Dr . Baney actually contemplated entering some phase of the horse business several years ago . Since his business enterprise was centered in Kansas City , he studied the various breeds and the potential market for each in the great Midwest area and decided that the Tennessee Walking Horse showed the most promise for expansion and development here . An astute believer in “ going by the book ” . . . Dr . Baney decided to follow the recommended pattern of success in other areas of livestock production and set about the business of establishing a breeding operation as a foundation for the Red Bridge Stables . Now . . . after only three short years , the operation is flourishing as a major breeding and show horse facility .
The Red Bridge Stable property consists of 500 lush acres of prime Kansas City land , located in the city limits . There are 6 separate pastures , the largest one being 270 acres . The T-shaped , white and red insulated stable currently has 48 stalls with the addition of 24 more soon to be under construction . The usual office and tack room facilities are located near the grooming and automatic walker area . The medical room is immaculate and well equipped to take care of any ill befalling the stock .
Each stall is equipped with automatic waterers , fans , and is well lighted throughout . A large inside arena is used during inclement weather for training and halter breaking . An intercom system allows instant contact with all strategic offices and personnel . A final touch to the stable and offices
is a piped-in music system playing at regular intervals .
A complete and competent staff has the responsibility of this large operation . Pat Kirk , trainer , is ably assisted by Jim Foster , Charley Coin , and Bill Bates , all doing their respective duties to keep the stable running smoothly . A 24-hour tour of guards is maintained for the protection of the stock .
Having purchased the best brood mares available and assuring them of the best possible accommodations , it follows that they should be served by the best possible stallion . . . MIDNIGHT SECRET . This past World ’ s Amateur Champion ( 1958 ); with the breed ’ s unsurpassed winning record ; son of the twice World ’ s Champion MIDNIGHT SUN and dam , JUNE KNIGHT , has so far sired some very promising champion stock . The conformation , fineness , outstanding walk , and head movement have been passed on to his get , which are running 90 percent black this year . SECRET , as might be expected , has the number-one stall , and it is “ fit for a king .” A huge stall with all of the fringe benefits as the others , to insure his best health and well-being , sports one notable exception — a television set that seems to calm his nerves during some of his more impatient and fretful moments . In addition , he has a large stallion corral affording an elevated view of his entire domain and subjects .
To say that MIDNIGHT SECRET is the “ King of Kansas City ” ( to borrow a phrase from the Rodger Miller album ) is an understatement . His selection as the major stallion of Red Bridge Stables was the result of considerable study and in-depth discussion of Walking Horse breeding and production . Dr . Baney , after many trips to the cradle of the breed in Middle Tennessee , decided that the Midwest , to achieve recognition in the Walking Horse business , must have a stallion of superb qualifications . MIDNIGHT SECRET bears a showring record that is incomparable in the ranks of both amateur and professional exhibition . He needs no introduction to the nation ’ s Walking Horse enthusiasts . His bloodlines are clearly the result of well-planned breeding . He represents a perfect cross of foundation blood that would be difficult to duplicate . As an individual , MIDNIGHT SECRET is superb . His manner , conformation , bloom , and natural ability are the epitome of Walking Horse perfection .
MIDNIGHT SECRET was bred sparingly prior to his purchase by Dr . Baney . He has some excellent get that have made their way as top show horses and producers but the first crop of recent colts achieved by Red Bridge Stables is now at the Yearling stage . They will be ready for the test next year and from the appearance of these individuals , they should do well to carry the name of MIDNIGHT SECRET to higher fame .
The establishment of a well-balanced breeding program depends , naturally , upon select breeding . The large band of brood mares originally acquired by Dr . Baney has paved the way for some experimentation at the breeding level which doubtless is beginning to pay off .
The policy that Red Bridge Stables has followed in getting top brood mares has now shown an overnight profit , however , on a long-range scale , the results can best be shown by illustration . LADY OF MIDNIGHT , purchased at the Murray Farm sale two years ago for $ 4,000 , with a beautiful SHADOW stud by her side , was bred to MERRY GO BOY and foaled a black stud , and she will foal a MIDNIGHT SECRET colt in April . The SHADOW two-year-old is now being trained by Jimmy Waddell , in Tennessee , who says “ this is my most promising two-year-old stud in training .” The MERRY GO BOY yearling stud appears to be as outstanding as his older brother . Thus , how much is “ too much ” when a valuable mare pays for herself every year ?
Being promotion minded , Red Bridge Stables jumped into the competition of holding annual production sales as soon as possible after their founding . These have proven so highly successful , they are in the midst of planning for their first spring sale to be held Saturday , April 1 . The Midwest is certainly following , if not leading , the national trend to Tennessee Walking Horses . Attendance at the sales has been excellent , with buyers attending from many states , and prices comparable to auctions held in the South . The spring sale will be primarily consignments , but Red Bridge will be offering some of their stock , ranging from weanlings to show horses .
While Red Bridge may still be considered a “ newcomer ,” certain parts of their program have now been proven or disproves Along with their modern methods of an efficiently operated breeding stable that has proved successful , they are constantly striving to further up-date every area of their operation . By their own admission , they have much to learn but it will not be done on a trial and error basis . The investment is too great and error irreparable . With the end of the book no where in sight , Red Bridge Stables is busy with the continuation of their beginning chapters — furthering the breed through detailed and programmed breeding , providing the most modern and thorough facilities , and producing the highest quality , proven stock to be found anywhere . Looking at the sleek well-cared-for stock , the spacious secure stable , the rolling pastures — it is obvious many of their concepts work — on paper and in practice .
FEBRUARY , 1967