It’s always busy year round at La Feliz Montana Ranch, home to over 300 top-quality race horses in Hondo. Throw in preparation for the upcoming New Mexico-bred Horse Sale to be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, and there may not be enough time get all the chores done.
“We do 32 single photo x-rays on all 59 yearlings headed to the New Mexico sale—twice,” equine expert Dr. Megan Petty said while shifting around attempting to x-ray the front-and-back end of one of the quarter horses she examines every day. “We supply x-rays and blood work on each individual and we’re very transparent to the public and potential buyers who want as much information about our yearlings as possible.”
The yearlings from La Feliz Montana Ranch are expected to bring top dollar at the sale based on the ranch’s reputation and recent success stories. The ranch is home to 2025 AQHA 3-year-old champion FDD Dreams and 2025 AQHA 2-year-old champion Political Twist. Javier Rodriguez, owner and operator of La Feliz Montana Ranch, was named 2025 AQHA champion owner last year.
“We have been very blessed,” Rodriguez said. “It takes our entire team to keep the operation going from the breeding program and training farm to the racetrack.”
Originally from Bandara, Texas and a graduate of Texas A&M University, Petty and her husband, Brian, primarily work at the ranch full time. She is present for most all of the La Feliz Montana Ranch breedings, births, and early development. She works daily in her veterinarian office located onsite, which is unique for most quarter horse training operations.
“It’s like having our own sports medicine facility for our horse athletes,” Petty said. “We’re able to keep close tabs on each individual including our stallions.”
The seven La Feliz Montana Ranch stud horses will feature runners from 2024 New Mexico Top Freshman Sire of the year Suspicious Interest. The ranch’s sire list also includes Bogart, First Texas Flash, Apollitical J Legacy, Blazin The Moon, Lethalcartelfavorite and Elmer.
“It’s a privilege to be working with these horses and bloodlines,” Petty said. “The success that our team achieves on the racetrack isn’t just luck. It’s Javier’s dedication to having quality horses and running a top-notch breeding and training facility.”
