BY JADE, EQUINE PROMOS
J & J ANNUAL SHOOT
If there’s one thing I look forward to every summer, it’s my annual trip out to J & J Quarter Horses for photos and of course—an inside look at their newest crop of foals. This year was no exception. Between the whipping wind, the stubborn July sun ducking in and out of clouds, and the kind of heat that makes you crave iced marg., and shade, we still made a full day of it. And you know me—long days with horses, cameras, and good people are my kind of days.
Meeting the 2025 Foal Crop
We started the day by visiting the babies—the 2025 foals who are just beginning to show off their personalities. There’s nothing like watching them stretch out in the pasture, tails flagged, running for the sheer joy of it. Each foal is stamped with pedigree and presence, from the golden glow of Spice (Playgn Peptochexmal) to the sharp grullo coloring o Ariat (Playgals Slvr Bullet).
These little ones aren’t just pretty faces—they’re the next generation of cow, ranch, and arena horses. Their bloodlines are built on cow sense, grit, and versatility, and you can see those traits shining through even at a few months old.
Yearlings and Two-Year-Olds
We didn’t stop at the foals—because if you know J & J, their program is small but mighty. The 2024 yearlings are growing into themselves, shedding the baby fluff and starting to show just how talented they’ll be. Priss (Chexy Lil Cat) already has the bone and balance of a future ranch prospect she's gone to a new home but she needed a moment.
Broodmares: The Heart of the Program
And of course, we couldn’t forget the broodmares—the true backbone of J & J Quarter Horses. Strong, proven, and carefully chosen, these mares carry the bloodlines that make the foals marketable and competitive. Each one is a living example of the thought and care that goes into this program.
The Real Story
What makes days like this special isn’t just the pedigrees or the perfect sale shots—it’s the people. Watching J & J talk about their mares, and dream about the future reminds me why I love this work. Their dedication runs deep: every foal, every mare, every prospect is part of their heart and soul. And after the last horse was photographed and the cameras were packed up, we did what we always do—headed out for Mexican food. Because no annual photo day at J & J is complete without chips, salsa, and stories shared around the table.
Thank You, J & J
Thank you to J & J Quarter Horses for once again letting me capture what you’ve built and what you continue to grow. It’s not just about selling horses—it’s about telling your story, honoring the mares and foals that carry your legacy, and showing the world the dedication you pour into your program.
Here’s to the foals of 2025, the yearlings coming into their own, the broodmares holding it all together, and the future that looks brighter with every crop.
