What a Mob of Misfits Taught Us About Breeding Great Horses—the Salerno Stud Story

From the Kimberley to the Campdraft Arena

James Salerno—“Hawkeye” to his mates—grew up on the vast, remote El Questro Station in Western Australia. Life there was hard, and the horses were tougher. They weren’t glamorous, and they weren’t easy, but they taught James what mattered most in a working horse: instinct, resilience, and honesty.

A Rough Start with Rogue Horses

Back then, the horses were a true mixed bag. Many were borderline dangerous—rodeos’ cast-offs, hand-me-downs, or mounts that had bucked once too often. These weren’t the kind you could relax on. There was no eating lunch in the saddle or switching off. Every ride demanded total focus.

Despite the challenge, these unpredictable horses shaped James’s understanding of what makes a horse trustworthy. They taught him to value mental strength as much as physical talent.

Lessons from Arabian Endurance Horses

In the mix were Arabians originally bred for endurance racing in Dubai. They weren’t ideal for cattle work, but their stamina left a lasting impression. Day after day, they just kept going. That drive and heart made an impact James would carry forward.

The Move to Queensland

Everything changed when James relocated to Queensland. For the first time, he had access to purpose-bred horses with natural cow sense and built-in feel for the job. He teamed up with his cousin, Oli—a skilled campdrafter and trainer—and started shaping what would become Salerno Stud.

Breeding Horses That Love the Work

From day one, the goal was clear: breed horses that are athletic, clever, and genuinely love working cattle. That required thoughtful breeding decisions, with long-term success in mind. Tools like embryo transfer became part of the plan—not for shortcuts, but to build quality faster and smarter.

A Game-Changer: Petes Pet Squirrel

In 2025, under the Ringers Western banner, James and Oli made a bold move at the Nutrien Supreme Sale. They purchased Petes Pet Squirrel for a record-breaking $150,000. Sired by Seligman Spin and out of the proven mare One Hellofa Time, she brought pedigree and potential in equal measure.

Now under the guidance of top trainer Mark Buttsworth, Petes Pet Squirrel is being developed as both a competition mare and future cornerstone of the stud’s breeding program.

Strength in the Mare Line

She joins elite mares like Willingapark Angels Destiny, Rosebrook Rihanna, and The Countess. Each brings her own strengths, but all reflect the stud’s commitment to talent, temperament, and proven results. These mares aren’t just pretty faces—they’re the future of Salerno Stud.

Building for the Long Term

The next step is securing a stallion who matches the calibre of the current mares. Every decision is made with intention. Salerno Stud doesn’t aim to be the biggest. The goal is to quietly earn a reputation for horses that can get the job done—and get it done well.

The Legacy Continues

From the red dirt of the Kimberley to Queensland’s top-level campdrafts, this has always been about chasing one thing: quality. Not just in bloodlines, but in work ethic, attitude, and heart. And for James Salerno, that pursuit is only just getting started.