In a move that reshapes the presence of Brazilian genetics on American soil, JBJ establishes itself in Texas and celebrates Stop Little Sister’s induction into the elite circle of million-dollar producers at the NRHA Futurity.
The global Quarter Horse landscape has gained a new and intriguing storyline. JBJ Ranch, the equine arm of JBJ Agropecuária, has formally arrived in the United States — settling in Pilot Point, Texas, a region universally regarded as the nucleus of the breed’s evolution, culture, and performance.
This expansion is far more than a geographic shift; it represents the materialization of a longstanding aspiration for the Batista family and a strategic step toward embedding Brazilian breeding excellence within the world’s most influential equine market. And the results came swiftly. Shortly after establishing its U.S. base, JBJ celebrated a milestone of considerable magnitude: the recognition of Stop Little Sister as a million-dollar producer at the 2025 NRHA Futurity, one of the most celebrated stages in the sport.
A vision that began long before the ranch crossed borders
The roots of this international chapter can be traced back to Fabrício Batista’s first trip to the United States — a moment that planted the seed for what JBJ would eventually become.
“On my first trip to America, I had a big dream of owning a property in the United States, of producing here,” Fabrício recalls.
The vision resonated deeply with his father, José Batista Júnior — known globally as Júnior Friboi — a towering figure in South American livestock.
“Because being in the United States… is being in the world. You’re open to the world.”
Their shared conviction formed the philosophical backbone of the venture: to operate at the pinnacle of the Quarter Horse industry, one must be present where the breed’s history, influence, and genetic direction converge.
Returning to the source: why Texas matters
With the Quarter Horse being a quintessentially American breed, JBJ Ranch’s mission naturally gravitated toward the place where its lineage was shaped.
“The Quarter Horse comes from the United States. That’s where our origin is…,” Fabrício emphasizes.
ABQM president Mônica Ribeiro echoes the sentiment:
“…there was no other path — we needed to go where the very best was.”
In Pilot Point, the ranch created a physical and symbolic presence: a structured booth inside the NRHA Futurity, which quickly became a meeting point for breeders, trainers, and admirers from across continents.
A global project built on accelerated genetic evolution
Yet the internationalization of JBJ Ranch extends beyond physical presence. It represents a leap in genetic refinement already noted by industry specialists.
As one consultant observed:
“What we experienced genetically was the equivalent of 30 years of evolution in just two years.”
This transformation was fueled by the acquisition of elite U.S. bloodlines — a strategy that caught the attention of world-renowned professionals such as multiple NRHA champion Casey Deary.
Speaking about Maverick, one of the stallions now integrated into JBJ’s lineup, Deary remarked:
“Maverick is definitely going to make the sport better… I think Mr. Arcese was right when he said he could change the industry.”
Trainer Gabe Hutchins further contextualized the moment:
“The reining industry is expanding in an impressive way. Ten years ago, I would have said something like this was impossible.”
Stop Little Sister’s ascent on the global stage
The 2025 NRHA Futurity served as both debut and confirmation for JBJ’s strategy. Stop Little Sister — one of the most influential mares in the JBJ program — surpassed the $1 million mark in progeny earnings, securing her place among the rare and prestigious class of living million-dollar producers.
“Stop Little Sister has produced more than one million dollars… and placed two foals in this year’s finals,” Fabrício celebrated as he received the award.
He also acknowledged the possibility of an even more remarkable figure:
“We could end tonight with nearly $1.5 million in production if one of her offspring wins the event.”
As noted by event host Gustavo:
“She is one of the very few million-dollar-producing mares still living.”
With this achievement, JBJ Ranch not only enters the American market — it does so with unmistakable authority.
A Brazilian hub inside the world’s premier reining event
More than 500 Brazilians visited JBJ’s booth during the Futurity, underscoring the brand’s strong cultural and community ties.
“We created a beautiful, organized space to welcome the Quarter Horse community from Brazil, the United States, and other countries,” Fabrício explains.
The ranch has also announced its Open House for December 8 in Pilot Point, an event designed to foster dialogue between breeders and showcase the new generation of stallions and broodmares.
“I would like to invite everyone to this important gathering, which will bring participants from several countries.”
From Brazil to the world: JBJ’s identity expands without losing its foundation
The move to Texas does not signal a departure from Brazil. Rather, it reinforces JBJ’s dual identity: deeply rooted at home, yet boldly positioned within the world’s most competitive equine market.
It is, at once, symbolic and visionary.
“We turn the business into a great passion,”
— Fabrício Batista
Passion may ignite the journey, but what sustains JBJ Ranch is expertise, strategic clarity, and the conviction that Brazilian genetics belong — and deserve prominence — among the industry’s global leaders.
In Texas, the JBJ flag flies high. And its story is only beginning to unfold.
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