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Horses Written in the Stars
Every horse carries a story, shaped by the people who guide them along the way. Some rise to greatness, while others remain unseen, their potential left untapped. Cindy McCraw believes that the most remarkable horses in her life weren't just chance encounters they were meant to be, their paths set long before they ever crossed hers. It's like they were written in the stars.
When she thinks about the stallion My Sleepy Valentine, affectionately known as Fuzzy, she's reminded of the same feeling she had with her first stallion, Dynamic Deluxe, who became a leading sire, was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and was featured in Legends under her guidance. It wasn't just luck; it was something bigger, a connection that felt right from the start, proof that some horses are simply meant to find their way into our lives.
The same can be said for My Sleepy Valentine. His bloodlines aren't just a list of famous names or show records on paper. The horses behind him carry something more a legacy of the remarkable people who believed in them, the stories of how they came to be, and the twists of fate that brought them together.
Where has this stallion been hiding? Well, he's been tucked away up north in Alberta, Canada. In the equine industry, it is well known that the hub of the Quarter Horse world is in the United States. While exporting fresh-cooled and frozen semen into other countries is common, it is rare to see it done in reverse. My Sleepy Valentine is producing incredibly moving and exceptionally good-minded offspring that are now winning futurities and titles in both Canada and the U.S.
Now, My Sleepy Valentine exports to the United States to join the prestigious stallion lineup at Riverside Ranch. Donnie and Cindy McCraw could not be more ecstatic to have Fuzzy join their program.
Cindy fell in love with My Sleepy Valentine when she watched him become Champion of the NW Emerald Masters in Monroe, WA. "As he jogged by, you couldn't even hear his feet on the ground—that's how soft he moved," Cindy recalled. "His cute, chubby face and sparkling rabicano in his chestnut coat were just brilliant." The way he hung that pretty neck out so naturally, like he was not made to do it, it was just how he was happy.
Besides Cindy falling in love with him as an individual and admiring his offspring, it is no fluke when you take a close look at the bloodlines of this incredible stallion. His lineage is full of horses written in the stars, connected to each trainer and owner who molded them. Here are just a few of the memories from the people who helped shape these incredible horses that make My Sleepy Valentine.
The Sire: My Vital Valentine - A Legacy of Talent and Heart
Chad Evans, a highly accomplished equestrian with multiple World and Congress Championships, has shaped many champions. Among them is My Sleepy Valentine's sire, My Vital Valentine fondly known as Fluffy! Beyond his impressive show record, his greatest asset was his heart a truly talented horse with an unmatched desire to please.
As Chad puts it:
"Fluffy! My Vital Valentine was always such a natural athlete. He began his show career as a pleasure horse, winning the Limited 3-Year-Old at NSBA World Show with Scott Weiss riding. From the very first ride as an all-around horse EVERYTHING was easy for him, that unusual mix where a horse can be physical and athletic but also soft and supple."
A champion in and out of the arena, Fluffy's legacy continues to inspire, and we find it very cute that his son's barn name is Fuzzy!
The Dam: Im Behind In Sleep - Beauty with Talent
Ray Carmean had the privilege of riding Im Behind In Sleep, the dam of My Sleepy Valentine. Reflecting on the mare, Ray recalled, "She was an absolutely beautiful mover with show-stopping looks." This drop-dead gorgeous black mare stood at approximately 15.2 hands and had an undeniable presence in the show pen.
A firm believer in the strength of these bloodlines, Ray is now planning to breed one of his top mares to My Sleepy Valentine, affectionately known as Fuzzy, now that he knows this promising young stallion is standing in the United States. With Ray's endorsement, the future looks even brighter for this remarkable lineage.
The Bottom Side Grandam: Form The Line Behind - A Twist of Fate
Troy Oakley has ridden many incredible horses throughout his career, but one mare holds a special place in his memory, Form The Line Behind, affectionately known as Tootsie. More than just a broodmare, she was a foundation, a cornerstone in breeding whose influence shaped the future of many great horses.
Tootsie earned her barn name because she looked just like a Tootsie Roll, a detail that always made Troy chuckle. Her story began at the World Show Sale, where Troy spotted Shane Dowdy riding her on behalf of Kathleen Klukass. Intrigued, Troy approached Shane and asked, "What is this? I really want this horse." Despite Shane's doubts, Troy bid on Tootsie and won her for $20,000. Only moments later, Shelley Donovan approached him and doubled his money for the mare.
Tootsie went on to dominate the show ring, tying at Congress with Mr. Sugar Delux, a son of Dynamic Deluxe, once owned by Cindy McCraw of Riverside Ranch. The story had come full circle.
The Top Side Grandam: Vital Signs Are Good - Pure Fame
The grandam of My Sleepy Valentine is one of the most famous show horses in the world, Vital Signs Are Good, affectionately known as Lucy. During her remarkable show career, Lucy won 13 AQHA world championships, eight reserve world championships, and accumulated 3,097.5 AQHA points with earnings of $288,581. Her 18 performing offspring have earned more than 3,500 AQHA points and nearly $500,000 to date.
The Great Sires of My Sleepy Valentine: A Legacy of Champions
RL Best Of Sudden, on the top side of My Sleepy Valentine's pedigree, is iconic. His offspring have earned over $5.2 million and 142,970+ AQHA points, making him the all time AQHA and NSBA leading sire in Western All Around events.
Too Sleepy To Zip, on the bottom side, was crowned Congress Champion and an AQHA World Champion in multiple disciplines. His progeny have earned millions and over 50,000 AQHA points.
A New Chapter at Riverside Ranch
Kristy McCann's success in the show pen made Cindy McCraw take notice. Seeing Cindy's growing admiration, Kristy mentioned that Fuzzy might be available. That was all Cindy needed to hear she immediately reached out to his owner, Deserie Bitz.
The day arrived for Fuzzy's transition from Canada to the U.S. Cindy assured Deserie that he would have every opportunity to succeed at Riverside Ranch. This move marked the next chapter in his journey.
Get ready for an exciting new chapter with this incredible stallion! Secure your contract by clicking here!
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