The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) learned on July 13 that one of the cutting horse industry’s greatest sires, Peppy San Badger, was euthanatized on July 8, 2005, in his paddock at King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas. Sired by Mr San Peppy and out of the great mare Sugar Badger, the stallion, affectionately known as “Little Peppy,” was one of the all-time leading sires in National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) history. 

Because of his age and deteriorating health, King Ranch management and family members made the decision to euthanatize the 31-year-old horse. 

Ranch management reported that Little Peppy had done quite well during the past several years. He was retired in a paddock behind the Creek Barn where he was content to live a quiet life. 

Little Peppy is known by most for his exceptional cutting abilities in the arena and out with the herd. It was those moves that rendered him a standing ovation after winning the 1977 NCHA Futurity. The Futurity championship was only the beginning, however. He then won the 1978 NCHA Derby, was the 1979 Reserve World Champion, and also won the 1981 NCHA Finals. Throughout his show career, the stallion accumulated earnings of $172,710. He then followed in the footsteps of his sire, Mr San Peppy, into the NCHA Hall of Fame in December 1980