Three Bars was named for the three bars in slot machines because he was not only good-looking, but bred to run. His owners thought they’d hit the jackpot. And they had. No other horse has made such an impact on the Quarter Horse breed as Three Bars.
On the race track, around 1946 Three Bars “doubtless was the fastest horse in the United States for 5 furlongs,” according to Ed Ellinger, writing for the Western Horseman. Three Bars sired racing superstars such as Sugar Bars, Lightening Bar, and Breeze Bar. A total of 317 foals earned their ROM in racing and 38 foals who earned a Superior in racing. His daughter, Lena’s Bar, when bred to Jet Deck, produced Easy Jet.
Three Bars produced get and grandget that excelled in every arena. In halter, there was Impressive, by Lucky Bar by Three Bars. In cutting, Doc Bar, a grandson of Three Bars, revolutionized the industry. Sugar Bars sired 30 AQHA champions in a variety of arena events.
Of Three Bars disposition, Walter Merrick, on of the greatest breeders of Quarter running horses in history, said, “You could look in his eyes and know his disposition, and know he wasn’t a horse that was going to cause any problems.” (The Quarter Horse, That Special Breed by Lyn Jank)