Sundance Kid V: “…but legends never die.”

Featured in Arabian Horse Times + AWPA Brochure Back Cover Story

Suzanne Acevedo and her family farm Acevedo Arabians are making sure that one legendary stallion – Sundance Kid V – can continue bringing new life into the world. This iconic stallion passed away eight years ago, yet his name still sits at the top of many breeding charts. In fact, Sundance Kid V is the #1 leading sire of purebred money earners, with his foals winning a collective $111,565. As a fan of his for many years, Suzanne felt like it was time she chased the opportunity to purchase his remaining frozen straws. Not only is she excited about how this will help her own breeding program, but she sees it as an opportunity for the entire industry to have their piece of history.

“I want to thank Sarah Stone for working with me to make this happen,” Suzanne opened. “I am so excited to see how this helps the industry. And I know Jackie and Colby are just the team to accomplish great things with this.”

In November 2025 – under the direction of Colby Powell Performance Horses – they announced this exciting news. This year, there were 10 private breedings, along with the Scottsdale Signature Stallion (SSS) auction and Arabian Western Pleasure Association (AWPA) breedings available. A few of those offerings, including the AWPA breeding, have already been claimed, but interested parties can still reach out to Jackie or Colby Powell to be part of this exciting first year. Mares will have to be bred using the ICSI technique.

“We have had incredible success using ICSI so far,” Jackie Powell shared about their personal and professional experiences. “It allows us to use a deceased stallion to improve a new generation of horses. Also, it is more affordable than most people think.”

Suzanne also feels a responsibility to keep Sheila Varian’s legacy going through this endeavor. “Her philosophy was so fascinating,” she expressed with admiration. “I really like the look of western horses she produced. And – in the most current crop of horses – that look is largely thanks to Sundance Kid V.”

Sundance Kid V has sired 478 registered foals. He was not just a profound breeding stallion, but he also left a mark that will impact every generation of Arabian horse to follow. And now that number can grow thanks to Acevedo Arabians and Colby Powell Performance Horses.

“We’re excited to keep Sundance’s legacy as one of the best Western Pleasure sires alive,” Colby Powell said. “His excellence across a variety of divisions can’t be denied. Of the horses I have personally ridden that are sired by SDKV, I am most impressed by their trainability, upright necks, and superb movement. A couple that I’ve shown recently include Kids N Roses GRK and CPH Allstarr – both national champions.”

Everyone involved is hoping this brings a new excitement – especially to the western pleasure division – and therefore, the AWPA. Suzanne has been a large supporter of the futurity classes in the past as an owner. She and her husband have even bought horses specifically to show in that class, because she loves being part of it.

“They go above and beyond to make it a special class,” she went on. Now as a stallion owner in the program, it will be fun to see how this passion for the program resonates in a new way.

One of Suzanne’s main goals with this purchase is to help boost the numbers of horses being bred each year. As a lifelong horse lover and ranch kid, she knows how a person’s life can change when horses enter the picture. Her childhood consisted of growing up on a farm in Idaho and frequenting her grandparents’ ranch as well, where she rode their quarter horses. She is hoping to create more life-changing moments just like that, for herself and others, with this purchase.