Bonds Ranch was founded in 1933 by P.R. (Bob) Bonds after he purchased part of the Mary Hicks Ranch, just north of Saginaw, Texas. Not being a cowboy himself, Bob hired Owen (Big Pete) Burnett in 1944 as ranch foreman. Pete Bonds, Bob’s youngest son, was mentored by Burnett following Bob’s death in 1954 and eventually took over the fulltime management of the ranch in 1970. Historically a cow/calf operation, under Pete’s management, the operation became more diversified – expanding its cow/calf genetics, grazing yearlings on leased and purchased land in various states, and finishing cattle in feedyards. The ranch expanded with the purchase of land in Falls and Hemphill counties in Texas and in Union and Colfax counties in New Mexico. Under Burnett’s guidance, Bonds knew the importance of a good ranch horse and became dedicated to breeding quality ranch quarter horses. He needed a stout and smart horse that he could count on every day. In 1971, Bonds purchased mares and fillies from Mrs. Ott Burnett, a cousin of Burk Burnett. As thanks for being generous in a business deal, former Senator William Blakely gifted Bonds Ranch a breeding stallion, Concho Jim, in 1974. This cross of the size and speed of Concho Jim’s lineage with mares with genetics from proven sires like Hollywood Gold, One Eyed Waggoner, and Cee Bars produced the perfect ranch horse for Bonds Ranch – strong, stout, cowy and athletic. Bonds Ranch horses could be found on many of the local ranches and were used in the arena. In 1991, Pete was AQHA World Champion in Amateur Team Penning on Concho Juan Vito. Pete’s daughters were regular finalists at the AQHYA World Championships in Team Penning in the 1990s. They also competed in high school rodeos in cutting, roping, goat tying, and barrel racing on the same horses they rode everyday on the ranch. With such diverse operations and locations, Bonds Ranch quarter horses must be versatile. Horses need to withstand the mountains and rocky terrain of New Mexico as well as the muddy oat fields of Marlin, Texas. Ranch horses are used for every phase of ranch life – from dragging calves to doctoring yearlings to sorting cows. As a family operation, Pete relies on his family for the management of Bonds Ranch. He continues to manage with his wife Jo and their daughters, Missy, Bonnie and April. SAGINAW, TEXAS | 817-437-0002 14 BONDS RANCH Consigned by Lot 5
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAxNTQ=