From Daniel Schiffer
TEMECULA, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2022) — Joe Pruett, the only ranch manager for the Hat Ranch West in Temecula from 1971 to its closure in 2005, passed away on Tuesday. He was 78.
During his tenure he foaled broodmares such as General Store (California Broodmare of the Year) and Magnificent Crown (dam of Hanover Road, a Cal Cup Classic winner). He foaled and/or oversaw the early growth and/or rehab of such outstanding horses as Double Discount, Chain Store, Telly’s Pop, Summer Sale, Hanover Road and Best Dress.
Pruett was one of 17 children raised at his parents’ chicken ranch in El Cajon. He served in the National Guard and was deployed to Hollywood Park during the Watts Riots. He went to work at Mel Stute’s training barn and it was Mel who introduced him to Ken Schiffer, owner of Hat Ranch West. He and his then-wife Irma raised five children at the Hat Ranch West.
He later married his second wife Robbie and upon their retirement moved to Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where he played a lot of golf. The couple had recently moved to Cedar City, Utah, where he passed away. He is survived by his wife Robbie and five children — Joe, Don, Pat, Shelly and Noni, and granddaughters Sheyenne Pruett and Jessica Pruett. Plans for his service are pending.