A Surprise Party for Jerry Erickson’s Horseman of the Year Honor

On January 2, 2023, Jerry Erickson Quarter Horses became a place of celebration, even more so than usual! 

Jerry’s friends and clients surprised him with a party celebrating his 2021 AQHA Horseman of the Year title awarded in 2022.  Judy Davis was the mastermind behind the scenes of the special celebration at the Gulf Coast Show in Tampa, Florida.

“The intent for the get together was to provide a little time for Jerry’s friends to gather in his honor,” says Maryellen Mumy.  “The actual award recognition occurs in the arena at the world show with so few people in attendance and no opportunity to interact with the many who wanted to let him know how happy they were for him.”

Jerry Erickson, whose name is synonymous with the English discipline as a trainer and breeder, says they very much surprised him.  “I had come in from being out by the show ring, and I could see a lot of activity at the other end of the aisle, and I wondered what they were doing – then it became fairly obvious,” he says. “It was very nice. It was organized by my friend Judy Davis; we are both from Wisconsin and I’ve known her forever.”

Jerry also says he feels very fortunate for the AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year honor, as he had served on the council for many years.  Congratulations again to Jerry Erickson and thank you to Jessica Tate and Maryellen Mumy for supplying all the images!

The bio from the AQHA Horseman of the Year announcement press release:

Jerry Erickson

The 2021 Nutrena Don Burt AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year is Jerry Erickson of Whitesboro, Texas. Erickson has committed his entire life to the horse industry. He is a long-time trainer and breeder who specializes in English classes. He is an AQHA-approved judge and has served on multiple committees and councils, including the Show and Amateur committees, and the AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Council. He was also a member of the group that was instrumental in making working hunter under saddle an AQHA-recognized class.

Erickson is a knowledgeable horseman who has been a respected industry leader for decades. He truly loves to teach anyone willing to learn and has dedicated his time to improve the industry. He has served as a clinician at many AQHA judges’ workshops and acted as a mentor to a multitude of judge applicants as they prepare to test for over-fence classes. He has also served as a Nutrena Ride the Pattern clinician numerous times at AQHA’s championship events.

When Erickson is not devoting his time to training, judging, committees or teaching, his focus can be found in his breeding program. He has invested 33 years into raising top-quality American Quarter Horses and his program has produced four AQHA world champions and five reserve world champions among many other AQHA achievements.

The link to the AQHA press release: Professionals of the Year Announced – AQHA