What It Takes to Run an Elite Stallion Program | Dr. Nathan Canaday, DVM | Four Sixes Ranch

What does it actually take to manage one of the most respected stallion programs in the country? We sat down with Dr. Nathan Canaday, DVM, Horse Division Manager at the Four Sixes Ranch, at the tail end of the 2026 breeding season to find out. From January prep to the final collection of the year, Dr. Canaday pulls back the curtain on what these stallions go through, what it takes to keep them healthy, and what the Four Sixes standard actually looks like behind the barn. In this conversation, Dr. Canaday covers: How the Four Sixes decides which stallions make the roster The one question every stud has to answer before earning a spot What breeding season actually demands from February through July and beyond How ten stallions were on the road competing at the same time during breeding season Why fit, not fat, is the standard for every stallion on the program The role of the underwater treadmill at the Granbury facility How joint health and gut support factor into year-round stallion management The story behind the new 6666 Stallion Station at Granbury and Miss Anne's original vision How Dr. Canaday went from homeschooled ranch kid to Horse Division Manager at the Four Sixes "The short answer is would I want to breed one of my mares to the stud? If the answer is yes, then I'll consider it." "You can tell they are tired by the end of breeding season." "You do not want fat, you want fit." "Some of the studs are going ten months out of the year." The Four Sixes stands more than 30 stallions across two facilities, has earned the AQHA Best Remuda Award, and is recognized as an AQHA All-Time Leading Breeder of Performance Horses. 🔗 Read the full blog here: https://6666equinesupplements.com/blo... 🔗 Learn more about the Four Sixes studs: https://6666stallions.com/ 🔗 Shop 6666 Equine Supplements here: https://6666equinesupplements.com/col... and use CODE FOURSIXESSTUD for 20% off your order!