34 NEBRASKAland • APRIL 2016
S
peeding by pastures along
Nebraska's roads, most don't
wonder about scattered horse
herds – a horse is a horse.
But nestled within grassy
pockets of this state are phenomenal
animals honed to perfection over
many generations. Tailored by
training, splendid by design, these are
Nebraska's equine athletes, the quarter
horses.
Near the town of Ericson in
sprawling hills split by the clear,
sandy-bottomed Cedar River, a quiet
horse-breeding powerhouse creates
hundreds of future superstars per year –
the Pitzer Ranch. Here, a dozen studs,
all related to one legendary stallion
born in 1961, impregnate 350 to 400
mares annually. Half are artificially
inseminated; Mother Nature lacks
precision, so recipes are written for
21st century horse herds. Regardless
of how they came to be, beginning in
May, lanky little foals arrive wobbly
but vigor-filled.
In days past, all these horses would
be destined for ranch work or rodeo
competition, but the Pitzers are shifting
with the times. "There are fewer true
horsemen than there used to be," said
Jim Brinkman, grandson of ranch
founder Howard Pitzer. "These days
we're looking for those that act like a
Labrador puppy." Riders' skill levels
are more variable than older days.
"Horses need to be gentler," Brinkman
said. "Compare it to lap dogs versus
coon dogs." Today's quarter horse
market calls for personality above all.
Great Plains cattlemen don't rely as
heavily on horses to control their herds
as they once did. Zippy all-terrain
vehicles are replacing the ranch horse.
Despite this shift, basic Pitzer-
horse elements haven't changed.
Story and photos by Mark Harris
Sandhills
Speedsters
The Quarter Horse
Young quarter horses' personalities determine their life paths. Those with the desire to
sprint and a penchant for training will become rodeo competitors and may sell for up
to $150,000.
