There’s nothing quite like combining business with a dash of passion, and that’s exactly what I got to do during my trip to J and J Quarter Horses, owned by the dynamic duo Jim and June. Glidden, Iowa, isn’t exactly a bustling town, but trust me when I say that it’s brimming with good people and great horses—especially when you’re at the J & J farm.
A Breeding Business Built on Passion. Founded in 2017, Jim and June have grown J and J Quarter Horses from a small venture into a carefully curated broodmare band of 10 powerhouse mares. These horses aren’t just your run-of-the-mill ranch horses—they’re versatile cow horse prospects bred with strong foundation bloodlines. From Florida to Spokane, Washington, and even Alberta, Canada, their weanlings and yearlings have made their mark. Oh, and did I mention that some of these early weanlings are already competing and earning their spots in breakaway and team roping events? Heck yeah!
June is the sweetest human. She is a woman of many talents. I mean, we’re talking veterinary assistant, waitress, professional dog groomer, sheriff’s department dispatch, and, well, the list goes on! But horses? That’s where her heart has always been. Originally from Southeast Nebraska, June has shown horses across three states and now takes great pride in raising foals and watching them flourish in new homes. She may have hung up her show hat, but her passion for horses never wavered—just ask about her cell phone photo gallery on her phone. Horse photo overload? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.
Jim on the other hand is the quintessential local guy. Born in Glidden, he’s been getting his hands dirty since day one—literally. From tiling and dirt work with his dad to his current gig as the maintenance manager at Iowa Corn Processing, Jim’s always been one to roll up his sleeves. He may not have gone to college, but who needs that when you’ve got a lifetime of skills under your belt? When he’s not making sure the corn keeps flowing, Jim’s out hunting, fishing, and, of course, tending to the horses that have become such a huge part of his life.
When I headed out to help Jim and June with their horse website, I didn’t just come for business—I came to capture special moments. That’s my favorite thing: blending the hustle with the heart. Not only did I get to take some stellar shots for their website, but I also snagged a few keepsake moments of their beautiful herd (and maybe one or two of Jim and June’s proud smiles). Nothing beats the satisfaction of helping equine owners like them showcase their pride and joy in a way that’ll reach potential buyers and future horse lovers alike.
I had an absolute blast mixing business with personal passion. From chatting about equine genetics and social media marketing (my not-so-secret nerdy hobbies) to clicking away on my camera, it was the perfect day. J and J Quarter Horses isn’t just about breeding exceptional horses; it’s about capturing moments that last a lifetime. Whether you’re talking foals or other hobbies, Jim and June have built something special—and I’m so glad I got to help share it with the world. Helping equine owners blend business with their love for horses? Now that’s something I’ll never get tired of!
