Chuck Lakin was born with roots deeply planted in agriculture. As a young boy his family settled in Phoenix, Arizona and bought farm land in Avondale that was to become Lakin Cattle and Milling Company. In 1943 Chuck enlisted in the Army and became the regimental Pack Mule Officer for the 475^th Infantry with 500 mules in his command. In the late 1940’s, Chuck started raising and training Quarter Horses.

Chuck ranched, raised cattle, grew hay, bred Quarter horses and participated in numerous agricultural organizations, locally and nationally. But the thing he is most proud of is pioneering a new concept in horse feed. After many experiments with pelletized hay enriched with vitamins and minerals, the initial pelleted feed was developed. Lakin Milling Company was created in 1960, and products are now sold across the western United States and a few additional countries as well.Chuck Lakin purchased the stallion Hub Thomas because of his looks and great mind. Chuck felt the most important trait you could breed into a horse was an excellent disposition. He wanted to breed horses his girls, Linda, Charlene, Sally and Patty could ride and be safe around. Through the years the Hub Thomas bloodlines produced winners in Cutting, Halter, Jumping, and other performance events, all the while siring kind individuals with good manners.

Chuck Lakin served as Arizona Quarter Horse Association President in the 1960’s; AQHA Director and AQHA Honorary Vice President; Sheriff’s Mounted Posse of Maricopa County-Past President and Life Member; and Arizona Horsemen’s Association – Director.  In 2013 Chuck was inducted into the inaugural Arizona Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame.