Longtime horseman Cion Jay "CJ" Hubbard passed away last week of natural causes.

© Marcy Blanton

PAULS VALLEY, OK–AUGUST 22, 2025 –Cion Jay “CJ” Hubbard, a respected rancher, breeder, and devoted steward of Quarter Horse bloodlines, passed away last week at the age of 89. Born in 1935 in Montana, he was the youngest of four children of Lisle Ross Hubbard and Mary O’Leary.

Hubbard spent his early years on the open ranges of eastern Montana, operating a cattle and horse ranch near Ekalaka before relocating to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to be closer to the heart of the Quarter Horse racing industry.

Throughout his career, Hubbard was known for his discerning approach to breeding. He stood and managed stallions that influenced pedigrees across both racing and performance disciplines.

Among them was Dashing Cleat (SI 111), a G1 stakes-placed earner of $77,872, who sired Iron Clad Cleat (SI 106, $268,194), LDS Dash for Dylan (SI 115, $203,267), and SV Blue Tornado (SI 96, $177,467). As a broodmare sire, Dashing Cleat left his mark through daughters who produced Mr Jess Jenkins (SI 114, $1,631,033), winner of the All American Futurity (G1), along with other prominent horses across racing and barrel competition.

Hubbard also stood Dr Kirk (SI 98, $27,473), a sire of multiple winners whose daughters produced renowned barrel horses such as Fame Fox Kirk, Famous Dr Kirk, and PC Bronsin.

His Thoroughbred mare Miss Prevel, a multiple stakes winner, became one of his most valued producers. She foaled Special Task (SI 107, $260,289), who won both the West Texas Futurity (G1) and the West Texas Derby (G2).

Beyond horses, Hubbard was widely known as a passionate collector of antique Western bits and spurs. He traveled across states and small towns, searching through livestock auctions, garage sales, flea markets, antique stores, and Internet listings to build a respected collection.

He researched the history and value of every item, taking great joy in the stories each piece carried. A lifelong reader, Hubbard enjoyed not only racing publications but books of all kinds, and he never missed a chance to strike up a conversation with those he met.

He is survived by Mark Muggli, and his wife Robin—sister of the late champion bull rider Lane Frost—who cared for him during his final time.

Friends and acquaintances alike remember Hubbard as someone who valued history, heritage, and authenticity. He never sought recognition but left an enduring mark through the horses he sired, the mares he cultivated, the traditions he preserved, and the friendships he made along the way.

Cion Jay “CJ” Hubbard will be remembered as a true horseman and a guardian of Western heritage.

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