09/12/2022
from Shane Plummer
The most impressive feat in breeding stock, ever. Also a testament to the strength of western performance horses, Cutting specifically.
For a cutting horse sire to be #1 over a race sire, with racing purses coming from parimutuel wagering (I know TB wagering is over $2B annually, I've heard QH is $350M but do not know that as fact), this is an astounding feat with cutting purses at $40M annually.
High Brow Cat is simply amazing. In every way. His story is even better in clawing his way to the top. He'd have been a gelding in most hands, but not Mr. Jack. His belief, drive and gold went into proving this sire and as it was meant to be, his prepotency for excellence in his get is far superior to anything and everything. Imagine if HBC started his stallion career breeding 100 mares a year like his competition. His first six crops: 7, 17, 12, 18, 25 and 33 foals per. Amazing. Not only is he the best, he had the fertility and ability to produce numbers suffienct to get to this level of get earnings . He isn't done yet either.
A case can be made for a registry to not allow registration on deceased horses. I understand the purity of the argument for genetic diversity needs. Having said that, I am staunchly opposed to top down regulation, I believe a free people should choose what they want. So give me all the HBC's I can get or afford! He is beyond special. Miraculous even.
Not to forget the amazing Metallic Cat and Dual Rey on this list either. A testament to their sire ability and again, the strength of Western Performance Horse disciplines, the associations that support them and the passionate and devoted people that compete to make industries viable. There is a reason that there are over 1M people employed in the horse industry as a whole in this country. We are all in this together and celebrating success is important.
All hail the king!
