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In 1998, Randy Dunn, Chip Merritt, Sam Shoultz, and Dick Van Pelt had one thing in common—the legendary Blue Valentine. Wanting to preserve the bloodline and make it available to other horsemen, they created the "Come To The Source" partnership.
"We were just four good friends, with similar breeding philosophies, who got together to put on a horse sale." says Randy. "Fifteen years later, we are still good friends and putting on one of the best sales in the country. A lot of marriages don’t last that long."
Ever since that first sale, they have been using their wealth of experience and depth of Blue Valentine bloodlines to offer top quality horses. With this in mind, you can expect a top quality sale. As the many loyal customers already know, you will see quality Blue Valentine colts with that trademark color.
"You can’t go anywhere and see a group of horses like these all in one place. Because of the depth and diversity of Blue Valentine genetics, we can concentrate on the high percentage of Blue Valentine and blue roan color while producing a quality horse," says Kathy Merritt. "At one time, there was a chance that the Blue Valentines were just going to quietly slip away. We knew there were people out there who liked these horses. What none of us knew at the time was just how much interest would develop."
This is not just a local sale. Horses are sold to Texas, California, Virginia, Florida, New York, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Hampshire, Alabama and more. Some have even gone to France.
What makes this sale unique is that all of the horses offered for sale can trace their bloodline to a blue roan stallion named Blue Valentine. Chip’s family acquired Blue Valentine and owned him until his death in 1980. Blue Valentine had outstanding linage. His sire was Red Man by the legendary Joe Hancock. He had speed, good bone, a gentle disposition, and cow sense. He also had strong genes and passed on his favorable traits. Blue Valentine earned his place as one of the great foundation ranch and performance sires.
"It is not easy to stay in the lead in horse production; it takes a lot of work and dedication. We all work hard to maintain the quality of our horses," Chip says, "and to produce an honest sale. If the customer feels he got a great deal, he will be back again, and bring his friends."
"These things have allowed us to stay in the business as long as we have," he explains. "Our goal is to have a fun sale, have it go fast, and for it to be an enjoyable experience for everyone."
Why are we the Original Source?
Blue Valentine was owned by Chip Merritt's family. He was a blue roan grandson of Joe Hancock that excelled in many events. Family and friends who rode him can attest to his performance in the arena. Each of us still had some of Blue's offspring and knew we needed preserve his bloodlines. We wanted to let people to see the horses together in a central place. We thought offering a central "Source" for the genetics would be the best way and since 1998 that has been our long-term goal.
Our philosophy is to provide horses that are structurally sound, smart and easy to work with, while preserving the Blue Valentine bloodlines.
What do we offer at our sale?
Horses just like the ones on these pages. Colorful, high-quality, ranch-raised horses. Come To The Source has produced National Foundation Quarter Horse Champions and AQHA World Show qualifiers, Pro-rodeo rope horses and Versatility class winners.
We each have a unique twist in our breeding programs, giving you horses that can run fast and stop hard, and that everyone in the family can ride. Some have the classic Driftwood cross, others a touch of running blood. They all have good bone, good conformation and great dispositions.
What do our customers say?
"Here are some calf roping pictures, and of the kids riding him. In my eyes they don't get much better. I want you to know what a fine horse he is, and we will be there in August."
"I'm amazed that you run your stallions together when they are done with their breeding season!"
"He has that rare combination of being talented enough to be an Open horse, but gentle enough anyone can ride."
Read about us at WesternHorseman.com
