Testimonials from Ameritano Owners
Sheridan
"Marny Belt- Proud Owner of SAVOY aka SHERIDAN
Marny Belt works for Mindy Bower at Uh Oh Ranch and has trained part-time for Jaz Ranch for eight years, literally working with every Ameritano we have raised since moving to Utah. So - she is without a doubt the expert trainer on the breed!
"My name is Marny Belt, and I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Jaz Ranch horses the last eight years. In my work with horses, I have had the opportunity to experience a great spectrum. From welsh ponies, to draft horses, thoroughbreds, warmbloods, Arabians, curlies, crosses of all kinds, on and on. Though each horse is their own individual, each breed something unique to offer, there is one who stands out among the crowd: the Ameritano.
A creation of Jaz Ranch, the Ameritano is no mere merger between the Quarter Horse and the Iberian breed. The Ameritano is the result of over 4 decades of careful selection of the whole horse - with quality of mind being first priority. And that, makes all the difference. A horse could have perfect confirmation, beautiful color, beautiful feet, beautiful movement, beautiful in every way - but sometimes I feel we forget, what about the mind? There’s an immense role genetics plays in the shape of a brain. This is more acknowledged in the dog world, where it would be considered unwise to pair an inexperienced human with high powered intelligence. A serious brain needs a serious job. Now, this is the beautiful offering of the Ameritano: a beautiful mind. One who not only makes it easy to be with - one who is FUN to be with!
I believe part of what makes the Ameritano so fun, is how their mind predisposes them to enjoy life with the human. In 2020, I purchased a yearling Ameritano from Jaz Ranch, and he just gets more fun every year. From saddle horse responsibilities, under saddle work, riding out, I’d have a hard time finding a job he couldn’t do - perhaps jumping a Grand Prix, though I have no doubt he’d try if I asked! It’s that kind of feeling that is so difficult to find, this willingness, who makes it easy. This is a horse most people need!"
Jaz Marquee
Judy DeHann proud owner of JAZ MARQUEE
Judy re-trained race horses for many years and had retired from training... until she met Marquee! Not only did she buy him - but built him an arena!
"I am the owner of an Ameritano horse, which is the cross of a Lusitano stallion and a Foundation Quarter Horse mare. I bought him as a two year old unstarted gelding from Jaz Ranch in Levan, Utah, who developed this breed. I had briefly worked with him in the ranch’s round pen and immediately saw an unusually responsive and bright student ready for training. After years of starting colts I couldn’t ignore that he was special.
As a two year old, I briefly started him under saddle with no trouble and decided to wait until he was three to resume his training. As a three year old, he was bombarded with multiple very noisy machines as I was installing a riding arena. I took advantage of every opportunity to introduce him to heavy equipment, commercial dump trucks, skid steers, compactors, etc. To my amazement, he wasn’t bothered by any of it!
And today, everything I introduce to him to is accepted with curiosity and kindness. His training has continued to go the same way whether riding around cattle, through creeks, or around my neighborhood.
A characteristic that cannot be ignored is his friendliness. As he’s gotten to know me he seems to want to be with me and gravitates to me when I go out to the barn or paddock. I don’t give treats, so he must really want to be around me, and that makes our relationship that much more special. In short, I’m very pleased with the carefully selected characteristics the developers of this breed insisted on. The combination of athleticism, friendliness, intelligence, and curious yet sensible demeanor make the Ameritano an exceptional companion for work and pleasure."