There are breeding centers that stand more stallions, but Hartman Equine Reproduction Center (HERC), in Whitesboro, TX, has the only roster with three of 2009’s top 10 sires of NCHA money earners – Dual Pep, CD Olena (pictured), and Smart Mate (Dual Pep and CD Olena are also ranked among NCHA’s top 10 all-time leading sires) – no other stallion farm or breeding center has more than one.

“I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to stand these stallions and look forward to a successful year,” said HERC owner, David Hartman DVM, one of the first veterinarians, over 25 years ago, to perform embryo transfer in a commercial setting. Hartman is also an adjunct professor of theriogenology with Texas A&M and, because he has a large herd of closely monitored recipient mares, helps them with a number of research projects.

Dual Pep and CD Olena, both owned by Bar H Ranche, Weatherford, TX, stood their first seasons at HERC in 2009. Dual Pep had begun to experience age-related testicular degeneration and Dr. Hartman was able to improve his pregnancy rate with a relatively new technique of semen processing called EquiPure centrifugation.

This year, Dual Pep’s book is full, and Hartman has leased CD Olena from Bar H Ranche.

“I leased him for at least five years,” explained Hartman, who made the arrangement through Bobby Pidgeon, 71, owner of Bar H Ranche, an all-time and perennial leader among breeders and owners of cutting horses.

“It’s a dream to have the opportunity to manage and promote (CD Olena),” added Hartman, who noted that the stallion’s foals will now be eligible for Breeders Invitational events, including, retroactively, the crop of 2009.