Last updated on March 8th, 2023 at 10:21 pm
Best Quarter Horse Bloodlines
Are you looking to get a quarter horse? Or are you simply interested in the history of the breed? Either way, read on to learn about some of the best bloodlines for a quarter horse.
Famous Quarter Horse Bloodlines
It is important to be aware of your horse’s bloodline, especially when it comes to a horse you plan to enter into competitions. However, even if you are not competing with your horse, knowing its bloodline will help you to avoid or predict issues that may come up later down the line with factors such as your horse’s health or temperament.
related – Did you know Amy Flemming rides a quarterhorse in Heartland?
Doc Bar
Doc Bar is one of the most famous quarter horses, and he is known as one of the best cow-horse sires. He was a chestnut stallion born in 1956, and started out as a racehorse, though his racing career was not wildly successful by any means. He did transition into a great career as a halter horse, however, during which he won nine championships. His offspring are often fantastic cutting horses, and many of the winning ranch and cutting horses can thank Doc Bar’s bloodline. Those of his bloodline are championed for their athleticism, calm, and grace. They are also easy to train.
Driftwood
Driftwood was a bay stallion who was born in 1932. He was originally known as Speedy and hailed from a relatively unknown pedigree. Driftwood began his career in Texas as a top-match race horse. After he was done racing, he became a top-performing rope horse at professional rodeo. Husband and wife team Channing and Catherine Peake then bought Driftwood and used him in their breeding program, where his offspring found much success. Those from Driftwood’s bloodline are known for both speed and intelligence, making them great rodeo, ranch, or rope horses. Many of his offspring also had great durability and cow sense. This made them great working horses. Driftwood’s bloodline is known for crossing well with others.
Joe Hancock
Joe Hancock is believed to have been born between 1923 and 1925. This horse was named after his owner and sired by Peter McCue, who was a legendary foundation stallion. Joe Hancock boasted a calm disposition as well as speed and cow sense. He had a successful racing career along with the propensity for working with cattle. Once he retired from racing, he was used for breeding and sired many great working horses. Those of his bloodline were of a sturdy, stout confirmation and had amazing cow sense. He also sired many champion roping horses.
Two Eyed Jack
Two Eyed Jack can actually trace his pedigree back to Joe Hancock, who we just discussed above! The stallion began as a halter horse and then branched out to excel in western pleasure, reining, and working cow horse competitions. He still holds the top spot in the all-time leading sires of AQHA Champion horses; he has sired 149 AQHA champions, with 16 being AQHA World Show Champions. Those of his bloodline take after Two Eyed Jack with gentleness and a calm disposition. As shown by the number of AQHA Champions he has sired, those of his bloodline do very well in the show ring, too.
Peppy San Badger
Peppy San Badger was born in 1974 and actually suffered from distemper as a foal. Despite this, the horse went on to win the NCHA Futurity in 1977. He was purchased by the Kings Ranch and was also known as Little Peppy. Little Peppy was respected as a cutting horse, for his athleticism, and his calm and attentive disposition came in handy while working. This talent as a cutting horse was also passed down to his offspring, who have gone on to win over $25 million in earnings. Those of his bloodline are great as cutting, reining, and reined cow horses, and Peppy San Badger is touted as one of the best producing ranch horse bloodlines in the breed.
Playgun
Playgun was born in 1992 and is believed to be one of the most successful ranch horse producers in the industry. During his career as a cutting horse, he won over $185,000 in cutting competitions. His offspring are winning just as lucratively to this date– they have gone on to win over $5 million in competitions such as reining, reined cow horse, cutting, roping, and ranch versatility. His bloodline has cow sense, a sound conformation, and athleticism. Playgun’s offspring are consistently popular in the quarter horse world due to their size and substance, coupled with their easy ability to work with cattle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best cutting horse of all time?
Some of the best cutting horses that have emerged recently are Hottish, Once In a Blue Boon, High Brow Cat, Dual Ray, and Metallic Cat.
How do you pick a good quarter horse?
First, you should decide what the most important aspect of the horse experience is for you– trail riding, showmanship, etc. You should also take into consideration your experience level, a horse’s performance and training, and age and condition. For example, for trail riding, you will want a more compact horse. Once you’ve narrowed it down, test the horses by doing a ride test and then have your choice evaluated by a vet. This will ensure that your horse is healthy and a good fit for what you are looking for it to do. It is also wise to research your horse’s pedigree, if possible.
What two breeds make a quarter horse?
An American quarter horse is descended from Spanish and English horses that were then crossed with local breeds, such as the Chickasaw horse. Many quarter horses have Thoroughbred blood, as they were bred for performance.
How do I know if my horse has a good bloodline?
You should check your horse’s family tree to ensure that its bloodline was healthy and performed well based on your individual needs. There are also certain bloodlines that you should avoid due to increased risks and health issues. For example, the bloodline of the stallion Poco Bueno is now known to have been linked to a fatal skin disease called HERDA.