About Markell Quarter Horses

Nestled in the rolling countryside of southeast Iowa, Markell Quarter Horses has been home to our family and our horses for more than 30 years. Horses have always been a way of life for us — from trail riding through Iowa’s beautiful state parks to participating in fun shows and 4-H events.

What began as a family passion quickly grew into a competitive pursuit. Our daughters started out trail riding alongside us before discovering a love for barrel racing. Over the years, they competed locally and went on to join the NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association), qualifying and competing at the state level, as well as participating in BBR events. Today, our grandchildren proudly carry on the tradition, competing in high school rodeos, national events, and local rodeos and ropings.

Our Breeding Program

Markell Quarter Horses began with just a couple of mares, carefully bred to outside stallions. As our vision grew, so did our program — and we knew it was time to invest in a stallion of our own.

We have always admired the strength, versatility, and intelligence of the Harlan bloodline. After extensive research and firsthand experience seeing their success in roping, barrel racing, and other performance events, we knew this was the foundation we wanted for our program.

Harlan-bred horses are known for:

  • Exceptional minds and trainability

  • Solid, athletic builds

  • Versatility across multiple performance disciplines

  • Competitive drive with dependable disposition

Our Commitment

At Markell Quarter Horses, our mission is simple: to produce versatile, sound, and competitive horses with the kind of disposition that makes them a joy to own. We are committed to carrying the Harlan bloodline forward for generations to come, preserving the qualities that make these horses stand out both in and out of the arena.

For us, this isn’t just breeding — it’s family, legacy, and a lifelong dedication to quality Quarter Horses.