Spoil Me 2 Ranch (formerly Thornapple Quarter Horses) was a labor of love that came about from years of horse experience and selection until we got the breeding stock that we wanted to start our breeding program with.
Here is a little bit of history about us.
I was 9 years old when I got my first pony. A solid black Shetland I named, 'Oreo Double Stuff'. Of course, I had a lot to learn, and boy was he a good teacher! That little pony would go every way but the way I wanted him to go! He could buck me off and in the background of my tears I would hear my mom yelling for me to get back on!
I would get back on, only to get bucked off again and again. Crying I would tell my mother, "I hate that pony, I never want to ride him again!"
One day I had enough, and it was my turn to teach Oreo a thing or two! He was going to go where I wanted him to go and I wasn't going to get bucked off!
After I vowed I was going to stay on him and he was going to go my direction, we understood each other and made a great team! I would go to speed shows and you could hear the other kids saying, "Uh oh, Oreo's here!"
Talk about a feeling of pride!
The time came when my legs were getting just a little too long for Oreo and it was time to step up to something bigger. I traded Oreo for a yearling half-Morgan gelding, Tonka. I had learned many things from Oreo, but I had more challenges ahead. A yearling to train!!
Tonka and I were best buds from the start, but once again, I took a few bumps here and there! Everyday was something new to learn, for both of us. When he was just learning to lope, I will never forget the instructer who told me "Don't give up, never give up...!" Finally, he broke into that long anticipated lope! I didn't give up, and it was smooth sailing from there. Tonka and I went on to win at our local shows and a few open shows, over and over again. For 17 years, Tonka and I learned together and it was he and Oreo who laid the foundation for my life today.
I had a love for horses my entire life and was always up for the challenge of teaching a horse something new. I would beam when I would hear my family and friends talk to others about how well I rode, and how much talent I had with horses.
I took that talent and made it my business in 1998. Along with training horses, in 2002 I decided to venture into breeding as well. Working with stallions is an accomplishment in itself! Temperment playing a major role in a stallions behavior, I expect my stallions to be respectful of me, and act like gentlemen when visitors come!
My pick in stallions was based on some major factors. I want them to give their offspring good temperments, conformation and be able to perform multiple tasks. I want my horses to excel in their intended use and enjoy what they do, from helping out on the farm to a leisurely trail ride.
My goal has been, and will continue to be, breeding a superior Quarter Horse with foundation bloodlines. A Quarter Horse true to the original.
I wouldn't be where I am today, without the help and support of my wonderful husband, four beautiful children, supportive mother and my best friend. From young to old, we all help each other out on the farm to make it the best it can be.
Lisa Jacobson,
Spoil Me 2 Ranch
