Wagon Wheel Ranch – Foundation Quarter Horses Since 1972

Dear Friends,

It is with heartfelt thanks that I write to all who took part in our sale of June 29-30, 2018 at the Wagon Wheel Ranch. While our pastures and pens are empty, our hearts are full of gratitude and the knowledge that our prized horses are now in good homes scattered across this great country.

For those who purchased a horse, I want to thank you for carrying on the legacy of the Wagon Wheel Ranch as you thoughtfully engage in your own breeding programs. The American Quarter Horse breed as for more than 60 years stood on the foundation of these bloodlines and I encourage you to research and learn about genetics and line-breeding techniques that have stood the test of time. You can read my dad’s take on his techniques in our sale catalog, still available on line. Just click the button to the left of my letter.

Again, my best to all who were a part of our sale!

Sincerely,

John C. Gist, Manager

The Wagon Wheel Ranch™ Crew

OUR HISTORY

Originally established in 1872, the historic Wagon Wheel Ranch was home to a premier Foundation Quarter Horse Breeding Program built by the late Fred G. Gist.

1872

Ranch Established

The storied Wagon Wheel Ranch was originally a working cattle, sheep, and goat ranch. Once home to the renowned Fred G. Gist Foundation Quarter Horse Herd, this ranch is a true Texas treasure. Comprised of almost 10,000 acres, this historic ranch still embodies the charm of the old west.

1972

Gist Family Ownership

Since the ranch’s centennial anniversary, the Gist family worked to preserve Foundation Bloodlines critical to the development of the modern Quarter Horse at the historic Wagon Wheel Ranch in central Texas.

Founded by the late breeding trailblazer, Fred G. Gist and his wife, Elaine Conger Gist, the Wagon Wheel Ranch Breeding Program was primarily designed to concentrate blood of specific legendary sires, including King P-234, Royal King, Joe Hancock, Blue Valentine, Driftwood and Mr. San Peppy and more.

2004

Herd Of 1,000+

The Foundation Bloodlines of the American Quarter Horse are beloved for their size, cow sense, performance ability, versatility, and kind dispositions. The intent of this breeding program was to create, preserve, and strengthen a genetic vault like no other. At the peak of its breeding operation, the herd size was well over 1,000 head. Such a herd size made it possible to test and prove the Genetic Inheritance Statistic System.

Now, the program has become the industry’s breeding go-to secret. Many famed trainers and breeders start, improve, or correct their programs with stock from the Wagon Wheel Ranch. With the breeding system in place, each pairing is intentional and highly predictable. Select horses from this program can be equally considered performance horses as well as producing horses, which makes them genetic super horses*.

(*Genetic super horses are very uncommon horses with multiple matched pairs of chromosomes, as well as a positive hybrid vigor %.)

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2009

A New Generation

With the passing of his father, Fred G. Gist, John Gist and his mother, Elaine, continued to focus on preserving the valuable bloodlines established over the past two decades. This dedication to the protection of the bloodlines built a virtual vault of the most storied Foundation American Quarter Horse bloodlines in its history.

A COVETED SOURCE

Paying attention to a horse’s foundation and genetics, leads to success in the arena, on the trail, or on the range. Founded by the late breeding trailblazer, Fred G. Gist and his wife, Elaine, the Wagon Wheel Ranch Breeding Program was primarily designed to concentrate blood of specific legendary sires, including King P-234, Royal King, Joe Hancock, Blue Valentine, Driftwood and Mr. San Peppy. Having increased the purity of many famed Foundation Bloodlines, the Wagon Wheel Ranch was home to some of the purest foundation stock in the world, in particular the highest percentage Blue Valentine and King P-234 stallions in the world.

Blue Valentine57

Joe Hancock25

King P-23449

9728Acres

383Cows

3523Registered Quarter Horses Bred

46Years In Business

TESTIMONIALS

From the horses to the crew and customers, the Wagon Wheel Ranch was all about family. Here’s what some of our family shared about their experiences.

We bought our first walking stick horse in 1998, and have followed the ranch and the breeding program for years! Was blessed to be able to come to the last sale, we bought 4 horses, all of which have a mind that is stead fast, and they are very easy to be around. They will be some of the best ranch horses in Kansas. Well worth the drive!

Shawn BorstHappy customer

Beautiful Ranch, gracious & accommodating staff, the most beautiful & stout horse stock in every color combo imaginable. It is a must to visit and buy one of their horses.

Melissa Marie DavisSatisfied customer

I had such I great experience while working for the Gist family! Mr. Fred had his vision, and I’m glad to see it being carried out!

Happy ranch handJake Holladay

Great people to deal with great horses.

Bill BlackmanHappy customer

Such beautiful horses and gracious staff. It was a delight to be here.

Karen SmithPleased guest

WATCH HERITAGE

Heritage earned 2 Emmy Nominations!

While we no longer have horses for sale, please contact us should you have questions.Contact Us