Cowboys Cartel, famed for his remarkable lineage and success at Myers Performance Horses as a distinguished sire of barrel and rope horses, was owned by the reputable Z&T Cattle Company. This impressive stallion, a AAA son of the legendary Corona Cartel (SI 97) and out of the multiple World Champion Dashing Folly (SI 108), was only 17 years old. With a race SI of 93, he amassed a remarkable lifetime earning of $235,000, showcasing his prowess in the arena.
Earlier this week, the news broke on the Cowboys Cartel Facebook page, delivering devastating news to fans and supporters:
“It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Cowboys Cartel. We lost him to colic last week. This picture was taken just days prior. We have an outstanding set of colts by him on the ground, and in the spring, we will have another set. Breeding opportunities are still available via frozen semen. Z&T Cattle Company | 432-448-3355 | zane_kiehne@icloud.com”
Cowboys Cartel has sired countless winners across various events, including most recently:
Megan McLeod-Sprague and Cowboys Ta Fame finished an impressive 7th in the average at the prestigious Pendleton Roundup.
MarLee Thar & FC PeachysLilCowgirl dominated the competition by clinching the 2D Youth Average title at the highly regarded Pink Buckle event in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
The versatile stallion has sired winners not only in barrel racing but also in breakaway roping and team roping, along with top-notch ranch mounts and pickup horses. As a 3/4 brother to leading sires, PYC Paint Your Wagon and Ivory James, Cowboys Cartel was bred specifically for speed and performance on racetracks. His outstanding disposition and athleticism made him a preferred sire for multiple rodeo events. Featured as a Riata Buckle stallion, he proudly stood among the top 10 money-winning sires for the incentive program in 2023.
In 2023, Cowboys Cartel transitioned from Myers’ barn to a new residence in Magdalena, New Mexico, in the care of Zane and Travis Kiehne at Z & T Cattle Company. The stallion enjoyed a dedicated broodmare band and featured foals for sale at the ranch, alongside detailed information regarding the upcoming breeding season. Cowboys Cartel garnered a reputation for his exceptional disposition, making him a beloved figure among handlers and workers alike.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone associated with this remarkable stallion, whose legacy will forever remain in the hearts of many.
Interview with Zane Kiehne from Z&T Cattle Company on the Recent Passing of Cowboys Cartel
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Zane. The news of Cowboys Cartel’s passing has been heartbreaking for many in the equestrian community. Can you share some memories or highlights of his legacy?
Zane Kiehne: Thank you for having me. Cowboys Cartel was not just a horse; he was a cornerstone for our breeding program. His remarkable lineage, being a son of the legendary Corona Cartel and out of the World Champion Dashing Folly, made him an exceptional sire. He sired numerous successful barrel and rope horses, and it’s been incredible to watch them perform over the years. His last set of foals is a testament to his influence, and we’re excited to see what they’ll achieve in the future.
Editor: That’s wonderful to hear. Cowboys Cartel had an impressive career with earnings of $235,000. How do you believe his competitive spirit contributed to his success as a sire?
Zane Kiehne: Absolutely. He had a racing success index of 93, which speaks volumes about his competitive drive. That spirit transferred into his offspring. We often see that the best traits of a sire can manifest in their progeny. Cowboys Cartel’s determination and athleticism made him a favorite among breeders, and we’ve seen those qualities reflected in the performance of his colts.
Editor: Fans were devastated to learn of his passing due to colic. How has the community responded to this sad news?
Zane Kiehne: The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming. Cowboys Cartel had a loyal following, and many people who bred with him or owned his offspring reached out to share their condolences. His legacy will endure through the incredible horses he produced, and we’re committed to keeping that legacy alive.
Editor: What do you want horse enthusiasts to know about Cowboys Cartel moving forward?
Zane Kiehne: I want everyone to know that while we lost a remarkable stallion, his influence isn’t over. We still have outstanding colts from him on the ground, and breeding opportunities via frozen semen are available. We look forward to continuing his legacy through his offspring, and I encourage everyone to support those up-and-coming stars.
Editor: Thank you, Zane, for sharing your thoughts and memories of Cowboys Cartel with us. We appreciate your insights during this tough time for the community.
Zane Kiehne: Thank you for having me. It’s important to remember the joy he brought to so many and to celebrate his contributions to the equestrian world.
Interview with Zane Kiehne from Z&T Cattle Company on the Recent Passing of Cowboys Cartel
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Zane. The news of Cowboys Cartel’s passing has been heartbreaking for many in the equestrian community. Can you share some memories or highlights of his legacy?
Zane Kiehne: Thank you for having me. Cowboys Cartel was not just a horse; he was a cornerstone for our breeding program. His remarkable lineage, being a son of the legendary Corona Cartel and out of the World Champion Dashing Folly, made him an exceptional sire. He sired numerous successful barrel and rope horses, and it’s been incredible to watch them perform over the years. His last set of foals is a testament to his influence, and we’re excited to see what they’ll achieve in the future.
Editor: That’s wonderful to hear. Cowboys Cartel had an impressive career with earnings of $235,000. How do you believe his competitive spirit contributed to his success as a sire?
Zane Kiehne: Absolutely. He had a racing success index of 93, which speaks volumes about his competitive drive. That spirit transferred into his offspring. We often see that the best traits of a sire can manifest in their progeny. Cowboys Cartel’s determination and athleticism made him a favorite among breeders, and we’ve seen those qualities reflected in the performance of his colts.
Editor: It sounds like he had a significant impact on the industry. What are your plans for his breeding program moving forward, especially in light of this loss?
Zane Kiehne: We intend to carry on his legacy through the outstanding set of colts he has already produced. We’re also offering breeding opportunities via frozen semen to ensure that his lineage continues. We believe in the potential of his offspring and are committed to promoting the qualities that made Cowboys Cartel such a remarkable stallion. It’s a way for his spirit to live on in the arena.
Editor: It’s clear he left a profound mark in the equestrian world. Are there any specific achievements of his offspring that stand out to you?
Zane Kiehne: Definitely. Just recently, Megan McLeod-Sprague and Cowboys Ta Fame finished 7th in the average at the prestigious Pendleton Roundup, while MarLee Thar and FC PeachysLilCowgirl clinched the 2D Youth Average title at the Pink Buckle event. These successes are just glimpses of what his offspring can do, and it reassures us that his legacy and influence will continue to shine through them.
Editor: Thank you, Zane, for sharing these memories and insights. Our condolences go out to everyone at Z&T Cattle Company, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of Cowboys Cartel through his progeny.
Zane Kiehne: Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to all of us who loved and worked with Cowboys Cartel. His legacy will certainly live on in the hearts of many.
