Jack Tone Ranch
over 140 years . . . still going strong
Visitors driving to the Jack Tone Ranch will arrive via the Jack Tone Road, still the "longest straight road in the county." The Calaveras River meanders through the ranch. Giant valley oak trees shade mares and foals in a continuing legacy spanning more than 140 years. An historical marker out front gives the history from its beginning in 1849 when John H. Tone arived from New York with the Audobon Party. After mining gold and hauling supplies to the Mother Lode area, he decided to settle down and farm the beautiful soil along the Calaveras River. He planted the first orchard and first vineyard in the now-famous San Joaquin valley farming region. His grandson, John H. "Jack" Tone, still farms the original land. The farming activities here and in neighboring fields include raising sugar beets, corn, barley, wheat, beans, alfalfa and oat hay totalling aproximately 1100 acres. Tone is joined in the farming by two of his five sons-in-law.
The early day horse barn, wagon shed and bunk house built by Jack Tone along the bank of the Calaveras River are still very much in use by Mrs. Jack "Marge" Tone. The old timber frame horse barn, (put together with wooden pegs and square nails) has some very interesting history. The barn's foundation bricks were made by hand here on the ranch (Grandpa's original molds are on display), and some of the old mangers and tie rings are just as they were in California's early days. The long grainery with its raised floor serves as a "waiting room" bedroom for Marge and her grandchildren while watching the foaling mares. Many years ago Tone killed a mountain lion as it crouched on a low hanging limb out over the river. That old lion now crouches on one of the big beams across the center of the barn. A hay fork hanging high in the barn holds many bone-weary memories for Jack "Bud" Tone from his boyhood days. FADJUR's show buggy is proudly on display in the Old Barn along with many of the family's antique buggies. FADJUR's surrey, pulled by him at victory celebrations in the 1950s to celebrate his early wins, is also on display in the Old Barn. FADJUR's surrey was restored by Tone grandson-in-law Steve Morrissey for his and Peggy's wedding in 1988. It will be enjoyed for many Tone generations to come. The black sleigh is occasionally used for sleigh rides in the Mother Lode.
Built in 1860, the historic "Old Barn" originally housed work horses that were used in the farming operation, and was refurbished by Tone son-in-law Walt Gyr in the early 1960s. A very special place, the barn was home to the Fabulous FADJUR for over 30 years. Even now, all breeding and foaling at the Jack Tone Ranch is done within the shelter of its sturdy walls.
The Jack Tone Ranch is a California historical landmark, recognized as oldest family-owned horse farm in the state in continuous operation; the third oldest family farm of any kind! The Jack Tone Ranch's 125th anniversary was celebrated in 1974 and commemorated by a beautiful gold medalion. The golden anniversary medalion continues to be presented to special people who have honored FADJUR, and are instrumental in preserving the history of the ranch. Another note of historical interest is the tradition of painting the barn roof in the image of the American flag on our country's Centennial and Bicentennial anniversaries. John H. Tone III carried on the tradition started by his grandfather, and the Old Barn patriotically greeted guests from around the world in 1976! 1976 was a celebration year for the Jack Tone Ranch as well as America, because that was the year that the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO) came to see FADJUR. Reknowned Arabian breeders and enthusiasts from 36 countries around the world chose to visit the Jack Tone Ranch and FADJUR.
|
| Fadjur with Marge and Jack Tone. |
The Tone family has a long history of horse-lovers. John H. Tone bred Thorobred horses on the ranch in the 1800s. We still proudly display a certificate won by his yearling colt, "NEW YORK" in our trophy room in the "Old Barn"! The trophy room is always popular on our ranch tours. It displays over 40 years of Arabian horse trophies, memorabilia and our plaque commemorating 100 years of family ownership. Our State of California 100 year club plaque is signed by Governor Ronald Reagan! Beginning in 1989, we have hosted national tours sponsored by "Country" magazine. The Country Tours highlight successful farms around the country, and it is quite an honor to be the only horse ranch featured! People love to see how proud and showy the FADJUR horses are. Another highlight of these tours are the historic wagon shed (now restored and remodelled into a children's playroom) and Jack Tone's famous wine cellar. The Tone wine cellar is always well-stocked with Marge's delicious homemade jellies and preserves and Jack's home-made wines.
The Tone family's horse-loving traditions were passed on strongly down through the generations. Marge Tone's father, Loren (Pa) Woodworth instilled in her a love of all nature and beauty. He inspired her, with his descriptions of the Arabian horse, to someday own one. Marge had a dream to become an Arabian horse breeder someday, and like any successful person, proceeded working to make her dream a reality. As a 5 year old girl, she decided to marry a farmer with a big barn when she grew up, so she would have lots of room for her horses! Marge was a popular young girl from a family of 12 chldren, and in her teens, occasionally played umpire for her brothers' baseball team. This led to meeting Jack "Buddy" Tone. Buddy admired the spunky young Marge, and they eventually began dating. They were married in the heart of the Great Depression. Although very poor, they were better off than many of their contemporaries because they owned the land they were farming.
Marge and Jack Tone have been married since September 1932 and the spark remains to this day! They had five horse-crazy daughters (Jackie, Joanne, Kathleen, Susan and Patricia) by the late 1940's, but no money to buy horses. Some years later, the Tones leased property to Mr. V.F. Stull for his training stables. Marge and the girls spent many happy and educational hours watching Mr. Stull. Marge and Stull arranged for Santa Claus to bring a trick pony, SKYROCKET, and leave him under the tree for the girls one happy Christmas morning. Mr. Stull trained Kathleen and SKYROCKET to do tricks, such as playing dead, standing on a pedestal, and the Spanish walk. Little "Tissie" exhibited SKYROCKET at all of the local fairs and events.
|
| Fadjur at age 3 in fine harness -- trained and shown by Mr. V.F. Stull. |
Mr. Stull was a great horseman and trainer. He was the man most responsible for getting the Tones started with Arabians! Mr. Stull trained FADJUR, and showed him in halter and fine harness until he was four years old. Unfortunately, due to his intense breeding schedule, FADJUR was not able to continue his performance career in later life.
Lucky for all of us, Mr. Stull was a little short of cash one month, and traded that month's rent for the purebred Arabian filly, FER-NATTA. Marge and the girls had to keep FER-NATTA hidden from Buddy, who felt that horses were only useful for work on the farm. Poor little FER-NATTA fretted and cried as if her heart was broken in her new hiding place/home. Eventually, Marge realized that FER-NATTA was just lonesome; she had never been separated from her full sister, HI-NATTA. Marge promptly spent all of her hard-earned "egg money" (she raised chickens for years in the Old Barn, saving her money to buy a horse) to buy HI-NATTA! HI-NATTA grew up to become Marge's personal riding horse, her foundation mare, a champion, and a producer of champions!
|
| Fer-Natta at age 5 with her first foal: Tone foundation mare, Ferneyna (by Ferneyn). |
Marge's first foundation mare, FER-NATTA went on to produce four champions for the Tones, including National winners! FER-NATTA produced so well that she became an Aristocrat (a mare that produces 4 or more Class A champions) herself and produced THREE Aristocrat daughters! There are only three mares in the history of Arabian breeding to produce three Aristocrat daughters; imagine the import of that statistic! Note: the three mares are FER-NATTA, *SANACHT, and GHAZNA; FADJUR sired two of FER-NATTA's three Aristocrats (JATTA and FADJURA), and all of the champion foals of two of them (JATTA and FERNEYNA); and FADI (FADJUR x SAKI) sired two of *SANACHT's three Aristocrats (AMURATH KALAHARI and AMURATH KASHMIRA). Consider the great honor it is for a stallion to sire an Aristocrat; then consider that the stallion may sire any number of foals per year but a mare can only produce one foal per year. The fact that FER-NATTA produced THREE Aristocrat daughters puts her well above the competition of most stallions in the breed!
 |
| Beautiful Saki in 1955 with
her owner and trainer Kathleen Tone Hammer. |
SAKI was the third foundation mare for the Jack Tone Ranch, and she is perhaps even more influential than the other mares. Mary Susan Brown (SAKI's breeder) asked Marge if she would sell the beautiful SAKI for her. Marge brought many potential buyers to see SAKI, but none of them could see the rare quality in the thin, gangly filly. Every time she brought people to see SAKI, Marge liked her more, she saw such quality and potential. Marge eventually bought SAKI for Kathleen. Kathleen and SAKI became inseparable, and excelled in open competition in western pleasure, stock horse and gymkhana events. SAKI was the California State Keyhole Race champion! SAKI's record as a producer of champions is among the best in the world; with 12 champion foals. Incredibly, at the time of her death, SAKI was the Leading Living Producer of Champions; an honor that was taken up by her grand-daughter, AMURATH KASHMIRA, at SAKI's passing. This is such an unlikely and incredible statistic! Even more amazing is the fact that FADJUR earned the same honor (Leading Living Sire of Champions) and passed it on to his grandson, the great KHEMOSABI!
The Tones began showing their horses in 1952, the year FADJUR was foaled. It must have been fate that at Marge's first Arabian Horse Show that her horses were stabled across the aisle from Frank and Helen McCoy! Marge admired the McCoys' beautiful, elegant FERSARA. She asked Mr. McCoy if he had any colts like her at home. He described FERSARA's half brother FADJUR, and invited Marge to come see him.
Marge knew that she had to see this fabulous colt! She bought an 8mm movie camera especially to film FADJUR, and sent it along with her oldest daughter (she was soon getting married and planned a honeymoon around Knotts Berry Farm; near where the McCoys lived). Movies were taken of the McCoy's beautiful horses but sadly, none of the movies featured FADJUR. So Marge, Buddy and the rest of the family decided to make their first long trip away from the ranch together to see FADJUR for themselves! Marge took lots more movies of the McCoys' beautiful horses; devoting much of the film to FADJUR and FERZON. Amazingly, FADJUR and FERZON, among the all-time great sires of the breed, were weaned together in the same pasture!
Buddy (Jack Tone) surprised Marge when he said that he liked FERZON best, even though he was priced at $10,000. The $600 price tag for Marge's favorite, FADJUR, was higher than she had paid for her mares, but she knew she must have this colt for her foundation stallion. The legend of "FADJUR" was about to begin. Love at first sight; Marge and FADJUR would soon make up an invincible team to go down in Arabian history!
After showing the movies over and over back home on the ranch, Marge and the girls finally convinced Buddy that she should have FADJUR. Surprise! Buddy bought the gorgeous bay for Marge's birthday!
|
| Fadheilan (*Fadl x *Kasztelanka) Fadjur's magnificent sire. |
Bred by Mr. Harry Linden of Spokane, Washington, FADJUR was the son of two very special horses, FADHEILAN and BINT SAHARA. BINT SAHARA was sold to McCoy's Arabians in Bell, California, where FADJUR was born on April 12, 1952. BINT SAHARA, a mare of Crabbet/old English breeding, is one of the top broodmares of all time; she is tied with SAKI. She held the top spot in the world (for the number of champions produced) for many years! When the Living Legends of the Arabian breed were selected in 1970, BINT SAHARA and three of her sons were chosen---which is incredible when you consider that only 10 horses were selected out of the entire breed!
FADJUR's sire, FADHEILAN, was a beautiful, powerful bay stallion. Bred by Henry Babson, FADHEILAN's sire and dam were both imported by him, the immortal *FADL from Egypt, and *KASZTELANKA, from Poland. Though FADHEILAN did not sire very many foals (he did not stand at stud until late in life) he is still one of the top sires of the breed in percentage of champions. FADHEILAN's name is prominent in the pedigree of some of the finest horses in the breed.
FADJUR started his illustrious career as a breeding stallion with FER-NATTA and HI-NATTA when he was two years old. Both of the resulting foals (JATTA and NADJUR) went on to become champions and sire/producer of champions; JATTA even became an "Aristocrat."
In addition to the foundation mares' bloodlines (FER-NATTA, HI-NATTA and SAKI), some additional bloodlines have been added over the years at the Jack Tone Ranch and have become stand-outs as well. Our breeding stallions represent most of these bloodlines. MEHANAZEM has ostensibly become a foundation mare (though she was not around in the early days) through her children and grand-children descending from BINT MEHANAZEM (x FADJUR), FADANAZEM (x FADJUR) and SURANAZEM (x SUREYN). The FADJUR-MEHANAZEM bloodline has produced such greats as FADJURS HANA (considered by many to be the most beautiful mare in the world) FADJURS LADY ANNE, FADJURS SARAH, SUPER FAD, and FADJURS PRIZE. This FADJUR-MEHANAZEM bloodline is excellent in its consistency in producing extreme type and charisma, and usually the bay color; the traits that FADJUR is so well-known for! Other great crosses include the offspring of LA FANA who produced five champion sons and daughters with FADJUR. This line is known for its type, fire, and athletic ability. Although a young mare, FAD-SAHARA has proven herself able to produce as well as the best of them! She is known for passing on size, type, elegance and style to her foals.
Marjory F. Tone and V.F. Stull trained FADJUR for breeding, and he never ceased to amaze onlookers with his gentlemanly breeding manners. FADJUR never wore a halter while breeding, and obeyed the whispered commands from his beloved owner, Marge Tone. Innumerable horsemen from all over the world observed FADJUR's breeding manners, and could not believe their eyes. Such intelligence, obedience and self-control has not been seen among breeding stallions before or since FADJUR. FADJUR always waited outside while the mare was prepared; a soft spoken word from Marge signalled him to come in to the breeding stall. He would go directly to his corner to have his blanket removed and to be washed. When these chores were done, he would go up and whisper in the mare's ear, cover her and go back to his corner to be rewashed. After his blanket was replaced and he had eaten his carrot reward, he would wait patiently for the cluck from Marge, then go back out to his paddock and wait for the mare to leave. When the door shut behind the mare, he would quietly return to his stall to finish dinner at his leisure.
FADJUR has a phenomenal show record. Mr. Stull trained and showed FADJUR to his first wins and championships and up until he grew into a stunning 4 year old. The Tone's son-in-law, Paul Polk, showed FADJUR to his incredible 19 year string of championshps, from age four until his retirement from the show ring at age twenty-three. Years after his death, FADJUR's record has yet to be equalled; no horse has even come close. Mind you, FADJUR was never "campaigned" as horses are in today's show ring (making his wins even more impressive) --- he was never shown more than a few times per year! Marge always knew what a special horse he was, and always had her priorities in the right place: the breeding barn! He placed first in halter and "Get of Sire" classes 78 times at last count. He was "Class A" halter champion 22 times---for the last time at age 23, at the prestigious Santa Barbara All Arabian Show. FADJUR was U.S. National Top Ten Stallion 5 times, once Canadian National Top Ten Stallion, U.S. Reserve National Champion Stallion twice, Pacific Coast Champion Stallion 4 times, and Region I Champion (all of California and Nevada) twice. It should be noted that FADJUR tied for National Champion Stallion 3 times in his career! (One of those ties was with his son IBN FADJUR)
 |
| Fadjur (with Paul Polk) demonstrates his irresistably charismatic presence in the show ring. |
At the "tender" age of 16 years, FADJUR competed for the esteemed title of U.S. National Champion Stallion. To be eligible for competition at the national level is a feat in itself for a horse of any age, but at the age of 16, to be placed at the top of the nation, that is absolutely phenomenal. The competition was incredible---60 champions from the U.S., Canada, Poland, Egypt, and England. (Note that in 1989 there were only 34 stallions competing for National Champion) FADJUR was chosen as National Champion on 2 out of 3 judges' cards, and was only dropped to reserve by one vote. 22 years later (1989), the US National and Reserve Champion Stallions as well as the Canadian National Champion Futurity Stallion (EXCELLADINN, ALI JAMAAL and HL STROBE) all carry FADJUR's blood in their dam lines! In 1990, the US and Canadian National Champion Stallions and Canadian National Champion Futurity Stallion also descend from FADJUR (ALI JAMAAL, TOP CONTENDER and NIGHT OF FIRE)! (along with many Top Tens as well as performance National Champions and Top Tens)
FADJUR's charisma drew admirers to him like a magnet; although what seemed to make people love him was his almost-human intelligence and understanding. In his own special way, FADJUR was king of the world --- and he certainly knew it! FADJUR was arrogant in his style, with charisma and fire; but he had so much class! Most importantly, what made FADJUR special was his disposition and personality. He was so loving that never once in his life did he fail to say hello to a visitor, no matter how many had come before them.
FADJUR was (and still is) one of the most popular Arabian stallions in the world. He won a worldwide popularity poll in 1967 by a landslide, and was promptly awarded his own special issue of the Arabian Horse World. He won again in the second (and last) poll taken in 1970, and became "cover boy" in 1975. The "World" retired the popularity poll at that time; deciding that there was no use holding a contest, since FADJUR would always win! FADJUR was featured by the Arabian Horse Journal in 1975, when it was determined that he was the leading American-bred sire of champions; 43 at that time. At the time of his passing, FADJUR proved to be THE Leading Living Sire of Champions in the world. Of all the thousands of Arabians in the world, FADJUR's grandson KHEMOSABI took over this title at FADJUR's death in 1983. Among FADJUR's get are 106 individuals with Class A Championships. This number will continue to grow for years to come.
By natural breeding only (he was never bred by artificial insemination) FADJUR sired over 800 Purebreds and numerous Half-Arabians. FADJUR settled mares up until November of his 30th year! More than fifty of "Pappy's" children and grandchildren have been exported, and serve as excellent breeding stock in such countries as: Argentina, Austria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, England, Germany, Guatemala, Mexico, Morocco, South Africa, Spain, Wales, and the state of Hawaii.
|
| Bint Sahara (Farawi x Bint Sedjur) age 4 Fadjur's legendary dam with Frank McCoy. |
In 1970, America's 10 "Living Legends" of the Arabian breed were chosen, five of whom have a relationship to FADJUR (including himself). BINT SAHARA, FADJUR's champion dam was chosen. This beautiful mare is still the second all-time leading producer of champions (12) in the world. Three of BINT SAHARA's descendants were named as living legends: FADJUR, FERZON, and GAZON. Only two mares were chosen as Living Legends---the second being SAKI. SAKI (Ferseyn x Ferdia) was the world's leading living producer of champions at the time of her death (12) ALL of whom were sired by FADJUR.
In 1983, the June edition of the Arabian Horse Times (only 3 short months after we lost FADJUR), a survey was made on the Leading Broodmares of the breed. FADJUR had a direct relationship to four of the top five broodmares in the world! Among the top five mares were: FERSARA, FADJUR's maternal sister; BINT SAHARA, FADJUR's dam; JURNEEKA, FADJUR's daughter; SAKI, all of whose foals were sired by FADJUR.
Speaking of the top broodmares in the breed; every year the Arabian Horse World, another International Arabian Horse magazine, features "The Aristocrats." An Aristocrat is a mare who has produced at least four "Class A" Champions. As of the September 1989 listing, FADJUR was directly related to TWENTY-SEVEN of these top producing mares by either siring their champion foals, or was related to them directly within two generations. FADJUR is the sire of a phenomenal TWELVE Aristocrats (JURNEEKA, TAHITI, FADJESTY, KARELIA, FALITA, FADJURA, JUREYN, BAY LADY, JATTA, LA-JURA, KASHMIRI and MAAJA)!!! FADJUR is the grand-sire of SIX Aristocrats (AMURATH KASHMIRA, AMURATH KALAHARI, SYMBELLA, LIEBCHEN, T.W. FORTEYNA, and AUTUMN FIRE)!!! FADJUR sired ALL of the champions of FOUR Aristocrats (SAKI, SURANAZEM, LA FANA, and FERNEYNA)!!! FADJUR sired at least one of the champions of TWO Aristocrats (BINT FADARA and FER-NATTA)!! We know of EIGHTY-SIX of FADJUR's daughters that have produced Class A champions! We have not even begun counting champions for FADJUR's sons.
When it comes to FADJUR and statistics, (even though they are incomplete) people tend to be overwhelmed by the enormity of his impact. For example, with TWELVE Aristocrat daughters, FADJUR's next closest competitor has only half as many (6) (FERSEYN: interestingly, all of the champions of one of FERSEYN's Aristocrat daughters (SAKI) were sired by FADJUR!). Tied for third place (with 5) as sire of Aristocrat daughters are HALLANY MISTANNY and *BASK (AUTUMN FIRE, one of *BASK's aristocrats is out of the champion park horse SPARKLING BURGUNDY, a FADJUR daughter). One of *SERAFIX's four Aristocrat daughters (CARINOSA) was bred almost exclusively to KHEMOSABI, a FADJUR grandson. *FORTEL's only Aristocrat daughter (T.W. FORTEYNA, dam of SHAHTEYNA, 1988 U.S. National Champion Mare) is out of a FADJUR grand-daughter . *IBN MONIET EL NEFOUS' only Aristocrat daughter (CC MONTESSA) is also out of a FADJUR grand-daughter.
FADJUR's children have been busy carrying on the tradition of greatness. Since his first top ten award in 1959, FADJUR's descendants have been represented by Top Ten or National winners in Halter and Performance every single year! 1989 was a watershed year for FADJUR's descendants; among them were the U.S. National Champion Stallion and Reserve and two Top Tens, Canadian National Champion Stallion and two Top Tens, as well as the Canadian National Champion Futurity Stallion!!! Among FADJUR's National winning descendants, you will probably remember the following stars: ALI JAMAAL, EXCELLADINN, TOP CONTENDER, SHAHTEYNA, KHEMOSABI, AMURATH BANDOLERO, HL STROBE, GG MADEIRA, BARRISTER REX, IBN FADJUR, LITIGATOR, SAKIFA, NIGHT OF FIRE, KEEPSAKE V, MOONSTONE BEY V, VA SIRIUS, FADLOREN, the list goes on and on! It is interesting to note that the only common denominator in the breeding of most of these greats is their relation to the Fabulous FADJUR. True American-bred horses, they consist of every popular strain of Arabian blood crossed with FADJUR.
These outstanding individuals represent true Arabian type and excellence. They strengthen our commitment to preserve and concentrate a strong genetic pool of FADJUR's blood, and to encourage the outcross of his blood with all strains and types of Arabian horses.
We lost FADJUR in February 1983 at 31 years of age. Nothing can be written to express our feelings in those many difficult months that followed. If you know our family, you know that FADJUR was a very special part of it. He was so strong, proud and beautiful to the end. He was still settling mares by natural breeding through November of his 30th year! FADJUR is buried in the corner of his paddock where he and Marge greeted each other the first thing each morning. A beautiful bronze statue (designed in his image by his and our great friend Madeleine Johnson) prances nearby, in a garden setting under the giant eucalyptus trees Marge planted to shade him when he was a colt. SAKI is buried in the corral next to FADJUR's, where they stood side by side for so many years, watching the goings on in their Jack Tone Ranch kingdom.
THE TONE FAMILY TODAY:
At 80+ years of age, Jack (Bud) Tone (with his sons-in-law partners) still grows the best alfalfa and grain mixture hay around for Marge's famous horses. Bud gives his blessings and is very proud of Marge and her beautiful Arabians. In addition to his farming, Bud is a National Champoin handball player and an honoree in the Handball Hall of Fame! He is also a well-known water expert and President of the Stockton-East Water District Board of Directors.
One of the most active peope around, Marge keeps busy with her beautiful horses, birds, flowers, canning, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She makes the breeding decisions for her FADJUR sons and daughters. Marge insists that her favorites be stabled in one of the barns where she can personally grain and oversee them daily! A pioneer woman of the Arabian horse breeding world for over 40 years, Marge is a beacon that stands fast for sticking to what you believe is right. She was the first president and started a local club to enjoy and promote Arabian horses. She was the first woman president of one of the oldest Arabian Horse associations, the first woman director of IAHA and the first Region III President. She started the first (now very popular) A/O to show halter classes in open class A shows. She was a pioneer member of the Arabian Horse Trust and still donates yearly to that organization. She is a member of The Bedouin Society and a pioneer member of WAHO.
Marge gave FADJUR mares to each of her 5 girls (as well as most of the grandchildren!) to give them the best possible foundation for breeding their own champions. She also allowed everyone in our family to show her horses and to breed to FADJUR and her other stallions whenever they wanted to. The Tone family's love for horses has grown from these wonderful beginnings.
Joanne Tone Gyr and Jackie Tone Polk the 2 eldest Tone daughters, along with husbands Paul and Walt and their families now have their own successful ranch. Their breeding program emphasizes the beautiful FADJUR/Spanish cross. They concentrate most of their efforts on the show ring, and have been very successful with their FADJUR descendants.
Jerry and Kathleen Tone Hammer assist Marge by managing the daily operations at the Jack Tone Ranch. Jerry trained his own horses and competed in endurance with the best. Riding FADJUR-line horses, he won a Tevis buckle and a U.S. National Top Ten 50 mile endurance among uncountable wins, finishes and best condition awards. Jerry was among the first to prove the heart and stamina of the FADJUR horses in endurance. Jerry, Kathleen and cousin Hank Gibbons were pioneers in the sport of endurance riding, and even ran the Blue Mountain Ride (one of the few endurance rides in the state in the late 1960s/early 1970s). Jerry is still very much involved with the horses, and keeps everything running smoothly around the ranch.
Kathleen Tone Hammer's childhood love of horses has never dimmed. She has dedicated her life to the Jack Tone Ranch and FADJUR's family. Kathleen trained most of the champions (both halter and performance) shown by the Jack Tone Ranch over the years. She has excelled in her training of FADJUR-bred horses in disciplines from endurance and halter to dressage and park; and everything in between! With her vast experience and horsemanship, it was only natural that Kathleen would become a judge. She has presided over the Australian National Championships, Brazilian Regional Championships, and Arabian horse shows all over the United States.
Robert and Gerard Hammer are natural-born riders. Their horse interests tend towards rodeos and trail riding. Now they give a welcome hand whenever needed around the ranch and at the horse shows. Marjory Hammer Pope and Peggy Hammer Morrissey inherited all of their parents' passion for horses. They are talented riders and trainers, and have used their skills to help prove the greatness of FADJUR's descendants. Both girls bought ranches nearby with their husbands, Bill Pope and Steve Morrissey. Luckily, both Bill and Steve enjoy horses! The many talents and skills they have brought to the family are greatly appreciated.
|
| Sa-Fadjur (Fadjur x Saki) and Peggy Morrissey an incomparably elegant team. |
Peggy and SA-FADJUR+/'s elegance and style in english and western pleasure made up a nearly invincible team in the show ring! Ater several years of successful competition, Peggy decided it would be fun to ride side-saddle and proceeded to give SA-FADJUR+/ the proper training. In 1987 (SA-FADJUR+/ was 20 years old at the time!) they won a Regional Top 5 in English Pleasure. In 1988, they won the Regional Championship in Ladies Sidesaddle! Peggy and SA-FADJUR+/ earned the Legion of Supreme Honor award together. It was presented to them by Marge, Kathleen and Robert Wagner (movie star and family friend) in 1987 at their favorite horse show, the Grand National. By the way, they also won the Sidesaddle championship that year at the Grand National!
|
| Go Dan Go (Fad-Dani x Miss Silver Brook) and Margie Pope '83 U.S. Nat.Ch. Dressage. |
Kathleen, Margie and Peggy travelled to Albuquerque, New Mexico to compete in the U.S. National Championships in 1983. Margie Hammer and GO DAN GO (x FAD-DANI, an Anglo-Arab FADJUR grandson) competed for the National Championship in Dressage. Margie and GO DAN had been very successful in open Dressage competition, but neither had competed at the national level. This was the most intense competition they had ever encountered! Luckily, when the going gets tough, the FADJUR horses always come through! Margie and GO DAN GO achieved such a high degree of synergism, it appeared as though GO DAN performed of his own volition; just as Dressage should be. They emerged victorious by winning the U.S. National Chmpionship in 1st Level Dressage and a Top Ten in 2nd Level. Their scores reflected the level of quality at that competition; scores as high as 72 are rarely seen. Later that evening, the pair performed their victory exhibition for the large crowd in the main arena and announced their dedication to the world. Margie dedicated the victories to her grandmother, Marge Tone GO DAN GO's grandsire, FADJUR.
Susan Tone McCreery, the fourth Tone daughter, trained the showed (among many others) the beautiful FAD-DANI (Fadjur x Bar Sonia) to championships in almost every style of riding known to man! A great horseman who can do just about anything with a horse, Susie is always ready to lend a hand around the ranch. Susan is joined by her husband Bob (also a talented horseman) and horse-loving children Dan and Joy, the McCreerys continue to produce and train some of the most athletic, versatile and beautiful horses in the world (all FADJUR descendants!). Joy has great energy and committment to her beautiful pinto EASTER CANDI (a FADJUR great-grandson). She is now training EASTER CANDI to saddle, and plans to compete with him in English Pleasure in the future.
Patricia (Tweetie) Tone Gilbreath (the youngest Tone daughter) still owns her FADJUR daughter, loves the horses, and supports Marge in her breeding efforts. Tweetie, husband Jerry, and children Bonnie and Patrick Behlen have devoted much of their talents to producing and showing World-Class Shorthorn cattle. They continue to give Marge great moral support in breeding on FADJUR's blood. Many callers to the Jack Tone Ranch are greeted by Patrick's friendly "hi" as he helps out at the ranch on weekends. Bonnie's recently earned Bachelor's degree in International Agribusiness Management will benefit the ranch in many ways.
PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS FOR THE FUTURE:
The Fabulous FADJUR was the epitome of the All-American horse! Knowing, loving and growing up with the fabulous FADJUR was an experience never to be forgotten. His beautiful family is our pride and joy.
Marjory F. Tone's philosophy, and therefore the philosophy of the Jack Tone Ranch, is to breed the most beautiful Arabian Horse possible, without losing any of the intelligence, heart, strength of legs, athletic ability, and kind disposition they are so well known for. Our breeding goal at the Jack Tone Ranch is to produce horses with the incredible Arabian type, beauty and power of our ideal horse: the Fabulous FADJUR. Through line-breeding and in-breeding his descendants, Marjory F. Tone has guaranteed a concentrated source of FADJUR's blood for all breeders to draw from. We continue to line-breed our FADJUR sons and daughters; as well as outcrossing to various strains. FADJUR always was and always will be the foundation sire and cornerstone of the Arabians bred by the Jack Tone Ranch.
The emphasis on showing our horses has been shifted over the years to a committment to breeding the best in the world. With this shift in priorities, we have sacrificed some of our public recognition among the newer Arabian enthusiasts. However, the impact of our committment on the present and future of the breed cannot be overestimated. Though we infrequently show horses ourselves, FADJUR's influence on today's show ring is not shrinking; it is growing by leaps and bounds! Look at the bloodlines in this past year's national championships winners, for example! A dedicated owner can take a FADJUR-bred horse, train it, and win at any level of competition. We have begun to advertise again what "The FADJUR Look" is all about; emphasizing the abilities of the FADJUR horses not just to compete, but also to breed on their qualities.
After breeding beautiful Arabian horses for almost forty years, we at the Jack Tone Ranch have learned to breed predictably and consistently excellent foals. Of course, each new foal's delivery is still special, still like opening Christmas gifts. We cannot predict what each one will be exactly, but we know that each foal will look like FADJUR in its own special way. Each one will be stamped with the great heart and intelligence of our ideal horse. Through our wonderful line-bred and in-bred FADJUR offspring, and the subsequent generations of outcross foals, FADJUR's influence will live on forever into eternity.
|
| Fadjurz New York (quadruple Fadjur) |
"Take
me home, Fad Red" (back to the Main Barn)