The Mares Behind the Momentum: Why Proven Breeders Are Choosing Third Edge

The caliber of mares bred to a stallion can speak volumes about the confidence breeders have in his future. And for Third Edge, the 2026 breeding season brought some remarkable names to his book.

The NCHA Horse of the Year, Hall of Famer and $342,528 earner has already established himself among the cutting industry's elite competitors. Now, as his first offspring begin their careers, breeders are investing in what he could accomplish as a sire.

Among the exceptional mares bred to Third Edge this season were Laguna Girl, owned by Janet Westfalls; One Stylish Babe and My Stylish Babe, owned by Missy Drummond; and CSR Lay Down Sally, owned by Bob, Janell and Meredith Graber.

These four mares represent only a small portion of Third Edge's 2026 breeding book, but the stories behind them reveal why accomplished breeders are choosing to invest in his future.

Laguna Girl: A $725,000 Producer With a Proven Formula

Janet and Russ Westfalls purchased Laguna Girl sight unseen after receiving a photograph of three yearlings standing in the Montana snow. They bought all three, hoping at least one would turn out special.

Laguna Girl became everything they could have hoped for and more.

The CD Royal daughter earned $110,428 with limited showing, including a reserve championship at the NCHA Super Stakes with Brandon Westfall. But her greatest accomplishments came as a producer.

Her first foal, Ripp Tide, sired by Metallic Rebel, has earned $306,174. Her first five foals of show age have now accumulated an impressive $725,918, including Ripp Tide, Meet Me In Laguna, Humminbird, Tappadero and Ripp Girl.

That success made Third Edge, a son of Metallic Rebel, an exciting choice.

"We just felt like she crossed so unbelievable with Rebel that we would breed her to Third Edge," Westfalls explained.

The decision was further reinforced after Russ purchased a Third Edge offspring for a customer, giving the family a firsthand look at the quality he was producing.

Today, Laguna Girl, affectionately known as "Daisy," enjoys life in a pasture with her sisters. Janet calls her the "queen bee of the pasture," but with her remarkable production record, Daisy's influence on the cutting industry is far from finished.

Missy Drummond: Generations of Proven Genetics Meet Third Edge

For Missy Drummond, breeding Third Edge to One Stylish Babe and My Stylish Babe represents an opportunity to build upon generations of carefully developed genetics.

Her family's program traces its foundation to Doc's Stylish Oak and influential Playboy mares, bloodlines that have helped produce exceptional cutting horses for years.

The Drummonds bred multiple mares to Third Edge in 2026, with a particular interest in combining their established Stylish Oak bloodlines with his Metallic Rebel and Lil Rattler pedigree.

But Missy's confidence in Third Edge goes beyond his genetics.

Through her connection to Wesley Galyean's program, she had the opportunity to watch Third Edge develop during his early training years.

"The horse is just an individual of all individuals," Drummond recalled.

Having witnessed his talent firsthand, Missy was eager to become involved in his breeding career.

"I told Tim that we really want to be on the front end of all these Third Edges," she said.

That belief continues to grow. The Drummonds are already planning to breed approximately five or six additional mares to Third Edge in 2027, further demonstrating their confidence in what he can produce.

CSR Lay Down Sally: A Once in a Lifetime Mare

Some horses earn their place in the record books. Others become part of a family's history. For Bob, Janell and Meredith Graber, CSR Lay Down Sally has done both.

"Sally has been like a life-changing horse for us," the Grabers shared. "She's given us a lot more than we could ever give her."

The Grabers purchased Sally for Meredith in 2016. Meredith rode her in the NRCHA Limited Age Events, winning many youth and non-pro cow horse boxing events. She also won the AQHA Youth World Championship in cow horse boxing with Sally, who eventually transitioned to going down the fence.

At the same time, Chris Dawson began riding Sally in the NRCHA Open classes. Together they won the CD Survivorship Derby in Paso Robles with a 227 fence score, topped the World's Richest Stock Horse competition in Las Vegas and finished reserve champion in the Cowhorse Run for a Million in Las Vegas. Sally's last show before retirement came with Dawson aboard at the American Performance Horseman in Arlington, where they finished third. She retired with lifetime earnings of $237,870.15.

Known for her exceptional heart, grit and intelligence, Sally has also proven herself as a producer. Her three offspring have earned more than $70,000 combined.

Call Sally (Call Me Mitch x CSR Lay Down Sally) was an NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity finalist with Dawson and is now a multiple ARHFA finalist with Tate Kischenschlager. Sally Rave On (Stevie Rey Von x CSR Lay Down Sally) placed third in the 2026 Derby at Tulsa with Dawson. GR A Little Bit More, ridden by Sarah Dawson, was an NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity finalist and is a 2026 Hackamore finalist.

"We are just getting started," the Grabers said. "We're looking forward to the Third Edge x Sally cross."

When the Grabers began considering stallions for Sally, Third Edge was already on their minds. Interestingly, when they discussed potential crosses with Dawson, he independently suggested the same horse.

"We think he's a phenomenal horse, and we're hoping for a phenomenal cross," the Grabers said.

For a family that knows Sally's talent and determination so well, the decision reflects their belief that Third Edge could complement the qualities that made her such an extraordinary individual.

The Confidence Behind the Cross

For Janet Westfalls, Third Edge offers the opportunity to build upon a proven Metallic Rebel cross. For Missy Drummond, he brings together generations of exceptional genetics and a talent she witnessed firsthand. For the Grabers, he represents the chance to carry forward the legacy of a mare that changed their family's life.

Three respected breeding programs. Four exceptional mares. One stallion.

These are only a few of the outstanding mares bred to Third Edge during the 2026 season, but their stories demonstrate the confidence breeders are placing in his future.

These mares have already proven what they are capable of producing. Now, their owners are looking to Third Edge for what comes next.

To learn more about Third Edge and breeding opportunities, visit Solo Select Horses.