JA Remuda

Founded by John Adair and Charles Goodnight, the JA has produced mares since Mrs. Adair insisted on bay mares over 100 years ago.   The herd is not bay anymore, but the quality is there.  

One of the earliest reputation studs was John Wilkins, an own son of Peter McCue.   At the ranch, he was called Moore Horse because he was purchased from a man named Moore.   Jim Jennings, AQHA executive director of publications, wrote in "America's Horse", "The horse John Wilkins was by Peter McCue and he could really run.   But the walls of his hooves were so thin he couldn't keep shoes on, so his time on the track was limited.  He was eventually sold to the JA Ranch in the Texas Panhandle and then purchased by Walter Hancock.  Hancock took his saddle to the JA, intending to ride John Wilkins home, a distance of approximately 100 miles.  But when he saw the condition of the horse's feet, he decided to lead him the entire distance.  Among the great horses sired by John Wilkins is the legendary Joe Hancock."

Photograph by Guy de Galard

A couple of generations later (1932) the JA produced Driftwood.   He is known as a great performance horse and foundation sire.  

In 1953, Montie Ritchie bought a stud named Claude.   One of his colts, Senor George, sired before Montie bought him, went on to win the following:

Claude is a significant part of the foundation of the present remuda; however, concentration has remained on producing ranch horses, not recreation, roping, cutting or show.   Roping and cutting are important, but ranch work is done horseback and the horses must be trustworthy and know cattle.   Also, due to our large, rough pastures, JA does not feel that the present move to small horses is in our interest.   We are blessed with large mares and stout geldings.

Studs used in the past were Two Eyed Quick Tip, Special Cash, Favorite Hand, Claude and Huff 'N Puff.   Special Cash, for example, was shown only four times and had four halter wins with one reserve.   Huff 'N Puff had three halter wins out of three shows and one grand.

As sad as we are to have lost Tipsome, in July, we came across Stylish 2000.   This bay stallion is an own son to Doc's Stylish Oak out of an own daughter of Peppy San Badger.  

JA blood produced Driftwood, Senor George and thousands of great ranch horses.   It never focused on line breeding or capitalizing on just one line.   JA's goal is to produce great working ranch horses with lots of cattle sense.

The JA no longer uses rope corrals, but we still produce great ranch horses.

 Clara Smith is the JA's newest horse fancier.

In order to allow us to continue improving our remuda, the JA exchanges fillies and studs with the O'Brien Ranch Remuda.

Please contact Randal Gates at the JA Ranch to inquire about horses for sale. (806) 944-5212

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