R. A. “Rob” Brown, Jr.

The tradition began in 1895 and still runs strong today through R. A. “Rob” Brown Jr.

The R. A. Brown Ranch at Throckmorton, Texas, has been in operation since 1895.  They have been top breeders of both Quarter Horses and various breeds of cattle.

The ranch first got its start by breeding and trading Hereford cattle.  They bred horses to be stout working horses on the ranch.

Brown has been recognized for his dedication to the ranching industry through several organizations, including Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture, the Ranching Heritage Golden Spur award, the National Cattlemen’s Vision award and AQHA’s Legacy Award.  Brown became president of AQHA in 1995.

His father, R. A. Brown Sr., was one of the founding members of the American Quarter Horse Association.  He created strong bloodlines, which can still be found on the ranch today, by trading and breeding horses with the 6666’s.

Brown continues the tradition of breeding strong cow horses.  “Practically every mare on this ranch was raised here, as was her mother, her grandmother and her great-grandmother,” Brown said.

The Quarter Horses on the R.A. Brown Ranch are legendary, and the ranch garnered the AQHA/Bayer Best Remuda Award in 1997.  Some of these horses include Brown’s Firefly, a champion mare who went on to produce talented roping horses, AQHA world champion heeling horse Gold Fingers sired many champions.  The Browns’ line of Eddie horses is known for their versatility and cow sense.

Brown followed in his father’s footsteps in 2004 when he was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.

Biography updated as of March 2004.