Katie Kirkland riding Crowned Prince ~ Photo credit - Gail M Kirkland

Equestrian Professional Member Spotlight -
Patti Milligan and Milligan Stables

Milligan Stables was officially established in Plano Texas around 1970 when Dale Milligan and Patty Verdin married in her family home in Plano.  Dale was a young professional horseman who had previously worked as a Saddlebred trainer in Houston, Tx .  The couple eventually settled in Plano in a barn and home that Patty's father built for them. 

The seventies and early eighties saw the rise of a formidable stable  full of national and world champion horses and riders trained by Patty and Dale.  In 1981, Lonnie Quarles came to work at the stable and Milligans thrived with a large training barn and an even larger lesson and juvenile rider program.  In 1986, both Dale and Patty's father died and Patty was left with small children, horses and debt.  She and Lonnie made up their minds then that they would continue the stable and they were determined to thrive even with the loss of their highly talented trainer and front man, Dale.  They hustled hard and over the years they established their own incredible  success story.  

Patty hired a wonderful instructor named Candee Carlson who established a top notch riding academy and youth program that has introduced hundreds of riders to the American Saddlebred. Patty and Lonnie set about training new teams of amateurs and their horses and over the years have produced many regional, national and world champion teams.  In addition Lonnie has specialized in starting and finishing home raised colts, many of whom have gone on to be highly successful champions.

Milligans has been an anchor and center for the perpetuation and promotion of the American Saddlebred Breed in the Southwest and nationally for almost forty years.  Recently, Patty Milligan succumbed to a two year battle with colon cancer and once again Lonnie and Candee are faced with the loss of their leader, but they have made the decision to keep the popular stable open to the public with their full slate of services available.  They have hired young trainer Ashley Walker and with her able help plan to continue helping young riders learn about the great American Saddlebred horse.

Milligan Stables offers saddleseat lessons during most days of the week.  They offer summer camps for kids of all ages and participation in the Milligans youth groups during the school year.  Milligans offers training of privately owned horses and opportunity for competitions all over the Southwest..  It has a great family atmosphere and many fun events centered around a great breed of horse.  You can find Milligans at 3116 East Parker road, Plano Tx. 9724225096.

Patti Milligan's commitment to the American Saddlebred is legendary. We at Equestrian Professional are honored to have had Patti as a member. We are very pleased that Patty's mission will continue as the Milligan Stable's team picks up the torch. We wish you much success.

 

Patty Milligan (Driver) and Lonnie Quarrels ~Photo credit - Gail M Kirkland