Rapid Flo’s pedigree has a rich history boasting old school US cutting genetics, on both his sire and his dam side, making him a complete outcross in the Australian market. His story is full of gems. This is where it began.
Jimmy Vickery, a cutting horse enthusiast, saw Mr Peponita Flo compete with John Tolbot in the 1991 US NCHA Futurity, where they were crowned Reserve Champion. He was immediately in awe of his speed, strength, athleticism and cowyness. He knew then and there that he wanted his own ‘Mr Peponita Flo’. Frozen semen was imported from California and so Rapid Flo was born.
His paternal Great Grandsire Peponita (by Peppy San and out of Bonita Tivo) was a fierce competitor throughout the 1970’s and 80’s – he was the culmination of decades of specific breeding and ranching versatility and earned multiple American Quarter Horse Association World Championships in cutting, as well as NCHA Bronze, Silver & Platinum awards. In 1977 Peponita had earned more than US$38,000 in one year, qualifying him for the NCHA Hall of Fame.
Horses who still sport Peponita in their pedigrees possess some of the most iconic genetics of cutting – and that is what sets Rapid Flo apart from the rest.
Furthermore, not only is Flo a dead ringer to his sire in looks and type, that inherited fierce cowyness and good bone are also complimented by his dam side, which boasts world class imported genetics that stems back to the Quarter Horses that started it all.
In 1967 Rapid’s Flo’s maternal Great Grandam & Great Grandsire, Clover Lori & Clover Drift respectively, were among several Quarter Horses imported from California by the legendary horseman Greg Lougher. Both horses attended exhibitions from Adelaide to Brisbane at Royals and Country Shows with Greg & his daughters Gail & Lori, to demonstrate cutting and the cow horse.
Whilst in Penrith Greg was asked to give a cutting demonstration on Clover Cherry at the Warwick Gold Cup. He was then given special dispensation to enter The Cup on Clover Lori, even though neither had competed in a campdraft before. Greg and Clover Lori placed 2nd in the first round and were tied for first going into the final, finishing equal fourth overall. This was a remarkable feat, particularly when you consider Lori had only been off the ship three weeks and had not had much work.
Greg Lougher served as a member of the AQHA Board, was given a Life Membership and a special award from the Association for his contribution to the breed. Clover Cherry, Clover Lori and Clover Drift were also recognised with a special award – the Award of Honour.
Rapid Flo’s journey
Rapid Flo was broken in by Michael Rapley and Jimmy then continued his training into the cutting pen. Jimmy describes him as being unreal to be around and ride, “He was tough, yet soft and built to work – there was nothing else you could ride to do any job, he was born to do it! In the cutting pen, Flo was fierce, nothing could get past him.”
Rapid Flo also had success in the campdraft arena with Joel & Julie Duff, consistently running 90’s and high 80’s to final.
2022 saw Flo compete in the Greatest Show on Horse with Rob Leach and with only a few weeks preparation he only narrowly missed the Down The Fence final.
Rob Leach was very impressed with Flo stating, “I wish had him 10 years ago! I really like the horse and his totally unique breeding will suit the Australian market.”
Unfortunately, due to life circumstances Rapid Flo was never campaigned with the consistency he so richly deserved; his talent never showcased to the extent that it should have been. It’s something Jimmy will always regret.But, he and his wife Liv are now looking forward, not back, and are determined to show him off through his progeny.
Whilst there are limited progeny on the ground, the ones that are in the show pen are delivering the goods and proving to be versatile across Cutting, Campdrafting & Challenge – they have the type, confirmation, style, athleticism and cow to excel in every cow horse discipline. They are already beginning to make their mark on the industry.
Rapid Flo has always been sound as a bell, never requiring veterinary treatment, and at 17yo he is about to embark on an exciting new chapter as Frank Green is set to grab the reins. So watch this space!
