Without a doubt, Buckeroo is the most well-known miniature stallions in
the world today. He holds the unequaled record of winning three National
Grand Champion Senior Stallion Titles. He has captured the hearts of all
that know him because he possesses the extreme brilliance, style, and
athletic ability that is so very difficult to attain in the breeding of
miniature horses.
Buckeroo is truly "Our Hero," continually siring not only his wonderful
qualities of presence and confidence but characteristics that produce
generations of perfect little horses.
These
get retain the beautiful head, large eyes, graceful long neck, level top line,
natural action and balance with excellent athletic ability and the important
"Look At Me Look!" Buckeroo sires National Champions and has been awarded
National Grand Champion Get of Sire three years consecutively. A long list is
available of all his Champion sons and daughters, grandsons and
granddaughters.
"His Progeny Speak For Themselves"... Buckeroo get and grand-get won
innumerous National Grands, Reserve National Grands, National Champions and
Top Ten Awards in Halter and Performance over the years in AMHA and AMHR
Nationals! There is a distinct "Power of the Pedigree" in Buckeroo's progeny!
SEVEN OF THE
LAST TEN AMHA NATIONAL GRAND CHAMPION SENIOR STALLIONS ARE BUCKEROO SONS OR
GRANDSONS!
In May of
1998, Buckeroo celebrated his 20th Birthday with approximately 300 of his
close admirers. It was a day of festivities and appreciation for Buckeroo's
life long accomplishments to the Miniature Industry. On Buckeroo's behalf,
familiar people such as Ray Zoercher, Lowell Boone and Jane Macon spoke of
Buckeroo's greatness and the part he has played in their lives. It was a day
that will be well remembered here at Little King Farm. All of the people who
traveled great distances, to celebrate this one day, with this one horse
proved the overwhelming influence, entrancing brilliance and awh-inspiring
power Buckeroo possess.
Buckeroo's list of champion get and grand-get goes on and on. His style and
brilliance are visible for generations in years to come. It is the belief of
many who have been involved with Buckeroo and his get over the years that this
stallion will go down in the history of the miniature horse as one of the most
prepotent valuable stallions in the foundation of the modern American
Miniature Horse.
Unmistakably Buckeroo, of course! Written
By: Robin Mingione
A Horse is a Horse of course, of course...or is it really? What
does determine a great horse? Is it the physical characteristics, genetic
makeup, show ring accomplishments, or the foals that are produced? We at
Little King Farm believe it is all of these and then some. Throughout the 22+
years of breeding miniature horses and withstanding the test of time in the
industry, we have seen many people, farms, breeding programs and horses come
and go. Not many horses have lasted as long and retained popular longevity
like Buckeroo. Buckeroo has been recognized time and again for his
accomplishments as a miniature horse. We want to recognize him for his
qualities that surpass all the rest.
Few people have been around long enough to remember Buckeroo and Mr. Lowell
Boone in his show days, being the only horse to win THREE Grand National
Champion Senior Stallion titles. This one point alone, sets him apart from the
others. However, most people within this industry know Buckeroo from his
"Unmistakable Look at Me Look" in photographs and advertisements. But few
people know the power Buckeroo has in the breeding shed and what it takes to
continue his known success. This is the ultimate test for the breeder of a
true champion horse.
For this article, we asked clients, admirers and owners of Buckeroo get and
grand get for their help and input. The response was overwhelming and we would
like to thank everyone who responded. It is a true honor to receive the
recognition many of you have given us through your quotes and stories.
Judie Evans of Clarion Miniatures, a successful Collie breeder and judge of 35
years and owner of several champion miniature horses, began her miniature
horse business from a unique yet essential point of view. When she responded
to the request for opinion, she hit the nail on the head. She, in one letter,
expressed exactly how we feel about Buckeroo and what we try to accomplish as
his owners. "When I first saw Buckeroo (in a magazine), he took my
breath away, literally, I was overwhelmed by the beauty and presence of this
magnificent animal. There is something about this horse to me that sets him
far above the realm of the pretty winners."
Judie went on to explain more than just Buckeroo's physical attributes. She
stated: "But more important to me than just the fact that his get won in
the ring is the look that Buckeroo stamps on his get, even generations down
the line. His offspring have presence and a brilliance that are unmistakable,
even to the novice."
According to John Eberth of Arion Management, who has done an
abundance of research on Buckeroo and his National Champion get and grand get
stated that Buckeroo is the ONLY stallion in AMHA history to have won the
Grand National Champion Senior Stallion title and then have not just one, but
TWO sons win the Grand National Champion Senior Stallion Titles as well (L. K.
Buck Echo and L. K. Buckeroo Baccarra). The buck does not stop there. He is
the ONLY stallion to have won that title and to grandsire not just one, but
FIVE other AMHA Grand National Champion Senior Stallions (L.K.Debonaire,
Winners Circle Adonis, Ima Boones Little Buckeroo Too, Alvadars Double
Destiny, and Blue Ribbon Mr. Bodacious).Buckeroo also is the only stallion to
be awarded three years consecutively the AMHA National Grand Champion Get of
Sire titles (1992, 1993,1994).
Due to the accomplishments of Buckeroo get and grand get in the show ring, many
prominent breeders are incorporating Buckeroo bloodlines into their programs.
Laura and Joe Tennill of Ten L Training Center sat in the stands at the
nationals several years ago to see which bloodline was winning consistently
and had the pretty heads, upright necks and level top lines that they wanted.
They were looking for a special stallion that could really help their breeding
program. "We chose the Buckeroo line and it has literally made our farm.
The Buckeroo line is so prepotent in producing consistently the showy type
horse, it is so well known even down the generations. We feel the Buckeroo
line has had a tremendous effect on the quality of our show horses, sales, and
the quality of our foals we are producing. Buckeroo is the most prepotent sire
in the industry and has proved it over and over again!"
Another breeder of Buckeroo horses, Tami Kosts, stated: "I have
13 horses that are Buckeroo bred, and we are proud of our herd. Buckeroo
stands above the rest in poise, stance, conformation and total show attitude.
It is quite easy to sit in the stands and pick them out of lineups. I feel the
Buckeroo pedigree has helped to mold the perfection in the miniature world.
The people who strive to achieve the perfect miniature, along with total
refinement, are the people that have introduced Buckeroo into their breeding
program."
Tony Greaves of Little America Miniature Horses replied,"
Because
of the phenomenal success of Buckeroo get in the show ring, we added a double
bred Buckeroo son to our breeding program last year. His first foals are real
stand outs in our crop this season. You can walk through our many pastures and
pick them out because of 'Look at me attitude'."
"In 1989, business started with a yearling double bred Buckeroo son, Little
Kings Buckeroo Times Two, as a future herd sire and several weanling fillies
as future broodmares. Our confidence in investing in the Buckeroo bloodlines
has paid off time and again over the years as Times Two has produced
outstanding individuals that have excelled in both show and breeding
programs." This statement was from Gale and Connie
Lynch of Alvadar Miniatures who have been very successful with their Buckeroo
son and his get in the show ring and their breeding program. Alvadars Double
Destiny owned by the Double Destiny Syndicate and managed by John Eberth of
Arion is a son of Buckeroo Times Two. John believes, "Destiny is the
most successful descendent of Buckeroo. He has accomplished more in less time
than any other Grand National Champion Senior Stallion in AMHA history. And
this doesn't even explain his awesome pedigree, it only hints at its power. I
feel Destiny will have a tremendous impact on the future of the breed like
Buckeroo has had." This year at the AMHA Nationals, Double Destiny was
the first Buckeroo grandson to have been honored with the National Grand
Champion Get of Sire award. So, yet another generation is continuing the
success of Buckeroo!
Ray Zoercher of Windflight was asked why they use Buckeroo in their breeding
program. He said there are simple answers like... "The Eberth family are
our friends, Buckeroo is a National Grand Champion, he produces National Grand
Champions, his bloodlines are sought after, his foals bring big bucks!" But that isn't the real reason. Ray goes on to explain... "How often
do you see a stallion win big and advertised big? Then after a few years he
seems to disappear from the scene. Why? Quite simply, he usually has never
produced. His foals and production success do not live up to his winnings and
promotion. These horses lack 'Staying Power,' the ability to transcend time,
fads, marketing schemes and hoopla and CONSISTENTLY produce top foals. But,
this is not enough. His greatness must not stop with his foals, it must go on
in the quality of his grand get, great grand get and so forth! Buckeroo has
stood the test of time. His descendants have met their trial by competition
and have come out victorious in all levels! The qualities of Buckeroo breeds
on. Buckeroo's presence and charisma attracts you to him at first glance even
at his age, and his sheer beauty captures your heart, but it's that 'Staying
Power' that keeps you coming back!"
Over the years we have tried to continue this success that Buckeroo
and his get are so well known for and respected. When asked what it takes to
keep this going Marianne stated that "it has been an increasing bond of
understanding, patience and loyalty between Buckeroo and I. This connection
and loyalty is what sets Buckeroo apart from others. " The
relationship between Buckeroo and Marianne is something for breeders to learn
from and appreciate.
Someone who has the same understanding and appreciation for Marianne and
Buckeroo's relationship is Michael Tusing of Silver Plate Stables. He
stated... "I think in every aspect of your life you should look for
meaningful relationships and connections. I think what is more important than
ribbons, titles, or money is your belief and connection to your horse.
Marianne saw this quality in me and therefore gave me the great opportunity to
purchase perhaps her best offspring ever. I continue her tradition of respect,
loyalty and love of Buckeroo with my relationship with Baccarra. I have chosen
not to offer outside
breedings to Baccarra until I know his strengths and weaknesses. You can never
be successful by cashing in on every opportunity which in the long run can
destroy a horse's reputation. Buckeroo is an outstanding stallion but without
Marianne's loyalty to the horse, we would not have known his inherent
greatness. Baccarra and I plan to continue to follow the path of our faithful
teachers."
Judie Evans
also touched on this concept of relationship and loyalty..."I have bred
animals long enough to know, that a great sire does not produce so
consistently and with such success, creating the impact that Buckeroo has had
on the breed, without being guided by the mind of an inspired breeder.
Marianne Eberth has proved without a doubt that she belongs in the realm of
that very elite circle, first having the foresight to buy Buckeroo and then
selecting the mares to go to this stallion. Even more difficult is choosing
the foals that would be worthy to represent the farm in the show ring, with a
talent that doesn't come from a book or simply being a clever promoter...the
combination of Buckeroo and Marianne has taken Little King to the top and her
eye and influence along with the prepotency have given so many wonderful
horses to the breed."
So, as any horse person can see, whether a novice, breeder, trainer or
admirer, Buckeroo is more than just a horse, of course. He is a
true champion in all aspects. He has all the qualities of being a great
in the miniature horse industry. It isn't just the titles, presence,
pedigree, 'staying power' or loyalty of the breeder. It is all
combined, all in one. Buckeroo has it all! Some of the best opinions of
Buckeroo have been saved for last. Thank you again to all who believe in
Buckeroo.
Judie Evans.... "I couldn't write about Buckeroo without including
Marianne, they make an inseparable team." Reece Family... "its the truth, we love your horses and think
that they are the best!"
Jane Haggard... "The Buckeroo line is a consistent bloodline that I know
will continue to produce quality miniature horses and is an asset to the
miniature horse industry. We love them all!"
Mike McCabe... "The Buckeroo's are very versatile with an
attitude that sets them apart from the rest!"
Ray Zoercher... "Never settle for anything less than the
exceptional. Breed the Best to the Best. Go Buckeroo!"
Mike and Terry Hlavatovic... "Buckeroo horses in the show
ring... Excellence, Attitude, Presence, Intelligence."
Lowell Boone... "My life with Buckeroo should have ended when I
sold him. It didn't. The Eberth family and I have become very close friends.
We all shared and participate in the same dream-a dream we see every day in
the get and grand get of this exceptional stallion, Buckeroo."
John Eberth ... "I have had indescribable experiences showing,
breeding and promoting Buckeroo and his offspring over the past 20 years and
winning innumerous National Champions and National Grands. Buckeroo is The One
and Only."
