Proven Greats Were Born in June and Bred in July
As we roll into the heart of summer, a lot of breeders start asking the same question: Is it too late to breed?
The short answer? No.
Some of the greatest horses in the industry prove that later-born foals, and later-season breedings can still lead to major success in the show pen and go on to leave legendary breeding legacies.
Smart Little Lena, one of the most influential sires in cutting horse history, was born June 29th. A National Cutting Horse Association Triple Crown Champion, AQHA Hall of Fame inductee, and foundation of countless iconic pedigrees, his legacy proves that a later birthdate won’t hold back a horse destined to lead the industry.
The same goes for Dont Look Twice, of Rapp Ranch, born mid-June, this mare earned over $850,000 in her career and has become one of the most recognizable mares and bloodlines in modern cutting. And don’t forget Poco Quixote Rio—bred in July—earned over $1.1 million and secured his spot as EquiStat’s top western performance horse money-earner.
These aren’t exceptions—they’re reminders
Birthdates don’t make the horse. Genetics and foundation do.
If you’ve got a mare you’ve been meaning to breed but haven’t gotten around to it—this is your sign. Getting her bred later can be far better than missing the season entirely. Later summer breedings continue to produce successful, competitive horses year after year. With thoughtful care and good management, summer born foals still have every opportunity to thrive as foals born a couple months earlier—both in development and in the show pen.
That’s where Metallics MVP comes in.
By Metallic Cat and out of My Lizzy Babe—an NCHA earner of over $345,000 and a proven producer—MVP offers one of the most respected pedigrees in the business. Strong, stylish, and smart, his foals are already turning heads and showing the kind of ability you’d expect from his bloodlines.
Don’t let this breeding season pass you by—great ones are still being made.
