Spader Quarter Horses was founded in 1972 when, as a wedding gift, Dick purchased a bay mare named JA Jenny Adair from the famed JA ranch for Sheri. Since that day, our family has relied on functional, athletic Quarter Horses for both work and pleasure. Our horses are a big part of our family and lifestyle, and it brings us great pleasure to share them with you.
Currently the majority of the operation is based near Rosendale, MO, where the breeding stock mostly resides. Jared, Brett & Alyssa assist Sheri in the raising, training and marketing of twenty AQHA colts and a dozen riders annually. Bloodlines & breeding stock are still carefully selected for our main criteria-disposition, sounds conformation, and ability-with the added bonus of color.
Potential broodmares are ridden before entering the breeding program to ensure ability and dispsition. We maintain a strict herd health program, including routine vaccinations, dewormings, and vet checks-to ensure that your purchase is healthy and fit in every way. Broodmares are developed and maintained on a forage based nutrition system, ensuring longevity and soundness.
Colts undergo a "gradual weaning" process, meaning that at 80 days of age they are seperated in a low-stress approach from their dams for short periods of time each day. As the summer progresses, this amount of time apart increases until they are comfortable being away from their dams. This gives us an ideal time to work with them to develop training fundamentals and groundwork. By sale day colts are taught to stand tied, load, lead, accept baths, and many have their feet picked up and have been worked lightly in a round pen. Our goal is to capitalize on their bred-in gentle dispositions and to provide the utmost in ease of training for your new purchase.
McKeag Dakota Belle-Grullo Linebred Leo mare with her 2011 filly. Filly now in KY at Stone Gate Angus Farms.