On March 11th, 2025, a foal was born at Jackson Fork Ranch. This foal looks a bit different than the Appaloosa foals born a few months prior. This foal is half Percheron and half Appaloosa. 

What horses are typically bred at Jackson Fork Ranch?

Deadshot Breeding Operations breeds 100% Percheron foals to support and supplement Ross Honsberger and the JFR Hitch. The foals stay here on the ranch until they’re two years old — at which point Ross decides if they make the cut for the hitch or if we will sell them.

Quick facts about the Percheron breed.

• Originated in the Huisne River Valley in western France from a region that was formerly part of the Perche Province. 

• All Percherons today trace their lineage back to Jean Le Blanc, the original stud book stallion on the Percheron registry formed in 1823.

• During WW1, an embargo halted the shipment of Percherons to the United States and the breed was used extensively throughout Europe in the war effort. 

• In 1918, the British Percheron Horse Society was formed and in 1934 the current U.S. Percheron Registry was formed. 

Why breed something different? 

The owner of Jackson Fork Ranch, entrepreneur and philanthropist Joe Ricketts, saw a need to create a larger-boned riding horse that would be capable of carrying a larger rider. Completing his vision, Mr. Ricketts desired black-and-white spotted coat — part of the range of Appaloosa coats known as the Leopard Complex.

As for the operation, we were interested in pairing the majestic qualities of the Percheron with the vibrant personality and longevity of the Appaloosa. 

Quick facts about the Appaloosa breed.

• Distinctive, spotted horses appearing throughout history.
  • French cave paintings from the Upper Paleolithic period 
  • Egyptian tombs dating as far back as 1400 B.C.
  • Seventh century Chinese artwork

• The Nez Perce are credited with selectively breeding the modern day Appaloosa, although the presence of the breed in North America began with the arrival of the Spaniards in the 1500s and their Andalusian horses. 
• Claude Thompson established the Appaloosa Club in 1938.
• The Appaloosa breed went through a period in the 1980s with great concern for the longevity of the breed. There were very very active stallions with 100% Appaloosa bloodlines.

How we bred a half Percharon, half Appaloosa foal

In 2013, following nearly a decade’s worth of research, an organization called The Appaloosa Project was able to isolate and create a DNA test for the LP gene mutation responsible for unlocking the full suite of coat patterns within the Leopard Complex gene. 

To get this beautiful foal, we bred 100% Percheron mares to an Appaloosa stallion. We knew, through DNA testing, the stallion carried two copies of the Leopard Complex gene (LP) which almost guarantees the characteristic Appaloosa spotting. 

In 2015, the same team of researchers from The Appaloosa Project identified and isolated another mutation that worked in conjunction with LP to modify and enhance the amount of color. The Pattern 1 gene (PATN1), working hand-in-hand with LP, allowed us to influence the intensity and coverage of the spots. 

What comes next for Deadshot Breeding Operations and Jackson Fork Ranch

While the bone structure and coat was important, we also prioritized temperament, musculature and overall disposition. Our end goal is to put guests on these horses, specifically bred, foaled and trained on the ranch for the enjoyment of visitors to Jackson Fork Ranch. 

The arrival of the new foal is a testament to the thoughtful care and scientific approach of Deadshot. Here, we care as much about heritage as we do what comes next.

Stay tuned for more updates on the horse breeding operation at Jackson Fork Ranch.