Jeremy Barwick has officially partnered with Kaleb Driggers on Kingpin Genetics, a program built around producing and preserving some of the highest quality rope horse genetics in the industry.
Founded on an elite band of proven champion mares, Kingpin Genetics was established with a long-term vision in mind: creating rope horses intentionally bred for the demands of today’s futurity, rodeo, and performance horse industry.
The program centers around mares that have already proven themselves both in the arena and in the breeding barn, something Driggers believes is essential when building the next generation of elite rope horses.
“I’ve tried to make sure our mares have done something on their own and also produce well,” Driggers said. “You’ve got to have a great mare that has won money to try to make these great colts. In the past couple of years, the mare deal has really taken off. We used to hardly ever ride fillies at futurities. Now I’m starting to ride a lot more, and I enjoy doing it.”
As the rope horse futurity industry continues to evolve, so has the approach behind the breeding decisions being made at Kingpin Genetics. The program is focused specifically on breeding horses designed for the modern rope horse industry from the ground up.
“This program means a lot to me,” Driggers said. “Kingpin isn’t just about ownership. It’s about investing in quality horses, strong partnerships, and doing things the right way from the ground up.
“We’re selectively acquiring proven mares, raising the next generation, and offering access to embryos from the program for those who want to be part of where the rope horse industry is headed. The industry has come a long way, and our breeding decisions are made with that progress in mind.”
For Barwick, the partnership represents an opportunity to help build something with both purpose and longevity behind it, alongside people he trusts both personally and professionally.
“This program means a lot to me,” Barwick said. “With Kingpin, we try to be thoughtful in every decision… selecting the right mares, making crosses we believe in, and building something we’re proud to stand behind from the start. The industry isn’t just pulling from other disciplines anymore; we’re being intentional about breeding rope horses specifically for this job, and that’s something we take a lot of pride in.”
The partnership between Barwick and Driggers is rooted in a longtime connection that began well before either became established names in the industry.
“Kaleb and I work well together,” Barwick said. “We’ve always kept things pretty simple and honest. I trust him to handle his side in the arena and on the rodeo trail, and I really value his opinion when we’re making breeding and program decisions. It’s something to think about that our hometowns in Georgia are less than 15 minutes apart, and all these years later we’re here building this program together.”
In addition to Driggers and Barwick, the program also leans heavily on the day-to-day involvement of Cole Davison, who oversees much of the training and development side of the operation.
“These futurity horses take a lot of time, consistency, and attention, and with Kaleb being a professional rodeo competitor, Cole is a big part of keeping this program moving forward,” Barwick said. “He’s not only doing the day-to-day training, but he brings a great perspective and insight that we really value when it comes to developing these horses the right way.”
While the program continues to grow, the vision behind Kingpin Genetics remains focused on building a brand and bloodline program that will stand the test of time.
“When we see one of those horses carry that ‘K’ brand down the arena a few years from now, that’s what it’s all about,” Barwick said. “Knowing it represents a cross we believed in and the program we have assembled.”
