7 Best Horse Breeders in California! (2024)

Horses have been an integral part of the North American lifestyle, even before the United States gained independence. In the United States, they symbolize class and the cowboy culture that holds great sway in the minds of the people which is why you may very well be looking for the best horse breeders in California.

This article will list the seven best horse breeders in California. You will also learn how to choose a perfect breeder for getting a foal or an adult horse!

Having a horse is an enriching experience. You form a deep and emotional relationship with your horse. And it doesn’t matter whether you buy a horse for riding or for the racecourses, having them will reward you in ways you had never thought possible! Let’s see the breeders from which you can get a foal.

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1. Daehling Ranch Thoroughbreds

Daehling Ranch Thoroughbreds

Daehling Ranch Thoroughbred can be your destination if you’re looking for a horse in California. They are located in Elk Grove and have served California since the early 1980s. They aim to make the ranch one of California’s most prominent Thoroughbred farms.

The place has a certified veterinarian who specializes in reproduction visiting the farm several times a week. All young horses undergo five-panel tests. These tests include GBED (glycogen branching enzyme deficiency), HERDA (hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia), and a few more tests.

The vet examines health, foaling, and broodmares and provides them with essential treatment. Even the farm members check pregnant mares with an electronic foaling system. They breed and raise healthy foals. Further, they have on-site trainers who train your horse and nutritionists to ensure each foal receives a proper diet.

Daehling Ranch Thoroughbreds Details:

2. Tommy Town Thoroughbreds

Tommy Town Thoroughbreds

Established in 2000, Tommy Town Thoroughbred has been a leading horse breeder in California for over four years. The farm is spread over 359 acres of land and looked after by 25 regular employees. They have a specialized vet who is an expert in caring for foals and broodmares.

They only breed in selected numbers to maintain the quality of foals. For breeding, the ranch has a barn consisting of 35 foaling stalls on the premises. Over the years, the farm has been breeding and training racehorses who have won many races. They recently started a stallion career in 2018. Their training program comprises top facilities to ensure you get a trained horse.

Tommy Town Thoroughbreds Details:

3. Branscomb Farm

Branscomb Farm

Spread over 74 coastal acres in Half Moon Bay, Branscomb Farm is one of the best horse breeders in California. The ranch raises, breeds, and trains horses to ensure you get an ideal horse. All young horses undergo five-panel tests, including GBED, HERDA, HYPP, MH, and PSSM.

To create foals of the highest quality, athleticism, and rideability, they breed a unique assortment of performance-tested premium, elite, and premium Verband-recognized mares with frozen semen from Europe’s top stallions.

They have two experienced trainers and nine farm employees to care for each foal individually. Its mission is to provide the best quality horses from Europe, bred and raised here in the USA.
A certified veterinarian visits the farm regularly to ensure the health of each horse on the farmland.

Branscomb Farm Details:

4. Sherman Ranch

Sherman Ranch

Do you like the idea of being able to access a horse breeder in California having 40 years of experience in breeding? Then you should definitely check out Sherman Ranch! Sherman Ranch has been in breeding since 1975.

Marty Sherman is the owner here who operates the farm with her daughter. Their farm spans over 145 acres in beautiful Pleasanton, California. She started breeding and raising horses as a hobby, which has now become a profession.

The breeder’s mission is to breed healthy and talented Arabian horses worldwide. They are on their way by evolving their breeding program and training sessions. The ranch also offers various services like boarding, mare and foal care, trailer parking, and body clipping.

Sherman Ranch Details:

5. Lazy K Ranch

Lazy K Ranch

Lazy K Ranch got registered in 1958 by Mike Knapp, and today it is a prosperous ranch in California. With the ongoing demand for ranch horses, the farm members spend more hours raising young horses. Today, the farm raises 60+ high-quality colts each year.

They start the sale of the horses over their website. You can visit their website on Saturday and bid for your favorite horse.

The horses at this ranch are extremely well-trained and well-groomed. They undergo a thorough grooming session before sale day. Furthermore, each horse has a five-panel test, including GBED, HERDA, HYPP, MH, and PSSM.

Lazy K Ranch Details:

6. Legacy Ranch

Legacy Ranch

Pete and Evelyn Parrella are the owners and breeders behind Legacy Ranch. They have more than 30 years of experience in breeding and training horses. Pete has served on the Board of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association for nine years.

The farm spans a large area of 145 acres in Clements town of California. A total of thirty experienced workers take care of all their horses inside the ranch. Each foal and horse undergoes health checkups with a certified veterinarian regularly. They also have a ⅝ miles track maintained by track experts to train their horses.

Legacy Ranch Details:

7. Sommer Ranch

Sommer Ranch

Last on our list of the best horse breeders in California is “Sommer Ranch.” They are a family-owned business that has been breeding and selling Andalusian horses since 1989. This place is an hour’s drive from Ontario and San Diego airports.

The farm specializes in color DNA. They are also an active member of the associations ANCCE and IALHA. They focus on conformation and movement, and their primary objective is consistently breeding for the best possible temperament. The breeder wishes to provide a companion who can accompany you and help you win a blue ribbon in show rings.

Sommer Ranch Details:

How to Choose a Horse Breeder in California

How to Choose a Horse Breeder in California

Firstly, you need to understand horses have many breeds. And choosing one depends upon your lifestyle. Quarter Horse, Shetland Pony, Thoroughbred, and Arabian are some popular horse breeds you’ll find in the USA.

Furthermore, the size of horses is measured in hands. And one hand translated to 4 inches. Now, here are some of the tips you should keep in mind before finalizing a horse breeder:

Choose According to Your Lifestyle

Buying a cold-blooded or a Thoroughbred racehorse makes no sense if you’re a first-time horse owner. In this case, you should start with a calm horse, such as a Quarter Horse.

Similarly, choosing according to your height will ensure you don’t get hurt while riding your horse. Furthermore, your goal and lifestyle should also be a factor before you finalize a horse.

Collect Your Queries

Before you visit the ranch, we advise you to research your horse breed and form a list of questions.
Consequently, you’ll sound like an informed buyer and someone passionate about horses.

Ask for The Test Ride

When you visit the ranch, don’t forget to ask for a test ride. This tip won’t be applicable if you’re buying a foal. However, you’ll know better about an adult horse after a real riding experience.

Get Inspected By a Vet

If the ranch doesn’t have an on-site vet or proper certificates for health, ensure that you get your horse checked by a vet for any medical problems.

More Information About Horses in California

More Information About Horses in California

As you can see, there are some reputable ranches in California breeding a variety of horse breeds. We identified and included the best ones among them in our list. These breeders possess years of experience in horse breeding and caring for horses.

Furthermore, their practices are at par with standards set by many horse associations and the government. We have also included each and every contact information about their ranch. You can use them to inquire and book your appointment.

Conclusion For “Best Horse Breeders in California”

7 Best Horse Breeders in California! (2022)

So, you now have the list of seven best horse breeders in California. Go ahead, and use this list and the knowledge shared in this guide to bring a horse home soon.

Horses are an excellent pet and as good as a dog or a cat. You can use them for pleasure-riding, dressage, or to explore the countryside.

Remember, horses have many breeds. Just like dogs! Therefore, we advise you to research the breed and buy as per your preferences.

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