Each month we spotlight an incredible sire or dam that has made their mark on the Western industry. Although both sides of your horse’s lineage are important to his future, oftentimes mare power is understated. Sometimes as horse owners we get so fixated on finding the perfect stallion, that we forget the mare is 50% of the equation.
The influence of mares goes beyond genetic contributions, extending to key factors such as temperament, maternal instincts, and performance capabilities. Not to mention the numerous talented mares making their mark in the show pen before they become dams. Let’s look back at some of the incredible mares we’ve covered in our Dam Spotlight, to appreciate the importance of mare power. Click on the links to learn more about each talented mare!
Snap Krackle Pop
This graceful gray mare, nicknamed ‘Brandi’ has made judges and spectators alike sit up and pay attention to her talent and gorgeous looks, and her babies continue that legacy. With multiple AQHA Superhorse titles under her belt, Brandi has made her mark on the Western events, including trail and Western riding. A sweet mare that seems more human than horse, her offspring have gone on to do impressive things in the show pen themselves.
[Read: More About Snap Krackle Pop]
Taris Designer Genes
“Mare power” can mean a lot of things, and 20-year-old Taris Designer Genes checks all those boxes. Champion in the show pen? Check. Producer of champions in the breeding barn? Check. Perpetuator of her physical and mental talents and gifts? Check. NRHA Seven Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani has shown many reiners out of Taris Designer Genes. Notably Guns In My Genes, Electric Genes, and Ice Cube—as well as having ridden the mare herself.
This talented mare passes on her strength and grit to her offspring, and stamps them with her tenacity and confidence.
[Read: More About Taris Designer Genes]
Soula Jule Forever
This 2006 mare with her great conformation and sweet demeanor was a promising dam long before she entered the breeding world. Soula Jule Forever was a solid non-pro mount. And then her career shifted focus from being a contender to producing them. This includes 2017 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Reserve Champion, Bet Hes Black, by Bet Hesa Cat. The mare, now owned by Teton Ridge Performance Horses, currently sits at No. 5 on NRCHA’s leading dams list, with offspring earnings of close to $600,000.
[Read: More About Soula Jule Forever]
Wimpys Little Chic
In 2008, a palomino filly made history. She became the first horse ever to win the “Triple Crown” of reining: the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity, the National Reining Breeders Classic, and the NRHA Derby. If she’d gone on to do nothing else, that accomplishment would have been enough to sear her name into the books of reining royalty. But as it is, Wimpys Little Chic has proven, again and again, that she’s not the type of mare to rest on her laurels.
[Read: More About Wimpys Little Chic]
Lonely At The Top
In early December of 2023, a perlino mare stole the spotlight. She won a runoff to earn the 2023 NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity with Brian Bell at the reins. Her flashy color, gritty style, and superpowered maneuvers earned Crystalized Whizkey (Whizkey N Diamonds x Lonely At The Top) a $350,000 check for owner Wallace Wood.
But before “Disco” could achieve this feat, her dam had to land in the right hands to set the wheels in motion.
[Read: More About Lonely At The Top]
Shiners Diamond Girl
Shiners Diamond Girl, a 2002 palomino mare by the legendary Shining Spark, and out of Zans Diamond Jackie, made her home at the iconic San Juan Ranch 22 years ago. San Juan Ranch is a NRCHA Multi-Million Dollar Breeder, and home to three NRCHA Open Futurity Champions. The ranch is also a #2 Lifetime Reined Cowhorse breeder.
Bred by Carol Rose Quarter Horses, and bought as a weanling, Shiners Diamond Girl found her way to the Weatherford, Texas ranch at the same time as another standout broodmare, Shiners Little Oak.
[Read: More About Shiners Diamond Girl]
