Some kids decide to carry on the family business and others do their own thing. The Quarter Horse industry is thankful E. Paul Waggoner followed his family’s legacy.
Waggoner’s father and grandfather built the Waggoner Ranch into a half-million-acre operation in North Texas. Good horses were needed to work the cows and calves on the ranch, and Waggoner’s father, W. T., set out to buy the best horses available. W. T. came close to reaching this goal when he offered $500,000 for Man O’War – to no avail. However, the rancher succeeded in buying Yellow Jacket, Yellow Wolf, Midnight, Blackburn and Pretty Boy.
When W. T. died in 1934, E. Paul assumed the role of manager over the oil production, cattle and horse empires. As an extension to the current land holdings, he established the Three D Stock Farm in Arlington, Texas. The farm became one of the leading Quarter Horse showing and breeding establishments in the country.
Continuing the tradition of owning fine horses, Waggoner paid $5,700 for King P-234’s son Poco Bueno in 1945. He showed the stallion around the country and established him as a top halter and cutting horse.
The rancher crossed the brown stallion on Waggoner-bred mares and the results were outstanding. Pretty soon there were “Pocos” around the country winning shows in nearly every event. Some of the better-known horses were Poco Lena, Poco Stampede, Poco Mona and Poco Pine.
Other horses assisted in the establishment of Waggoner’s breeding dynasty: Jessie James and Pep Up made ripples throughout the Quarter Horse world.
Decades after his death, Waggoner’s breeding accomplishments are still felt. Descendants of Waggoner horses include Smart Little Lena and Zan Parr Bar.
Waggoner died in 1967, and was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 1991.
Biography updated as of March 1991.