KING P-234 Probably no American Quarter Horse is considered a cornerstone of the breed any more than King.

There was no AQHA when King was born in 1932, and it would be almost ten years until it was formed.

That a horse, born so long before the association that he helped become the largest registry in the world was formed, could have such an impact, is testimony to his greatness.

Kings bloodlines trace to some of the truly great pre AQHA quarter horses. Double bred Traveler, as well as single lines to Sykes Rondo, Billy, and Yellow Jacket, not only gave him regal parentage, but also combined in that once in a lifetime gene mix, that happens to be just right.

The sire of King was a hardknocking match race horse, named Zantanon. Known as the Mexican Man o'War, his sire, was a legend himself, and renowned for his ability to run, even under the worst of Conditions.

Originally named Buttons by his breeder, Manuel Benavides Volpe, of Laredo Texas, King became royalty when his name was changed to King when owned by Byrne James of Encinal Texas, who played professional baseball for the NY Giants. Certainly the second name was a better fit

When Jess Hankins bought the colt in 1937, for $800, the folks in Rocksprings thought he had grossly overpaid for King. However, by the time 1940 rolled around, and the young stallion had a few foals on the ground, everyone began to realize that Hankins had made a shrewd buy.

Probably no foundation sire put more atheletic ability and cow, in his offspring, as evidenced by the popularity of his great sons, such as Poco Bueno,Royal King, Continental King, and Power Command.

King died in 1958, at the age of 26. He left a legacy of 658 foals, born over 23 crop years, and made an imprint on the Quarter Horse industry that will be never forgotten.