In a world where good horses and good people are in high demand, it is gratifying to see the perfect pairing of life and business partners in Roadey and Brooke Wilson. Out of their shared passions and talents, they have created a new industry standard with their company Wilson Cattle Co.
While the recent sale of their gelding South Point made a splash at the Rancho Rio horse sale in Arizona, it is their integrity and commitment to excellence that shine through the horses they sell. South Point was captivating in his debut at the sale, appearing to float across the ground while being a powerhouse with a calm mind. He brought $200,000, no small feat even for a horse of his caliber. Rather than living on the high of such success, Brooke and Roadey acknowledged they were blessed to own and ride such a magnificent creature and were thankful he found the recognition he deserved. They sent him on his way with their blessing and went back to brainstorming on what they could do better, a true testament to their knowledge of horses and business and the binding force of self-reflection within the two.
This cowboy couple knows that it takes time to make good horses. They acknowledge the journey and are willing to see it through with each horse until they reach the fork in the road where they are ready to carry another rider to success. Vision is at the forefront, from selection of prospects to dreams of what they can become.
Brooke and Roadey prefer to buy young ranch bred horses from outfits such as the Tongue River and Swinson Ranches, honoring the years of breeding and culling that these outfits put into preserving the tradition of fine ranch horses. A horse is home with them for a few years–they ride it and haul it, putting miles on it with brandings and ranch rodeos, long hours and long miles. Each day allows them to see how the horse reacts in different situations.
As a living room full of buckles, saddles, and spurs attests, they tend to rack up some accolades during this process. While horses can’t internalize the trophies, they can process the exposure and it is these moments that refine each horses’ talents and interests and lets the Wilsons put them to work doing what they enjoy.
Aside from accolades, the horses that come through Wilson Cattle Co. have another common trait: class. Smooth movements, brains and brawn, and a beautifully consistent nature. As famed rope horse trainer Andy Holcomb told the Wilsons, “Your horses just feel different.”
Brooke and Roadey cultivate this special feel by focusing on the distinctive goal of raising horses anyone can ride. Some days their horses might go from roping to ranch cutting without ever needing a saddle or anything changed. Their athleticism and mental fortitude enables them to take every transition in stride, regardless of the platform or pressure.
Just a few years ago one of their horses was a backup for Clay Smith at the NFR in Arlington and then the next morning went back to serving as Brooke’s mount for the ranch rodeo. These seamless transitions point to a special level of training and refinement.
This power couple is often on the road, and their horses are featured at top sales such as Cowgirl Cadillacs, Rancho Rio, and the Premiere Horse Sale in FL, among others. When not traveling, they enjoy splitting their time between Canyon, TX and AZ.
The Wilsons believe good horses make good horsemen and credit all their success to the horses who cross their path.
As Roadey says, “you can’t do it afoot, even if you’re at the right place at the right time.”
