The Four Sixes Ranch, a name synonymous with American Quarter Horse excellence, boasts a rich history of breeding horses that excel in ranch work, arena competitions, and on the racetrack. From its early days, the ranch has been dedicated to developing an equine program that consistently produces world-class American Quarter Horses, with a lineage that continues to shape the Western performance horse industry today.
Tracing the Lines of Excellence
The ranch’s equine legacy began with Captain Burnett’s fondness for Paint horses, believing each spot held significant value. While his initial stock was dispersed after his death in 1923, a new era of horsemanship began in 1932 under George Humphreys. His vision to establish a premier horse herd led him to acquire 20 quality broodmares. The foundation was further strengthened with the introduction of Scooter, a grey stallion gifted by Tom Burnett, Captain Burnett’s son. However, it was the ranch-raised Hollywood Gold, born in 1940, who became a favorite and a prolific sire in the cutting industry, commanding high prices for breeding.
During Humphreys’ nearly four-decade tenure, he invested significantly in the ranch’s bloodlines, notably purchasing the race-bred stallion Cee Bars for $6,500. Cee Bars, when bred to Four Sixes mares, produced offspring that set numerous records in both racing and cattle work. Humphreys later sold Cee Bars for a considerable profit of $15,000.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1960 when a formal decision was made to develop a dedicated equine breeding program. This strategic move laid the groundwork for the exceptional operations seen today. Among the influential early stallions, Joe Hancock, Hollywood Gold, and Grey Badger II were recognized for their profound impact on the industry.
In 1982, Dr. Glenn Blodgett joined the Four Sixes as Horse Division Manager, tasked with intensifying the breeding management program. This included implementing artificial insemination for all ranch mares and acquiring stallions such as San Tip and Mr Rodeo Jack. A significant strategic decision involved breeding ten mares over three consecutive years to the legendary King Ranch stallion Peppy San Badger, affectionately known as “Little Peppy.” This initiative resulted in 30 foals and left an indelible mark on the ranch’s breeding program. The influence of Little Peppy is evident in his sons, who have sired horses with combined earnings exceeding $121 million, and his daughters, who have produced over $45 million.
The acquisition of Tenino Badger, a son of Peppy San Badger, in 1983 further solidified the ranch’s breeding program. When crossed with Natural, a mare whose pedigree traced back to Grey Badger II and Cee Bars, the resulting foal, Natural Pick, became an exceptional broodmare. This exceptional mare, Natural Pick, was later bred to Tanquery Gin, producing Sixes Pick, who was crowned the American Quarter Horse Association’s (AQHA) first World Champion Versatility Ranch Horse in 2008.
The early 1990s saw the introduction of Strait Silver, a stallion noted for his good disposition and success in reining, roping, and barrel racing. Concurrently, Be Aech Enterprise, a popular outcross, was recognized, leading to the breeding of Natural to his son, Surprise Enterprise, resulting in Natural Enterprise. This stallion enjoyed a successful show career and significantly contributed to the ranch’s roster of exceptional geldings and broodmares.
Raising the Future of Equine Performance
The Four Sixes Ranch’s commitment to excellence was recognized in 1994 with the AQHA Best Remuda Award, celebrating its outstanding working cow horses. Dr. Blodgett’s foresight regarding Tanquery Gin proved accurate; the stallion’s progeny earned over $2.3 million, with his daughters producing earners of more than $3 million. Tanquery Gin’s instrumental role in developing the ranch’s renowned breeding program solidified his place among the ranch’s most influential sires, alongside Hollywood Gold, Cee Bars, Grey Badger II, Peppy San Badger, and Tenino Badger.
In the summer of 1993, the Four Sixes expanded its breeding services to the public, offering mare and stallion management and artificial insemination. The following year, the ranch stood three of the most valuable stallions in Quarter Horse history: Dash For Cash, Streakin Six, and Special Effort, whose combined offspring earned approximately $80 million.
Today, the Four Sixes Horse Division, directed by veterinarian Dr. Nathan Canaday, manages over 40 top Western performance and ranch Quarter Horse stallions. The ranch continues to prioritize breeding for an all-around useful horse, possessing stamina, top-level performance capability, and exemplary breed characteristics. Modern technology facilitates worldwide semen distribution, and a comprehensive suite of veterinary services is available to the public.
For over a century, Four Sixes Quarter Horses have been meticulously bred for cow sense, speed, gentleness, correct conformation, and aesthetic appeal. These horses are utilized on the ranch, trained for racing and performance competitions, and many are showcased at prestigious auction sales, including the annual Return to the Remuda Sale.
