Four Sixes Ranch
Guthrie, Texas
806-596-4424
With a rich ranching history, the Four Sixes Ranch has become one of America’s most legendary operations. While rooted in cattle, the ranch expanded into horse breeding in the 1960s and now houses one of the nation’s most advanced equine breeding facilities and veterinary clinics.
Winner of the AQHA Best Remuda Award, the Four Sixes has produced generations of champion ranch and performance horses from its elite broodmare band. As an AQHA All-Time Leading Breeder of Performance Horses and Race Money-Earners and Winners, the ranch remains dedicated to raising outstanding American Quarter Horses.
“The ranch has been here 154 years and for over 40 of those, we have offered breeding services to the public,” said Dr. Nathan Canaday, Horse Division Manager and Resident Veterinarian. “People often have it in their mind that we just handle our own stallions and mares, but we are a commercial breeding facility and offer a fully functioning vet clinic—the only one in 60 miles.”
Canaday notes that the equine industry has seen major growth and that the reproduction side of the business has exploded. During Canaday’s 14-year tenure, the ranch has gone from breeding 1,200 to 1,500 mares annually to more than 2,000 in 2024, with about 90% of those belonging to Four Sixes’ clients.
“We breed on-site and ship everywhere,” he added. “As a Select Breeders Services (SBS)-affiliated facility, we have the ability to freeze and export semen all over the world.”
The Four Sixes is a comprehensive breeding and equine management program, standing more than 30 stallions. With three full-time veterinarians and 35 staff members, they specialize in advanced reproductive services, including embryo flushes and transfers, and foaling services.
Internship opportunities are a key part of the ranch’s success.
“Each breeding season, we bring in interns to gain hands-on experience foaling mares and learning the breeding business,” Canaday remarked. Approximately 80% of the current staff began as interns, with many graduates pursuing successful careers as veterinarians, trainers, AQHA judges and university faculty.
The Four Sixes is committed to blending modern technology with traditional ranching values.
“It’s this interesting dichotomy here,” Canaday explained. “We use the latest, most advanced equipment, but our cowboys still gather our broodmare herd horseback.”
“As a working ranch, we aim to raise top-quality horses that excel in athleticism, speed and endurance because they are essential partners in everything we do,” Canaday said. “Our horses need the stamina to work all day and rope a bull if necessary, the speed to catch a steer in team roping and the agility to compete in cutting events.”
The Annual Return to the Remuda Sale hosted at the ranch highlights premier ranch horse programs, including the Four Sixes Ranch, offering exceptional American Quarter Horses to the public while supporting the legacy of ranching excellence.
Ultimately, the Four Sixes Ranch is dedicated to preserving the legacy and values that have defined it for generations, ensuring that its horses remain central to its mission of blending tradition with innovation.
