WELCOME TO SAGUARO
RANCH
Gail and
Phil Stephens have owned horses
for over 25 years. But, did not become interested in showing
"World Class" Halter horses until their 40s. 
So, in
1994 they bought their first Halter horse, a weanling APHA
World Champion, Sheza Lady Broker. After that first purchase,
they always had their eyes open for another world-beater. Soon
the opportunity arose, and they purchased MR BEVERLY BROKER as
an unshown yearling. As a 2-year-old, MR BEVERLY BROKER won
the APHA World and was High-Point Open 2-Year-Old Gelding and
High-Point Open Gelding Overall. Those accomplishments really
lit the fire!
The
tradition begins
In 1996, Gail
and Phil decided to really get serious. They purchased a
172-acre ranch, known today as Saguaro Ranch. Next, they hired
their friends Jay and Shirley Ralston as Ranch Manager and
Trainers. In Stephens’ opinion, Jay and Shirley were the
best in the business, and Gail and Phil accept no less than
the "best." This strategic alliance has produced
numerous high-point awards, titles and… serious recognition.
Over the
recent years, the Stephens’ have acquired an impressive band
of AQHA and APHA World Champion and Superior Halter mares with
the emphasis being foremost on the modern producing pedigrees!
The
search is over
Gail and Phil
recognized almost immediately that in order to make their
ranch work, they had to have a "World Class"
stallion. They literally searched for 3-1/2 years to find
"the stallion" to fit their program.
"We had
many opportunities to buy some really good stallions, but
something was always missing," explains Gail.
Then, in October 1999, Gail and Phil acquired IM FINE LEE, a
1995 AQHA Superior Halter stallion…and unanimous 1999 Quarter Horse
Congress Champion Aged Stallion! "IM FINE LEE
is an incredible stallion. We knew immediately… he was
the one!" says Gail.
Where
we're headed
The goal of
Saguaro Ranch is to raise "World Class" AQHA and
APHA Halter horses without jeopardizing the soundness of mind,
fitness and health of the horses. "And, if you’ll look
around, you’ll see that we are proudly accomplishing that
goal!" adds Gail.
Where
we're located
Visitors are always welcome at Saguaro. The Ranch is less than
an hour’s drive from the Dayton and Cincinnati airports and,
is easily accessed within minutes of I-71 and 1-75 in
Waynesville, Ohio… “The Antiques Capital of the
Midwest.” Please feel free to stop by and visit our ranch
in-person, and check back to our cyber site often!.
