Registration:  ApHC #158365
Foaled:   February 10, 1971
Died:      1991
Color:     Sorrel, white w/sorrel spots

Roman's Straw Man, a 1971 stallion by Hayes' Roman Cloud and out of My Straw, was bred by J.E. Baker of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who sold My Straw to David Best of Cassopolis, Michigan. The colt was put in training with racing trainer J. B. Montgomery, and Roman's Straw Man ran the fastest qualifying time for the Texas Futurity in 1973.

Turning to the performance arena for a shot at success at the age of three, Roman's Straw Man won 12 consecutive championships. He changed hands numerous times throughout his illustrious career, and was even syndicated once. Through the years, his production record continued to grow, producing National and World contenders in a wide variety of events.

D.K.G.  Ranch

An impressive team was created in Aubrey, Texas, with the movement of D.K.G. Ranch from Florida and the forces of Bruce "Pee Wee" Griffin, Donna Krauss Griffin, Doug and Sue Schembri, and Bob Geer combined to reach for the summit of the Appaloosa show world and breeding industry. No corners were cut as they set out to establish D.K.G. as a quality, winning operation.

Donna Krauss Griffin had been having success showing offspring of Roman's Straw Man. While D.K.G. was busy acquiring Straw Man mares, Donna, Pee Wee, and Doug Schembri and went to Edgewood Appaloosas in the summer of 1981 to see Roman's Straw Man. After seeing the stallion, Pee Wee bought him along with a dozen mares, all in foal to Roman's Straw Man. In 1982, Straw Man's stud fee was set at $10,000. For a couple of years, the U.S. Government took over the ranch and continued to show the horses and breed Roman's Straw Man. Although advertised at the highest stud fee in the Appaloosa industry, there was still a high demand for the services and the get of Roman's Straw Man.

During the 1982 show season, D.K.G. Appaloosas dominated the largest and most prestigious Appaloosa shows, including the National Show in Louisville, KY., and the World Championships in Oklahoma City. Concentrating on the bloodlines of Roman's Straw Man, D.K.G.'s show string included the likes of silver medallion winning mares, Straw Maid and Straw Boots; bronze medallion winning filly Sizzlin' Straw; bronze medallion winning broodmare Jill Straw (reported to have later sold for $150,000); bronze production plaque winner and future hall of fame stallion, Roman's Straw Man; and world champion produce of dam winner, Simcoe's To Ke Tee.

D.K.G. Ranch later would leave much of the limelight. Moving back to Florida, Donna continued to show some of the Straw Man horses, with much success. 1991 was a notable winning year for her and Totally Straw.

In 1993, Roman's Straw Man received a certificate for ApHC Performance Sire. His get that earned him that award were versatility champions Always Roman, Rocket Straw Sam, and Straw De Otoe; and club champions Straw Maid, Run For Blue, Jayme Straw (also a versatility champion), Dose Of Straw, and Vanna Straw.

The September 1999 issue of Appaloosa Journal reported that as they went to press, Roman's Straw Man's get had earned more than -

• 5,179 performance points
• 3,022 youth points
• 3,483 non-pro points
• 5,109 youth points
• 201 Registers of Merit
• 5 halter superior events
• 9 performance superior events
• 7 Club Championships
• 7 Versatility Championships
• 48 bronze medallions
• 8 siver medalions
• 33 bronze superior achievement certificates
• 1 silver achievement certificate

An eight-time winner of National and World get of sire classes, Roman's Straw Man passed away in 1991 leaving behind a legacy of producing quality Appaloosas.

{Some of the sources for this article include the Hall of Fame announcement from the September 1999 issue of Appaloosa Journal and Darrell Dodds' article ""Deep In The Heart Of Texas," that appeared in the June 1983 issue of Appaloosa News.}

Copyright © 1999 All rights reserved.