The Notorious BIG—one of the winningest futurity heel horses of all time—will stand at Solo Select for 2025, further solidifying Solo Select's motto: The Very Best Live Here.
The 2018 stallion by 2006 NCHA World Champion Stallion CD Lights and out of roping's leading mare and PRCA/AQHA Heel Horse of the Year DT Sugar Chex Whiz has won $105,262, as well as an ARHFA 4-&-Under Reserve World Championship. Bred by Dixon Flowers Quarter Horses, owned by Southern Ranches and started by Tyson Benson, the Notorious BIG has been shown by NFR heeler and ARHFA World Champion Billie Jack Saebens throughout his career.
The Notorious BIG: 2018 Black Stallion by CD Lights out of DT Sugar Chex Whiz by Shiners Lena Chex
"We are thrilled to have Bigs be a part of all of the new and exciting things happening at Solo," Southern Ranches' Jessica Boston said. "This will be his full year to stand full throttle without having to also balance a rigorous show schedule, and his oldest foals will be 3 in 2025, so we're going to start seeing them in the roping pen. With that being said, it's impeccable timing to have him stand at Solo and be a part of the new rope horse incentive they're offering.
"We've worked hard the past few years to invest in this stallion and lay the foundation for his breeding career. Ty and Melanie have always been more than willing to help guide us in that journey. We have total faith in them and their program. They have always been forward thinkers and extremely innovative. We love that about them and their program. It's going to be a cool partnership. Not to mention, the new stallion barn appears to be fit for a king and, well, we all know Bigs is a king."
Solo's new stallion barn at its Gainesville, Texas, location is set to open in November 2024, and books are now open on Solo's lineup of stallions for 2025.
The Notorious BIG will appear next with Saebens at the ARHFA World Championship after already winning the 2024 Red Bud Spectacular in this summer. He and Saebens also made their first ProRodeo appearance in 2024, picking up a check at Sikeston, Missouri, this August.
"The Notorious BIG's eye-appeal and talent are obvious, and he's shown that the last three years in the arena," Ty Smith, Solo Select CEO, said. "But the temperment he's passing down to his babies is unbelievable—just like his dad, CD Lights. His babies will be versatile enough to go any direction because they've got all the talent in the world, plus the willingness to please."
The Notorious BIG's offspring will be eligible for millions in incentives, including the Riata, Royal Crown, Gold Buckle and the new Solo Stallion Incentive with its soon-to-be-announced benefits.
"The teams at Dixon Flowers and Southern Ranches have put everything into The Notorious BIG to make him great," Solo Select's Melanie Smith said. "We are looking forward to taking Bigs to the next level now that he's going to stand full-time this winter. His show career has been so fun to watch, and Shane and Jessica Boston are the kind of partners we want in this business."
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