Certainly A Vision – Behind the Stall Door

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48 – May/June, 2017

By Taylor Fabus

When your full brother is one of the most decorated Western Pleasure horses of all time (A Certain Vino), it comes as no surprise that you too have an incredible amount of athleticism and charisma. Their dam, Dotevia, is an own daughter of Zippo Jack Bar. Dotevia is the producer of multiple World and Reserve World Champions, Congress Champions and Reserve Champions, Futurity winners, and Hall of Fame inductees. Likewise, their well-known sire, Certain Potential, has sired winners of over $1,700,000 in lifetime earnings. However, bloodlines don’t guarantee success. Exceptional breeding, remarkable talent, and thoughtful training are helping Certainly A Vision build his own legacy.

Stationed at The Ranch, located in Whitesboro, Texas, “Chubs” is owned by Tate and Jamie Oakley. Upon meeting the 2010 AQHA/APHA sorrel stallion, it’s clear to see why this handsome fella is getting his own time in the spotlight. Apparently, as a youngster and still to this day, Chubs has quite the appetite and this easy keeper knows how to pack the food away. Jamie says, “His barn name is a reflection of his love for food. When we first got him, we were in awe that he could chow his way through an entire bale of alfalfa in one day. When he needs to remind you that he’s out of food, he will kindly pick up his feed bucket and show you it’s empty.”

Chubs is not only making a name for himself in the Western Pleasure arena, but his exceptional conformation and extra bulk has lead to big success in the Performance Halter classes as well. Just this past November, Chubs took home two World Championships from the Lucas Oil AQHA World Championship Show. He was crowned the World Champion in Open Performance Halter Stallions with AQHA Professional Horseman Jason Smith at the lead. Additionally, when AQHA Professional Horseman Tate Oakley took the reins, Chubs was named the World Champion in the Level 2 Open Wester Pleasure. In addition to his World Championships, Chubs has stood in the center ring and been named an All American Quarter Horse Congress Champion in Limited Amateur Performance Halter Stallions. Also, Chubs already has two NSBA World Championships and one NSBA Reserve World Championship on his resume.

Jamie says the best compliment she’s received in regards to Chubs was from a fellow horseman. “He said to me, ‘you know, there really isn’t anything this horse can’t do. His mind is like a sponge and his talent allows him to execute it all so well. He could literally go chase down a cow, come back to a jog, lope around with your daughter and Tate, and then go and change some leads, all just for fun.’” Chubs proved this theory when he won his two AQHA World Championships this past fall. “I think I was the most excited about his World Show wins,” Jamie says. “He showed in Halter with Jason that morning, and then Tate only had a couple hours to get him ready for the Western Pleasure! He won both his classes on the same day, only a few hours apart!”

When asked what might be next for Chubs, Jamie says, “We do still ride him. He really loves his job, and I think he would miss the attention of getting ridden. Who knows! Since he’s double-registered, we might give him a chance to try new venues and show on the APHA circuits.”

Everyone involved with this striking, young stallion is looking forward to following Chubs’ success and watching as he makes his mark as a breeding sire.

Click here to read the complete article
48 – May/June, 2017