Clone of Rodeo Legend Makes History

\"\"

Rodeo\’s first cloned bucking horse, has successfully created a new generation. Wolfie, the clone of Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame bucking horse 435-Airwolf, officially has a foal on the ground. The little bay colt arrived May 24th, out of the Franklin Rodeo Company’s CFR and NFR qualifying mare Ultimately Fine. Stock contractor Shane Franklin of Bonnyville, AB, says he could not be more thrilled with this healthy little edition he coined a ‘Wolf Pup’.

It has been a long journey for the stock contracting outfit to see Airwolf’s bloodlines carry through to another generation. As outlined in the January/February edition of the Western Horse Review, the great gelding was cloned in 2007. A year later Wolfie arrived on August 4th, at Timber Creek Veterinary Hospital, in Canyon Texas, through stomatic cell nuclear transfer (cloning). Anticipation mounted last summer, as the three year-old clone was turned out for his premier breeding season.

Sadly last July, while Wolfie began his career as a stud, Airwolf was found laying lifeless in his pasture, at the age of 27. Through cloning the outlaw bucking horse who still sits tied with the highest saddle bronc ride ever in pro rodeo, will now live on.

The next foal is forecasted out of Franklin\’s mare Limited Edition. The latest ‘Wolf Pup’, is the first foal born via a cloned bucking horse. It will now be several years before the world will see one of these little prodigies buck, however for the Franklin Rodeo Company, it will all be worth the wait.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

2 thoughts on “Clone of Rodeo Legend Makes History”

  1. As the local veterinarian covering a small town Alta rodeo, I had the honour of helping Air Wolf during the height of his career. Nothing serious for any professional athlete, just a small forehead skin cut that needed a few stiches. Knowing Air Wolf’s chute history a crowd of concerned rodeo cowboys assembled to assist and ensure I and Air Wolf stayed safe. Letting them know I worked with a local contractor’s rodeo stock calmed their nerves. Air Wolf seemed to know that this wasn’t part of his rodeo job and just needed at little help because he was as calm and cooperative as any other well trained horse; taking his surgical procedure like the intelligent proffessional he was. Very sad to hear of his passing, but very glad he lives on.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shopping Cart