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Buttons B F-1681


This article was originally published in the Appaloosa News: December 1977:142-143. Information was compiled by Charlotte Brannen.

buttonsb1

Buttons B
F-1681
1950-1976

Beau Cheval's Buttons B

Beau Cheval translated from French means "good horse." In Wynnewood, Oklahoma, Beau Cheval means "good Appaloosa horse." And Beau Cheval's Buttons B [is] rated as one good Appaloosa horse.

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Sire: Double Six Domino

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Dam: Bluebird B

From Buttons B's beginnings, odds complimented his style. Double Six Domino, [F-2646] Button's sire, already established himself as an outstanding foundation sire. His dam was the top producer, Bluebird B. [F-1687]

Blue Bird B foaled Buttons in 1950 on Elvin Blevin's Old Six Ranch in Tatum, New Mexico. Two years later, Blevins and Buttons moved to Beau Cheval Ranch, marking the beginning of a phenomenal stud career.

Buttons proved quite a hit to the Oklahoma natives. Not many ranchers owned Appaloosas at that time. With his loud coloring and outstanding working ability, Button promoted the breed like a true ambassador.

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A growing number of breeders took note of this athletic colt. Ranch work complimented Buttons style. Working cattle, fixing fence, or just plain pleasure riding suited the big horse just fine.

But Blevins wanted to promote the horse. Successful promotion derives from presenting Buttons before large numbers of people. And what better place to start than at the first Appaloosa show held east of the Rockies.

When Buttons entered the ring at that first show in Claremore, Oklahoma, he drew approving looks from the breeders and the judge as the stallion stood grand champion. Continuing his winning ways, Buttons captured first place honors in the calf roping.

But Buttons public appearance didn't stop in the show ring. He made a special guest appearance ridden by Kiowa Tribal Chief Dixon Palmer on Dave Garroway's TV show, "Wide Wide World."

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Just as Buttons captured the public's eye, his foals began establishing themselves in the show arena. Buttons influence proved so keen he was designated a foundation sire for the Appaloosa breed. Appaloosas carrying the names Buttons and Beau are direct descendants of Buttons as these names are eligible for use only by Buttons progeny.

The list of Buttons outstanding sons and daughters is too great to list but one deserves mentioning. Quavo B, perhaps Buttons most notable son, took the show ring by storm during his short career. At age 2, Quavo won the coveted Bear Step Katouche at the 1958 National Appaloosa Horse Show following his Grand Champion Stallion win. This marked Appaloosa history as Buttons B had previously won the honored Katouche. Never before had a sire and son won this award.

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Buttons B and Quavo B

But Buttons was not overshadowed by his get. In later years, Buttons drew fans to his Beau Cheval Ranch. This he took in stride. It was not unusual for children to climb atop the stallion's back for pictures. Small children, unable to reach Buttons' face to pet, squealed in delight as the big horse lowered his head for a gentle caress.

With impending age, Buttons coat roaned to a steely blue, but even in later years, he never lost his characteristic "buttons."

ButtonsB
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Buttons B at age 22

But age caught up with Buttons B on October 28, 1976. Cheryl Blevins, glancing toward the old stallion's pen, noticed a strange look about the horse. Concerned, she drew Elvin's attention away from his telephone conversation and contacted the veterinarian. But time had run out for Button B.

Marking Button B's final resting place will stand a life size statue of the great stallion. Situated at the entrance of Beau Cheval Ranch, Buttons B will forever face the ranch he helped establish.

Direct Descendants of Buttons B

(Not a complete list)

The following offspring information was gathered from allbreedpedigree.com

Pedigree of Buttons B

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Dr Howard
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Mansfield's Comanche
F-3096
mc
Cortez
Juanita M 21700
juanita
Senorita
Double Six Domino F-2646
doublesix
Dr Howard
Mansfield's Comanche>
F-3096
mc
Juanita M 21700
juanita
Susan
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Lucine
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Wolf Song
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Apple Jack F-158
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Gay Lady
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Bluebird B F-1687
bluebirdb
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---
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Freckles
---
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This page last updated September 2023.