Indiana State Representative Beau Baird Competes at Florida Gold Coast

PMG Release

The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit at the Florida State Fairgrounds is renowned for hosting some of the top Quarter Horses and riders in the country. Among this year’s competitors is Beau Baird of Greencastle, Indiana, known for both his record in the political arena and in the riding pen. Baird is a member of the Indiana House of Representatives and has been competing all week at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.

“I love this show,” Baird said. “I have been coming to the Gold Coast for more than 20 years. I first came here when I was 16 years old. It has beautiful arenas, beautiful weather and you can get so much more done with the horses than you can in Indiana due to the conditions. It’s great to be here.”

Baird was elected to office in 2018, representing District 44. He had no intention of running for office until he was encouraged to do so after his father left the position to run for Congress. Although the job is daunting at times, he believes that it is especially gratifying.

“My favorite part of the job is being able to help people,” said Baird. “It has been particularly rewarding throughout this pandemic because so many people needed support. Naturally, I wish that the pandemic never happened, but I am glad that I was there to help. It was a great feeling to be able to give assistance at a time when they really needed it.”

In addition to his political ventures, Baird is the Chief Financial Officer of Indiana Home Care Plus, a home health care agency that his family has owned for 35 years. He is also pursuing a master’s degree from Harvard University and serves as a National Director of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). All these endeavors leave little time for riding.

“I really only get time to ride at shows,” Baird explained. “Fortunately my trainer, Chris Jones, works on my horses and gets them ready to compete because I love to show. I still get to see my horse show family.”

Baird continued, “I also think that it helps me in my role as a legislator because I get to talk to so many people about what is going on in their states. For instance, I was spoke to someone who was a pharmaceutical rep and I have legislation that I will be proposing designed to help reduce the cost of pharmaceuticals. It’s great to be able to talk to a friend who I know is going to be frank with me, someone I’ve known long enough and know I can trust their opinions.”

This week, Baird is competing on Suddenly Im Cool, one of 50 horses belonging to Baird Ranch, one of the largest quarter horse breeders in Indiana. Baird purchased the 10-year-old gelding as a yearling. He commented, “I just fell in love with him. I feel like we’ve just now gotten broke and consistent.”