In the early 1900s, Richard M. Kleberg Sr., Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Caesar Kleberg undertook an intensive effort to develop a superior ranch horse with speed, athletic ability, intelligence and cow sense. In 1916, they bought a yearling colt from Quarter Horse breeder George Clegg that possessed these traits and could pass them to future generations. Later named OLD SORREL, the stallion became the foundation sire for King Ranch Quarter Horses. Foaled in 1915, OLD SORREL was by HICKORY BILL, by PETER MCCUE, and he sired many notable stallions, including SOLIS, MACANUDO and HIRED HAND. SOLIS later sired WIMPY, which was named Grand Champion at the 1941 Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show and, because of that award, received registration number I in the stud book of the recently formed American Quarter Horse Association. WIMPY went on to sire stallions such as SHOWDOWN, who sired PANDARITA HILL; BILL CODY, who sired JOE CODY; and SILVER WIMPY, who sired MARION'S GIRL. LITTLE RICHARD and TOMATE LAURELES, sons of OLD SORREL, were designated AQHA Foundation Sires based on desirable American Quarter Horse qualities. Other accomplished King Ranch horses included breeding stallions PEPPY, CARDINAL, BABE GRANDE, LITTLE MAN, HIRED HAND'S CARDINAL and REY DEL RANCHO, running champions NOBODY'S FRIEND and MISS PRINCESS, and champion show horses CATARINA and ANITA CHICA. After 1940, the King Ranch Quarter Horse breeding program continued under Richard M. Kleberg Jr., who oversaw breeding stock selection until his death in 1979. Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Richard M. Kleberg Jr. were inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame for their involvement with the breed, and King Ranch horses WIMPY and OLD SORREL were also inducted. In 1985, Richard M. Kleberg Jr.'s son, Stephen J. "Tio" Kleberg, was elected president of AQHA, and under his direction King Ranch continued as a leader in the American Quarter Horse industry. Through strategic horse purchases and successful breeding techniques, King Ranch established a dynasty of champion cutting horses led by MR SAN PEPPY and PEPPY SAN BADGER ("LITTLE PEPPY"). American Quarter Horses now work on ranches around the world and are in demand for racing, showing, rodeo, recreational riding and many other activities, while AQHA has become the world's largest equine breed registry, headquartered in Amarillo, Texas.