It’s that time of year again on the Crescent J Ranch in Kenansville where Dr. Bill Broussard and his wife Margaret are welcoming new Santa Cruz babies into the world to ensure the viability of and sustain the rare Spanish-heritage equine breed, which just a few years ago faced extinction.
Saving Spanish-heritage equine breed
Allen Broussard Conservancy works to ensure viability and sustain rare Santa Cruz horses which faced extinction.
Thirteen of the 25 existing horses in the Santa Cruz herd were purchased by the Broussards and transported from California to their ranch, which is part of the Allen Broussard Conservancy (ABC) at Forever Florida, in the summer of 2010.
This breed of horse lived off of the coast of central California on Santa Cruz Island for over 100 years. The Santa Cruz horses are considered feral. Because of environmental concerns to the island as well as the desire to preserve and manage the Santa Cruz breed, the herd was moved to the Sunshine Sanctuary near San Molinos, California, which continues to build the herd, and promote Santa Cruz horses to the world.
Christina Nooner, head of the sanctuary, had genetic analysis done to determine the origin of the animals. Dr. E.Gus Cothran, Director of the Equine Blood Typing Research Laboratory at the University of Kentucky, internationally acclaimed geneticist, did DNA testing and determined that the origins of these magnificent animals is the Iberian peninsula of Spain. It was thought these animals were extinct.
When the thirteen horses purchased by the Broussards were moved to Florida, one of the mares died from illness shortly after arriving in Florida, but the 8 mares, three foundation studs, Paco, Laredo and Toblarone plus a yearling stud called Apollo make up the largest existing herd of Santa Cruz horses in the world. Under the watchful eyes of Bill and Margaret Broussard the recovery and stabilization of the breed is secure.
The Broussards and ABC, founded as a tribute to their son Allen, are legendary friends of endangered species and dedicated to the preservation and protection of the fragile eco-systems of Florida’s native wilderness. Focused on maintaining the historical unique ranching heritage of Florida, the Crescent J Ranch is also the home of the largest herd of Spanish Colonial horses, also known as “Cracker” horses,