W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center Named "Breeder of the Year"

The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center was recently named “Performance Breeder of the Year” during the Arabian Horse Times Readers’ Choice Awards.

This award acknowledges the recent impact that Cal Poly Pomona Arabian horses have had within the industry.

It also acknowledges the impact that W.K. Kellogg’s influence still has on modern Arabian Performance horse breeding. The “CP” identifier preceding the name of all registered Arabian horses bred at Cal Poly Pomona, is a familiar announcement in the winner’s circle throughout the country at major Arabian horse show competitions. Nearly a century after Kellogg’s commitment to breeding the finest Arabian horses, his influence is still being appreciated and recognized.  

“This is not just an award, it’s a celebration of passion, dedication, and a proud tradition,” center Executive Director John Lambert said.

The horse center was nominated for the award. The public could cast online votes for nominees until Jan. 31.

The Arabian Horse Times recognized honorees at the Richard & Georgiann Ames Family Foundation Gala on Feb. 15 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Lambert thanked the horse center team, the Cal Poly Pomona community, and the Arabian horse community – particularly the stallion owners – for making the honor possible.

The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center has its origins in the ranch that cereal magnate Will Keith Kellogg established in Pomona in 1925.

Kellogg sought out the finest Arabian bloodlines of the day to begin a breeding program. The ranch became a popular destination for 1920s Hollywood stars to visit rare Arabian horses, and Kellogg’s horses appeared in several films.

The ranch became so popular that a show was established on Sundays to better showcase the Arabian horses.

W.K. Kellogg presented the ranch to the state of California in 1932 with the stipulation that the Arabian breeding program and the Sunday Shows be maintained.

The ranch eventually became the Cal Poly Pomona campus. The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center has continued the traditions of breeding horses and the Sunday Horse Shows to this day.