Page 75 - 13 April 2012

Narciso “Chicho” Flores believes in being
a good person, pursuing your dreams, and
working hard to make it all happen.
by John Bachelor III
Narciso Flores, better known as “Chicho” Famer Joe Kirk Fulton. Upon buying the climate-controlled, antiqued “Gas Station”
to his friends, is a man who dreams big and works hard to accomplish those dreams. He is also incredibly humble. So when he offers an invitation to his Stablewood Farm, calling it, “an ordinary ranch with some nice horses,” take his choice of adjectives with a grain of salt.
The truth is, Stablewood Farm is a spec- tacular ranch that is among the crown jewels of Quarter Horse racing facilities in the nation. The facility was originally designed and built by legendary Thoroughbred and Quarter Horseman Johnny T.L. Jones Jr. and previously owned by AQHA Hall of
ranch some 12 years ago, Flores gave it a new name—Stablewood Farm—and a new lease on life as he renovated many of the existing buildings and returned the facility to its sta- tus as one of the industry’s leading ranches. From the 5/8ths-mile training track complete with safety rail to the covered galloping lane surrounding the pentagon horse stables, the grounds are a trainer’s dream court in rain or shine. From the granite countertops in the bathrooms to
the bar planked with oak cut on location, the cedar and stone-sided ranch office epitomizes western luxury. From the
that houses restored classic cars to the well-kept feed and equipment barns, every building serves a unique purpose and shares an attractive architectural design.
But more than the awe-inspiring beauty of Stablewood Farm, it’s the story behind
the man that is truly inspirational. Flores
did not win Stablewood in a bet, purchase it with proceeds from a winning lottery ticket, or inherit the money it took to purchase it from his family. The success that allowed the son of migrant workers to eventually acquire Stablewood exemplifies the rewards of a lifetime of vision and hard work.
SPEEDHORSE, April 13, 2012 73