About

Owned by Lana Merrick-Bailey and Dr. Jim Bailey, Canadian River Quarter Horses is located on a beautiful acreage in Norman, Oklahoma. Their breeding program is grounded in exceptional mare power, and has become well-known for producing champions in quarter horse racing and the barrel racing arena.

Lana merrick-Bailey

Most people recognize the last name "Merrick" first, but that is just the beginning for Lana. As the name might suggest, she is the grand-daughter of legendary horseman and AQHA Hall of Fame Member, Walter Merrick. Horses bred by Merrick included Hall of Famers Easy Jet and Easy Date, and champions Byou Bird and Toast The Host. Easy Jet became one of Quarter Horse racing's most influential horses -- a 1967 foal by Jet Deck, he won 27 of 38 races, 12 stakes, and earned $445,723. From 24 crops, Easy Jet sired 145 stakes winners, nine champions, and the earners of $26,237,832, a record that stood until it was broken by Dash For Cash. A 60-consecutive-year breeder, Merrick in his own name bred 573 starters, 41 stakes winners and the earners of more than $6.4 million.

However, Lana stepped out of her grandfather's shadow to carve out many accomplishments of her own, such as 1991 BFA World Champion, 1987 WPRA Rookie of the Year, and 1989 NFR Barrel Racing Average Winner.

James Bailey, DVM

Dr. James Bailey was born in Dickinson, North Dakota, and grew up on a cattle ranch and farming operation in Southern Minnesota. He attended the University of Minnesota for his B.S. and graduated from their College of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. In 1980, after 3 years of practicing on the racetracks of Southern Florida, he began a private practice in Washington, OK, and focused primarily on reproduction.

 In the fall of 2000, Dr. Bailey opened Royal Vista Southwest in Purcell, OK. That experience has led to the development of a nationally respected Embryo Transfer Program. Year after year, this program boasts industry leading pregnancy rates (per embryo that has a viable heartbeat at 25 days) for both shipped and on-site transfers. This allows Royal Vista to back its service with a LIVE FOAL GUARANTEE.

 Dr. Bailey was an avid Steer Roper, even qualifying for the National Finals Steer Roping.

more about Walter Merrick

This video is of AQHA Hall of Fame Member and Past AQHA honorary Vice-President and Director Walter Merrick. Here he explains the difference between a thoroughbred and an American Quarter Horse. This black and white film is from the 3rd ever running of the All American Futurity in 1961, and is part of an exhibit at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum in Amarillo Texas.