He also set a new track record in the Chicago Handicap at Hawthorne.… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred: First Ambassador
Bloody Blade was foaled on March 13th, 1975. He was bred by Barr Inman in Colorado. Bloody Blade was by Blade, a son of Bold Ruler. Blade won four races and placed second in the 1969 Delaware Valley Handicap and third in the 1970 Phoenix Handicap. He stood at Nuckols Farm where he sired Thoroughbred… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History: Bloody Blade
Like many sons of Native Dancer, Texas Dancer was hard to fault. He had a perfect pedigree and correct conformation. Texas Dancer sired an AQHA Racing Champion and his daughters produced numerous performance horses. His name certainly belongs in conversations about the most influential Thoroughbred sires of Quarter Horses. Texas Dancer was foaled on April… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History: Texas Dancer
Insubordination was a grandson of Khaled and Depth Charge, which meant that he had close ties to the Quarter Horse industry on both sides of his pedigree. He was a remarkable runner that won nineteen of his 66 starts and retired sound. He sired a Thoroughbred champion and has a handful of Quarter Horse descendants… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History: Insubordination
We all love a good comeback story. Seabiscuit’s recovery from a ruptured suspensory ligament captivated the nation. Mariah’s Storm inspired the movie Dreamer because she returned to the races after fracturing her cannon bone. More recently, White Abarrio’s win in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup marked his comeback from an illness and lengthy layoff.… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History: Noo Music
Deep Sun was foaled in 1952. He was bred by C. C. Tanner. Deep Sun was by Depth Charge, one of several Thoroughbreds to have been inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame. Depth Charge was by Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, Bold Venture. He won five races and was stakes placed. Depth Charge… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History: Deep Sun
Yankee Doll was foaled on May 21st, 1974. She was bred by Jerry A. Rheudasil and Roy L. Marcom, Jr. in Texas. Yankee Doll was by Mito Paint, an exceptional Thoroughbred sire of Quarter Horses. Mito Paint. stood at the Phillips Ranch in Frisco, Texas. One of his first foals, Mito Wise Dancer, defeated two-time… Continue reading The Western Thoroughbred History: Yankee Doll
The Western Thoroughbred 