“fast enough to catch that calf”
We are proud to be riding horses that are the result of the breeding program of the Old Man (Wayne Ducheneaux; Dad, Poppy, Neighbor and Friend to many) and a vision he had in his youth. Growing up, horses were still the primary source of horsepower for all things that happened on their ranch.
Putting up hay, feeding cows, building dams, any farming that had to be done, even the occasional trip to town, all occurred while looking at the ample rear end of a draft type horse. Because of the nature of these tasks, things such as performance, disposition, and versatility were sacrificed for other, more important characteristics. He loved to tell a story about his father’s excitement upon returning home after selecting one such steed; he said, while holding his hands up and apart about the size of a dinner plate….”He’s a good SOB too, must have a foot on him THIS BIG!”
Now, you can imagine that a practical man like that is not likely to have a couple separate herds of horses around, one for the heavy work and another for the cowboyin’. What he did have was a herd of fearless and indestructible kids, and a bunch of yearling and two year old draft horses. It was one day while doctoring calves on one of these lumbering beasts that Wayne had his epiphany. You see, the method for doctoring calves on this type of horse pretty much amounted to chasing the calf until he was sufficiently tired that the draft horse colt could get you in position for a throw of your rope…he decided right then and there…”someday, I’m going to have horses fast enough to catch that calf”.
The method for “breaking” horses in those days also contributed to Wayne’s vision, because it basically amounted to going to war. He knew there had to be a better way, and having a horse that was friendly and willing would be part and parcel of that.
This epiphany was the beginning of Ducheneaux Quarter Horses. In the early 1960’s Dad partnered with Uncle Ed Ducheneaux on a handful of mares and a gangly 2 year old stud named Sniper Buck. Buck would eventually become the cornerstone of the breeding program. The colts by “Buck” had it all; disposition, ability, and tons of eye appeal. He was the only stud on the place until the 1970’s when an old Texas stud found his way to our place.
Dandy Fly was a big sorrel babysitter, who could perform in the arena regardless of who was riding him. My brother fondly recalls his first ride “outside” which was on Dandy, through his mare bunch to move cows.
During the 80’s we had several successful outcrosses, beginning with a red roan Jet Deck grandson named Dandy Bar Jet. His pedigree read like a who’s who in the Quarter Horse industry. A towering 14.3, Roany produced bigger than his stature, and you’ll still see a lot of white hairs in the flanks and tail-heads of our horses today. Roany’s signature.
Breezing Smooth came next. He brought with him show ring performance and AAA speed, along with the all important disposition and trainability. He came to us from Bob McCutcheon’s cutting program. We used him for 8 years.
Hulk, formally known as WDX Babysbreeze was by Breezy and out of Tye Rye Baby, one of the old mares from the original band. My Dad’s pet, he proved that the Ol’ Man knows how to pick em, as you will see that most of the mares will trace back to Hulk.
You’ll also see Coconino Sioux, a Roany son, on the pedigrees of some of the horses. Born and bred here, sold to a cousin, we were fortunate enough to be able to use him for a few years. He produced some pretty heads and color from the cross.
Our family has done such a great job putting this thing together. Our only job now, is to “not screw it up” and we take it seriously. Disposition is still first above all else, then performance, trainability, usability, and finally eye appeal. The amazing horses Dad put together along with the outcrosses we’ve added, have been great teachers for the aspiring horsemen on this place. Now we’d like to offer the opportunity to share some of those insights with you through our INTERNSHIPS, RANCH VACATIONS, and CLINICS.
You can find out more about the horses we ride and raise below. If you have any questions, please call, email or better yet, stop in for coffee. We hope you’ve enjoyed the brief history, and look forward to visiting with you.