Pitzer Ranch Announces Spring Sale Showcasing Top-Quality Rope Horses
Located in Erickson, Neb., the renowned Pitzer Ranch is a testament to the enduring legacy of Howard Pitzer, who established the ranch almost 77 years ago as a cattle rancher. Over time, Pitzer expanded the ranch's endeavors to include breeding and raising American Quarter Horses, introducing notable stallions such as Pat Star Jr. and the legendary Two Eyed Jack.
Two Eyed Jack, in particular, achieved renown as a Hall of Fame stallion, becoming one of the foremost sires of AQHA champions within the industry. The descendants of Two Eyed Jack are remarkably versatile, excelling in various disciplines, including ranch work and roping.
Presently, Jim Brinkman, Pitzer's grandson, and his family oversee the ranch, diligently preserving the Two Eyed Jack bloodlines. Throughout the years, the ranch has focused on preserving these bloodlines, carefully selecting stallions to ensure the integrity of the lineage while avoiding crossing them with others such as Metallic Casanova, Corona Caliente, and Mia Browbeater.
Twice a year, the Pitzer Ranch celebrates its rich heritage and the enduring legacy of its horses through catalog sales overseen by Brinkman himself. The spring sale primarily features rope horses, while the fall sale highlights foals eligible for the exclusive Howard Pitzer Invitational (HPI), a prestigious ranch horse competition. Notably, horses showcased in the HPI must be offspring of approved stallions and compete in a variety of events such as barrel racing, roping and halter competitions.
The HPI, open exclusively to approved stallion offspring, offers substantial prize money and showcases the versatility of the bloodlines. Notable incentives include the Riata Buckle and Top Gun Stallion Incentive, attracting bids from both in-person and online attendees. Many of the featured horses, identified by the distinctive HP brand, are bred and raised at the Pitzer Ranch.
Among the illustrious bloodlines, Mr Joes Shadow Bar, the 2023 AQHA PRCA Head Horse of the Year, stands out as a prime example. Descended from Two Eyed Jack, he exemplifies the versatility and excellence prized by the Pitzer Ranch. Clint Summers' success with Joe during the 2023 Pro Rodeo season further underscores the quality of the Pitzer bloodlines.
Recently, the Pitzer Ranch was honored at the AQHA Convention in Las Vegas for its significant contributions to AQHA breeding, having produced over 6,500 foals in its over 50 years of operation.
The upcoming Pitzer Ranch Spring Sale, scheduled for April 27, offers prospective buyers the opportunity to view the horses online or in the catalog prior to the auction, highlighting the continued tradition of excellence upheld by the Pitzer Ranch.