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~ BREEDING PROGRAM ~
We started our breeding program 7 years ago with two goals in mind: producing nice horses that people can enjoy and an affordable
way to be able to do it. For years we searched for good quality horses that were raised correctly. We found nicely bred
horses, but they were stall raised, unsocialized or spoiled. We found horses raised right; in herds, not over gentled.....but
most where not good quality with good trainability or had soundness issues. We did find one ranch where the horses where
top quality and they where raised properly, the only problem was that most of our clients could not afford to pay top dollar
for a foal, then wait three years, then take it to a trainer. That was unrealistic for most.
I have always loved the Iberian horse and found they brought alot to the table when it came to owning them; versitility,
trainability, athletic ability, smooth gaits (although not gaited), soundness of mind and body.....and they where easy on
the eyes. I choose the Kiger Mustang as the foundation for my program because they had all of the above, plus a deep bonding
and affection I had never experienced in any other breed, even amoung the other Iberian horses. They also carry the uncanny
desire to stay balanced, which means many times they will come under the rider and take you with them (under tow). It is
quite something to experience.
I choose Charro (Geronimo), as my main stallion because of his ability to improve any mare he covers. He also stamps
his foals with many great attributes, one of which is the flexion of the hind end which is a great driving force and propels
the front end up and forward. I could also go into a pasture of 30 foals and pick every one of his out. This shows his prepotency
to pass on his wonderful genetics.
As we progess in our breeding, we have chosen to have a line of cross-bred horses. Our first and foremost cross is to
the Lusitano....a perfect combination to our Kigers. We have also bred two foundation Quarter Horse mares to Charro for 2006.
Many clients are very excited about this cross.
Our program is different on many levels, one of which is that we do not "sell" foals. While they may be purchased
at a young age, they will not go to their new home until they are under saddle and to the level of their new owner and the
owner has spent some time with us learning. This is paramount in the success of their new partnership.
Rancho Bayo
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