07/30/07 Joe Hancock

A legend of a horse build on a solid foundation. I'm Jeff Keane and I'll be right back with the story of a draft horse racing champion. Revered to be one of the most influential quarter horses of all time, "Joe Hancock" was out of a quarter/percheron mare, an uncommon choice for a racing prospect here is Becky with more on the Hancock story. In 1924 while out gathering horses in the Texas panhandle, Mr. Joe Hancock and his cousin, came upon a colt with a bad wire cut. A year old at the time, the colt was gathered up and brought in for some doctoring. This fortunate brown horse would later be named, by default, after his owner and called "Joe Hancock". Broke to ride by the Hancock brothers as a two-year-old it was not long there after they uncovered just what his pedigree suggested. Running a couple of local races and leaving his opposition in the dust, the brothers were convinced their Hancock horse could run, forcing the decision to send him to the big times. With his workhorse foundation, and sedate personality Joe Hancock sailed past all of his competitors for over a half a dozen years, literally running himself out challengers. Living into his 20th year Joe ingrained his hearty draft horse frame into his offspring. And, still to this day Hancock horses are revered to be big, plain headed, hard working animals great for roping, ranch work and even racing. In 1991 Joe's contribution to the breed was finally recognized when he was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame. It appears that some times foundation, though not the standard can provide strength and long lasting durability.