The American Saddlebred: 1962

The year 1962 proved to be a good one for Saddlebreds. With the perspective of sixty years behind it, taking a look back gives a satisfying feel of success. The mare crop was exceptional with several Hall of Fame Broodmares, World's Grand Champions, and many World's Champions. The stallions were also an impressive group with a few World's Champions, top rated stallions and one who sired two World's Grand Champions. And one of the most beloved geldings in history came from 1962.

Among the BHF mares were Bobbi's Victory Empress, a grey mare sired by Frosty Highland. Whyworry Faraway and Lisa Bartlett were also in the BHF. Ruxer Farms often bred their mares to Wing Commander, and then kept those mares to breed to Valley View Supreme and Supreme Sultan. Many ended up in the BHF, and the 1962 result of that formula was Jasper Sweetheart BHF. Vanity's Belle, sired by Vanity's Sensation and the dam of Santana's Charm was also a good broodmare that foaled in 1962. Brite Sash from 1962 eventually produced RWGC CH You Are Love.

Show mares that were foaled in 1962 included America's Gift, WGC CH Bellisima, WC CH Duchess DeLovely, RWC CH Golden Cherry, WGC CH Lover's Sensation, WC, RWGC CH Arturo's Cara Mia, CH Rhythm's Jewel, WC Stonewall's Sound of Music and WGC CH Valerie Emerald.

Taking a look at the stallions from 1962 shows some successful studs. WC Chief of Grestone, WC Flight Time, Mr. Fitzgerald, Patent Leather Stonewall, Ridgefield Heir, Rita's Star, Starheart Victory, Starheart's Decision, Stonewall Starfire, WC CH Stonewall's Crescendo, and CH Super Command were all part of this crop. Kate Shriver BHF had a number of good colts, most memorable being WGC Will Shriver, but her 1962 colt was Kate's Scoop. Rita's Star had a number of full brothers including Starheart Peavine.

In 1962, the then 19 year old Wing Commander sired an impressive group which included Jasper Sweetheart BHF, WGC Valerie Emerald, CH Sheer Blue, WC Flight Time, CH Super Command, WC Chief of Greystone and Wings over Jordon. No wonder he was one of the most successful stallions of his time. His son Flight Time was the sire of WGC's Cora's Time and Sky Watch!

Geldings don't leave a legacy of offspring, but RWGC CH Giddy Up Go from 1962's foal crop will never be forgotten for his thrilling wins at Lexington, and his almost making it to the top at Louisville.

Now it's time for pictures!