J.D. Yates: The Horses That Made the Rodeo Icon

This page provides an even deeper dive into the horses discussed in this episode, with detailed insights into their pedigrees, performance achievements, and more. 

Explore the legacies of these exceptional American Quarter Horses, uncovering the bloodlines that contributed to the Yates family’s success in the rodeo arena and show pen. You'll find information on their competition careers, breeding influence, and how they have shaped the future of the Quarter Horse industry. 

This resource offers an in-depth look at the horses that played a crucial role in J. D. Yates’ Hall of Fame career, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the legacy and heritage of the American Quarter Horse.

This episode was in partnership with Classic Equine. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or iHeartRadio. You can also view the complete interview on YouTube. 

Flits Friend, aka “Pac Man” 

1982 gray gelding (Bar Flits Pokey–Mighty Mindy by Mighty Wild) 
Breeders: Dick and Jan Yates

Pac Man was a special gift to J. D. from his parents, carrying a pedigree rich in talent. Before J.  D. took him to the roping box, his sister, professional barrel racer Kelly Yates, competed with the gray gelding at barrel futurities. Pac Man’s lineage is impressive–he’s out of Mighty Mindy, the same mare that produced Kelly’s legendary barrel racing horse, Firewater Fiesta. Pac Man quickly became a standout, carrying J. D. to countless rodeo wins and NFR qualifications and further extending the family’s legacy of champion horses.

AQHA Achievements

  • Named the first AQHA-PRCA Heel Horse of the Year in 1989 

  • 1996 AQHA Senior Heeling World Champion 


Catheys Dividend, aka “Buster” 

1990 bay stallion (Flaming Oh-Devil Lady by Silent Devil)
Breeder: Shoat Webster 

Buster was a special horse from the start, purchased by J. D. as a Father’s Day gift for his dad, Dick. Over the years, Buster became a key partner in some of J. D.'s most memorable victories. In 2002, J. D. rode Buster to win the NFR average title while heading for Bobby Harris and the pair secured the 2008 National Finals Steer Roping title, as well. Buster’s wins didn’t stop there. In 2010, J. D. rode Buster to a win at the prestigious Bob Feist Invitational. One of the most remarkable moments came when J. D. teamed up with his son, Trey, to win Cheyenne Frontier Days, with Buster still going strong at an impressive 25 years old. Buster’s incredible longevity and talent made him one of the true standouts in J. D.’s storied career.

 

Swevin, aka “Little Gray” 

1971 gray gelding (Again-Tommy Badger 5 by Grey Badger II) 
Breeder: Joe Hutchison

Swevin was the horse that gave J. D. his first AQHA world championship title in 1981 in senior heeling. This milestone marked the beginning of a remarkable career for both J. D. and the horse he called Little Gray. Far from a one-time champion, Little Gray continued to excel, becoming a trusted partner that helped J. D. reach the National Finals Rodeo as a heel horse. With a full and successful career, Little Gray solidified his place in the Yates family's legacy and in rodeo history.

AQHA Achievements 

  • 1981 AQHA Senior Heeling World Champion 

 

 

 

HankHouser, aka “Hank”

1969 sorrel gelding (Hank H Bars-Jana Bar Baby by Fleet Bars) 
Breeder: R. B. Funkhouser

Hank was a significant figure in the Yates family legacy, helping Dick to a third-place finish in senior heading in 1981, the same year J. D. won his first AQHA world championship. The following year, Hank returned to claim the AQHA senior heading world champion title, making him one of the first AQHA world champions in the Yates family. Interestingly, Hank didn’t start his career in team roping; he began on the racetrack, with 4 wins, 3 seconds and five thirds from 20 starts. He then transitioned to the roping arena, where he became a legendary horse known for his versatility and skill.

AQHA Achievements 

  • 1982 AQHA Senior Heading World Champion


Dox Diamond Cut

1987 brown gelding (Diamond Jiggs-Dox Missy by  Doc O’Lena)
Breeder: Oxbow Ranch 

Dox Diamond Cut built an impressive resume throughout his career, earning titles such as the 1997 AQHA reserve Superhorse, reserve all-around high-point and high-point gelding, cementing his place as one of the most accomplished horses of his time. Adding to his achievements, he won the 1998 AQHA tie-down roping world champion title. J. D. considers Dox Diamond Cut to be one of the best horses he has ever had the privilege to rope on, a testament to the gelding’s remarkable talent and consistency in the arena.

AQHA Achievements

  • 1997 Reserve Superhorse

  • 1997 Reserve All-Around High-Point 

  • 1997 All-Around High-Point Gelding 

  • 1998 AQHA Tie-Down Roping World Champion

  • 1999 AQHA Tie-Down Roping Reserve World Champion

 

Smoke Um Okie

1976 bay gelding (Okie Leo-Farafield Star by Star Money)
Breeder: Jewell Huggins

Smoke Um Okie made a name for himself in 1985, capturing the high-point tie-down roping title and becoming a world champion in senior reining. But his success didn’t stop there. In 1986, the bay gelding added even more accolades to his resume, including world champion titles in senior heeling and senior tie-down roping, reserve champion in senior heading and senior working cow horse and, ultimately, claiming the coveted title of 1986 AQHA Superhorse. Smoke Um Okie’s versatility and skill across multiple disciplines made him one of the most accomplished and celebrated horses of his era. His sire, Okie Leo, was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2023.

AQHA Achievements 

  • 1985 High-Point Tie-Down Roping 

  • 1985 AQHA Senior Reining World Champion

  • 1986 AQHA Senior Heeling World Champion 

  • 1986 AQHA Senior Tie-Down Roping World Champion

  • 1986 AQHA Senior Heading Reserve World Champion 

  • 1986 AQHA Senior Working Cow Horse Reserve World Champion 

  • 1986 AQHA Superhorse

 

Popular Resortfigure

1997 Sorrel Stallion (Dual Pep-Bar J Jackie by Zan Parr Jack) 
Breeder: Ed Gaylord 

Popular Resortfigure dominated in 2002, earning the coveted Superhorse title with a string of remarkable victories. That year, he was named open all-around champion, secured world championships in junior heading and junior heeling and claimed the reserve world champion title in tie-down roping. In addition to his 2002 achievements, he earned a Superior award in heading, followed by another Superior award in 2003. 

AQHA Achievements 

  • 2002 AQHA Tie-Down Roping Reserve World Champion

  • 2002 AQHA Junior Heading World Champion 

  • 2002 AQHA Junior Heeling World Champion 

  • 2002 AQHA Superhorse 

 

RS Lilly Starlight, aka “Lilly”

1999 Chestnut Mare (Grays Starlight-Play Zana Express by Zan Parr Express)  
Breeder: Kurt Harris 

RS Lilly Starlight had an extraordinary career, beginning with her 2005 Superior in heeling and recognition as the high-point tie-down roping mare. In 2006, the chestnut mare truly shined, capturing the all-around title and earning a Superior in tie-down roping. She also secured the world championship in senior heeling, was named an open performance champion and received a Superior in heading. Capping off her stellar year, RS Lilly Starlight was crowned the 2006 AQHA Superhorse.  

AQHA Achievements 

  • 2006 AQHA Senior Heeling World Champion 

  • 2006 AQHA All-Around 

  • 2006 AQHA Superhorse


Chex This Dually 

2005 Sorrel Gelding (Please Send Money-Docs Fashion Model by Docs King Chex)
Breeder: Durwood Strube 

Chex This Dually built an impressive career, starting as the 2006 AQHA reserve world champion in junior heeling. In 2007, he earned Superiors in heeling and tie-down roping, along with another rReserve world title in senior heeling. His success continued in 2008 with the reserve world champion senior tie-down title, and in 2009, he claimed world championships in tie-down roping and senior heeling, earning the AQHA World Championship Show's Most Valuable Horse Award, as well as AQHA performance champion honors. In 2011, he was a performance champion again, earned a Superior in heading and took home two more reserve world champion titles, one in senior heading and the other in tie-down roping, culminating in him being named the 2011 AQHA Superhorse.

AQHA Achievements 

  • 2006 AQHA Junior Heeling Reserve World Champion
  • 2007 AQHA Senior Heeling Reserve World Champion  
  • 2008 AQHA Senior Tie-Down Roping Reserve World Champion
  • 2009 AQHA Senior Tie-Down Roping World Champion 
  • 2009 AQHA Senior Heeling World Champion 
  • 2009 AQHA World Show Most Valuable Horse – Roping 
  • 2011 AQHA Senior Tie-Down Roping Reserve World Champion 
  • 2011 AQHA Senior Heading Reserve World Champion 
  • 2011 AQHA Superhorse
     

Zan Parr Jack

1979 sorrel stallion (Zan Parr Bar-Miss Goldie Jack by Two Eyed Jack)
Breeder: Jerald A. Riemann

Zan Parr Jack, a legendary bay stallion, made a lasting impact in the world of performance horses. He earned multiple high-point awards, top 10 finishes at the AQHA World Show, Superiors in heading and heeling, open and amateur Registers of Merit, and 628 AQHA show points. He left a significant legacy not only through his own achievements but also as a prolific sire, passing on his athleticism and versatility to future generations of champions. Two of his most notable offspring were Bar J Jackie and Jack E Eleven, both of whom produced AQHA Superhorses. Zan Parr Jack was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2020.

AQHA Achievements 

  • 1983 AQHA Junior Working Cow Horse World Champion 

  • 1984 AQHA Senior Heeling Amateur World Champion

  • 1985 AQHA Senior Heeling World Champion

  • 1987 AQHA Senior Heeling World Champion 

  • 2020 AQHA Hall of Fame Member

 

Diamonds Sparkle

1974 palomino mare (Mr Diamond Dude-Pollyanna Rose by Clabber Question)
Breeder: M. J. Sprouse or Jerald Freeman

Diamonds Sparkle often referred to as one of the most influential mares in AQHA history, earned the prestigious AQHA Superhorse title in 1979, showcasing her incredible versatility and talent. With accomplishments in both reining and roping events, she amassed 23 AQHA halter points and 100 points in performance events. Diamond Sparkle’s impact extended far beyond her own competitive career, as she became a legendary broodmare, producing multiple world champions, including the iconic Shining Spark, a sire whose influence continues to shape the cutting, reining and working cow horse and many other segments of the Quarter Horse industry. Her legacy as both a competitor and producer resulted in her induction into the National Reining Horse and American Quarter Horse halls of fame.

AQHA Achievements

  • 1979 AQHA Senior Heading World Champion 

  • 1979 AQHA Superhorse 

  • 1996 NRHA Hall of Fame Member 

  • 2007 AQHA Hall of Fame Member 

 

Mighty Mindy

1974 gray mare (Mighty Wild-Tommy Badger 5 by Grey Badger II)
Breeder: Joe Hutchison

Mighty Mindy was an exceptional broodmare whose influence on the Yates horses has been profound. She produced standout offspring such as Flits Friend and Firewater Fiesta. Firewater Fiesta, one of the most decorated barrel racing mares in history, earned multiple world championships and set numerous arena records, leaving an indelible mark on the sport not only as a competitor but now as a producer. Another of Mighty Mindy's offspring, Flits Friend, known as “Pac Man,” carried J. D. to numerous National Finals Rodeo qualifications and was named the first AQHA-PRCA Heel Horse of the Year. Many of her Mighty Mindy’s offspring were tough rodeo competitors, further cementing her legacy as a producer of champions who excelled in the highest levels of competition. Through her remarkable lineage, Mighty Mindy’s influence continues to be felt across the rodeo and equine performance worlds.

 

Rapid Bar

1958 bay stallion (Three Bars (TB)-Miss Chicaro by Chicaro Bill)
Breeder: Franklin Cox  

Rapid Bar was owned by J. D.'s grandfather. He had a successful racing career, making a name for himself with consistent performances. In 22 starts, he had 1 first, 6 seconds and 3 thirds. He earned a racing Register of Merit in 1960 and his AQHA Champion title in 1964.

 

Firewater Fiesta

1994 gray mare (Fire Water Flit-Mighty Mindy by Mighty Wild)
Breeder: Dick and Jan Yates

Firewater Fiesta, aka "Fiesta," is one of the most iconic barrel racing mares in history. By Fire Water Flit and out of Mighty Mindy, Fiesta's talent in the arena was undeniable. During her performance career, she earned multiple titles and became known for her remarkable speed, agility and consistency. Fiesta set numerous arena records and became a dominant force in professional rodeo, with her legacy extending far beyond her competitive years. As a producer, she continues to influence the sport as a leading dam of barrel racing money-earners. Her offspring have earned more than $800,000 and include leading sire Epic Leader by Confederate Leader, Go Figure Fiesta by AQHA Superhorse Popular Resortfigure and Fiestanozshezfamous by Dash Ta Fame.  

AQHA Achievements 

  • 2000 AQHA-PRCA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year 

  • 2000 AQHA-WPRA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year 

  • 2001 AQHA-PRCA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year 

 

Romancing The Chics, aka “Dude”

2006 bay gelding (Chic Please-RS Lilly Starlight by Grays Starlight) 
Breeder: Kurt and Angie Harris

Romancing The Chics, a son of 2006 AQHA Superhorse RS Lilly Starlight, is a standout in the roping world. Known for his speed and quick footedness, Dude won both the senior heading and heeling reserve world champion titles in 2013.  While his talent in the show pen was undeniable, Dude truly shined in the rodeo arena, where he carried Trey Yates to his first National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualification. Dude is owned by Trey’s godmother, Joyce Tisdall of Castle Rock, Colorado.

AQHA Achievements 

  • 2013 AQHA Senior Heading Reserve World Champion 

  • 2013 AQHA Senior Heeling Reserve World Champion