Horses

We produce many of the horses used by its employees, and markets others in select forums. Our horse-breeding focus is to produce quality horses with outstanding cow ability and that are able to traverse the rugged terrain of the ranch safely. Providing quality horses for our cowboys to safely conduct business is a major goal for the remuda.

We take great pride in our horse-breeding program, and in 2013 we were honored to receive Best Remuda from the American Quarter Horse Association and AQHA Corporate Partner, Zoetis.

In the early 1970s, Matador Ranch revived its horse-breeding program under the direction of then-president/general manager John Lincoln. The ranch purchased a group of Sugar Bars-bred mares and a stallion then developed a breeding program to result in a dependable ranch horse able to deal with the terrain of the Rolling Plains and canyons, while demonstrating the ability to handle cattle.

Today’s ranch management continues to work diligently to ensure Matador Ranch horses – using the influence of Hollywood Gold, Royal King, and Peppy San Badger genetics – have the conformation and disposition to stay employed on the ranch. The ranch has maintained the foundation bloodlines in its mare band and has introduced genetics from today’s performance horses by using sons of High Brow Hickory, High Brow Cat, Dual Pep, and Playgun, among others. The methods used to start colts give them the opportunity to make great working ranch horses, as well as performance horses.

A safe working environment is essential for the Matador Ranch team and its livestock. Part of the safety program is an ongoing development of employee skills through various horsemanship clinics. As a result, team members at the ranch have successfully competed in Stock Horse of Texas, Ranch Horse Association of America (RHAA) and Ranch Cutting Horse Association (RCHA) events. Over the years, Matador Ranch has qualified horses for the finals in both RHAA and RCHA, along with the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse competition. Matador Ranch is also part of the Caprock Ranchers Sale and Futurity, held annually in July in Levelland, Texas.

Matador Ranch horses fit in numerous different disciplines: team roping, barrel racing, weekend cutters and pleasure.