The Best of Both Worlds – Multi-breed Competitors
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By Laura Boynton
The saying, “the best of both worlds,” implies a win-win situation. It means to be part of two aspects of life that are very different, yet quite the same, and to enjoy the best features of both. For horse owners, having the best of both worlds simply describes loving more than one horse breed and even the slightest differences each brings to the industry. One common aspect between all horse breeds, no matter the origin, shape, size or color, is that they are sought after by horse lovers, who can’t help but fall head-over-heels in love with whatever breed speaks the loudest to their hearts. With arguably the most popular breed in the world being the American Quarter Horse, and other stock-type breeds like the American Paint Horse and Appaloosa also high in the ranks, all share the athletic ability and deliberate breeding that drives them to excel in any discipline.
Most Paints and Appaloosas are visually identified by the colors and coat patterns that nature genetically stamps them with and by the ancestors’ names listed on their registration papers. Linda Gordon is the owner of Fossil Gate Farms, located in Argyle, Texas. Her ranch is the home of numerous AQHA and APHA World Champion sires of multiple breeds. Gordon recently took home a golden globe with FG Born Legacy in Aged Stallions, shown by her trainer and lifelong friend, Buddy Laney, at the AQHA World Show, but she loves a good Paint Horse as well. “All of my Paint stallions are solid, with some having APHA registration; but, to look at them, you wouldn’t know that. They resemble their AQHA papers more.” While Gordon’s heart melts when she sees a Paint Horse, she can’t help but to be drawn to the Quarter Horse buckskins and sorrels, but her favorite is an irresistible bay.
In Gordon’s champion breeding program, she thrives to be the best by putting together great crosses to ensure quality babies that can go straight to the show pen, no matter the breed. She says, “I’m excited about the upcoming foals, the new breeding season, and I can’t wait to promote my sires and their futures,” she says. “I also take great care of my clients and love to find the perfect cross and connecting lines that makes breeding so successful and rewarding for me. I love seeing the foals from birth to their show ring success. It’s one of my favorite things of all I do.”
Gordon’s breeding talents and ownership have ventured into Appaloosas as well, with Suchan Ego, sire of 15 bronze medallion winners winning the Bronze Sire Production Plaque this past summer.
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