Zan Parr Bar: A Legend in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.
In 2010, Zan Parr Bar, an iconic figure in the American Quarter Horse world, was rightfully inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. His story, marked by excellence in halter classes and versatility in athletic events, continues to inspire breeders and trainers across the globe. Zan Parr Bar was the result of a deliberate shift in breeding focus by Carol Rose, a Hall of Fame breeder who had previously specialized in cutting horses, including other famous American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame members such as Peppy San and Peponita. In her search for a stallion that combined both physical elegance and athletic prowess, Rose discovered Zan Parr Bar in the barn of Bill Gibford. She narrowly won the bid for this exceptional chestnut stallion, outcompeting renowned halter trainer Greg Whalen for his ownership.
Bred by Bobbie Tatum, Zan Parr Bar quickly distinguished himself in halter classes. Over his lifetime, he earned a remarkable 245 halter points and achieved three world championships in 1977, 1979, and 1980. Yet, Rose knew that Zan Parr Bar’s potential extended beyond his stunning appearance. To highlight the stallion’s athletic abilities, she enlisted the help of legendary trainer Billy Allen, focusing on roping as the discipline to showcase his talents. One of the most successful breeding decisions Rose made was crossing Zan Parr Bar with Two Eyed Jack mares, a combination that consistently produced excellent offspring. However, perhaps the most legendary pairing was with another Hall of Fame member, Diamonds Sparkle. Together, these two equine stars created an extraordinary legacy of champions.
The first foal from Zan Parr Bar and Diamonds Sparkle, Sparkles Rosezana, was born in 1982. She went on to win the prestigious National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity in 1985 and earned the title of AQHA world champion junior reining horse in 1986. In addition, Sparkles Rosezana became a three-time All American Quarter Horse Congress champion in heading and heeling, a testament to her versatility and skill. Another standout from this legendary pairing was Zans Diamond Sun, who earned 356 AQHA points and became the 1987 world champion junior reining horse. This foal, too, amassed numerous high-point awards, highlighting Zan Parr Bar’s consistent ability to sire champions.
Sparkles Suzana, another remarkable Zan Parr Bar foal from Diamonds Sparkle, further solidified his legacy. Foaled in 1985, Sparkles Suzana earned an incredible 968 AQHA points, a world championship in senior tie-down roping, multiple AQHA high-point honors, and the prestigious NRHA Derby champion title. These achievements underscore the lasting impact of Zan Parr Bar’s genetics on the Quarter Horse breed. Tragically, Zan Parr Bar’s career was cut short when he passed away from colitis X on November 25, 1987.
However, during his relatively brief breeding career, he sired 12 foal crops that collectively earned nearly 25,000 points in a wide range of AQHA events. His offspring dominated various disciplines, producing an AQHA Superhorse, an NRHA Futurity champion, and 72 reserve and world champions across eight different events. Furthermore, his foals garnered 126 high-point awards in 14 distinct events, showcasing his unparalleled versatility as a sire.
Zan Parr Bar’s extraordinary contributions to the American Quarter Horse breed are undeniable. His induction into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2010 was a fitting tribute to a stallion whose legacy continues to shape the breed, producing champions who excel in both halter and performance events. Today, Zan Parr Bar is remembered not only for his own success but for the lasting impact his offspring have had on the Quarter Horse world. His bloodline, paired with legendary mares like Diamonds Sparkle, created a dynasty of champions that continues to inspire new generations of breeders and competitors. His legacy will remain an indelible part of American Quarter Horse history.
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