Erin Bradshaw/John Simon, Sid Karr/Hide Your Crazy Win APHA Amateur World Western Pleasure

By: Brittany Bevis

This evening’s Western Pleasure classes at the APHA World Show saw two returning Champions. First, Erin Bradshaw rode her 12-year-old stallion, John Simon, to win their fifth Amateur Western Pleasure title in a row since 2014.

Twelve is definitely a lucky number for the Bradshaw family, having been Terry Bradshaw’s number for the many years he played for the Pittsburg Steelers, helping them to win four Super Bowl titles. “Since John is twelve this year, we’re saying that it’s his golden year,” Erin says. “It’s only fitting, and he was twelfth to go in the arena today!”

It goes without saying that the Bradshaw barn is a bit superstitious. When we chatted with Erin, a few days ago, after she was the unanimous World Champion with Elicious in Amateur Junior Western Pleasure, she told us a little story about a cat and a mouse…

“So, Scott’s [my husband] brother, Nick, was in Eli’s stall, and a little mouse ran across his foot. Then, he saw three cats sitting in a chair. He said he knew it was going to be a lucky day. Then, Eli won unanimously. Well, the mouse that we’ve now named ‘Lucky’ is back. We saw him at the stalls twice today. He stays behind the cooler in our tack room, but nobody messes with him, because we all like him now. Also, we saw two cats sitting in a chair today. We’re crazy like that!” she laughs.

In all seriousness, it’s likely not the cat nor the mouse that has provided this team with an extra edge over the competition. “If you’re passionate about it, and you do what you love, then it’s never going to get old. Every win is special. We work really hard. It’s just my husband and I. We’re a pretty hardworking team, and it’s just the two of us. I think it shows in our work. At the shows, we keep our heads down and work hard to get to the goal.”

While some people may have qualms about continuing to show an active breeding stallion, Bradshaw has always maintained that she lets John determine his schedule. “He’s just a happy horse that loves to show, and I swear that he knows this horse show. When I started out, we had a good rail spot, and I just know when he’s going to give me everything he’s got. He did tonight.”

“I think most people don’t realize that we bought him as a show horse. We bought him to replace Maximum Zippo. Scott Suggs had him at his barn, and he happened to be a stallion. We didn’t stand him until his 5 or 6-year-old year, so he got a late start as a breeding sire. He’s a show horse, and that’s what John loves to do. He gets six months off every year, and we let John tell us what he wants to do. I’m never going to push him.”

Later on in the show, John will be shown by Rusty Green in Senior Western Pleasure. Also, Erin and John will compete under the guidance of James Saubolle in Amateur Trail tomorrow.

The Reserve World Champion was Tami Dietrich-Dobbs with Seems Like Heaven. Third was Madison Ketchem with Red Solo Cup. Fourth was Kylee John with Krymsunized. Fifth was Emily Tuma with The Perfect Machine.

Next, another returning World Champion proved that he had the stuff to be at the top of the leaderboard once again this year. Sid Karr rode his 7-year-old mare, Hide Your Crazy, to win Masters Amateur Senior Western Pleasure.

“Her name is Bella, and she’s really not crazy! She’s the sweetest thing ever,” Sid says. “I purchased her from Ken and Karen Kennedy.  She’s a full sibling to Red Solo Cup. She’s by Zippos Sensation and out of Shesa Real Pleasure.”

Sid and Bella have ridden under the guidance of Troy Lehn and Brad Ost for the past two years. “They’ve done a remarkable job and always make sure she’s ready when I walk in the arena. They have taught me a lot. Today, they said, ‘You know that you’re sitting on a good horse, so go in and own what you’re going to do. When you make a decision, commit and go with it.’ That’s what I did, and I was so pleased. I had to show off the rail today, and I’ve never had to do that before. She stayed right out there with me and performed great.”

This is a true all-around team competing in events like Showmanship, Trail, Western Riding, and Horsemanship, in addition to Western Pleasure. “I’d have to say that my favorite classes are Showmanship and Western Pleasure. She’s very easy to ride. You feel every step and moment. She’s just truly a pleasure to ride. I had won last year, so I had a lot of pressure going into tonight. Also, I won at the NSBA World Show this year. She always shows good for me; you just never know what else you’re going to be showing against.”

The Reserve Champion was Susan Juroe with Im First N Line. Third was Marylyn Caliendo with Inthesweetshop.