In Loving Memory of APHA Multiple World Champion Sire, The Big Sensation- (2003-2017)
By: Brittany Bevis
June has been a rough month for the horse industry as we marked the passing of one of the most decorated AQHA Halter horses of all time, RPL My Te Cheerful, and then the passing of another industry legend, Zippo LTD, just days later. Now, we memorialize the life of another great horse that has left his mark on the APHA industry, seven-time World Champion and multiple World Champion sire, The Big Sensation.
Owned by the team behind Merritt Equine Ventures, LLC, Mike and Teresa Merritt and Lacy Merritt Blalock for the past seven years, “Jerry” was the 2003, 16.3 hand, APHA overo stallion by Zippos Sensation and out of Behind Blue Eyes. In addition to winning seven APHA World Champion titles, one World Challenge Championship, six Reserve World Championships, and multiple Reichert Celebration Championships, Jerry was also named All-Around High Point English Horse at the World Show twice. He still holds the distinction of being the only horse in history to win all four age groups of Hunter Under Saddle classes at the APHA World Show: 2-Year-Old, 3-Year-Old, Junior, and Senior.
Jerry with Vicky Holt at the APHA World Show. Image courtesy of KC Montgomery Photography.
After purchasing Jerry’s son, The Big Maneuver, from Sharnai Thompson and Tammy Dyer, the Merritt family knew they wanted to be part of The Big Sensation legacy and inquired about purchasing Jerry. “We fell in love with that horse, and that’s how we found out we could purchase Jerry,” Lacy says. “Not only did we know Jerry held a lot of talent, we saw he was producing talented horses. Therefore, it was a no-brainer. Sharnai loaded him up in a trailer and brought him out for me to ride, and that’s all it took. Riding Jerry was a dream.”
“Our plan was to take him to the Reichert, NSBA World, and APHA World Show that year and then let him retire. Well, he was a super star at all three shows. The last time I ever rode him was at the APHA World Show, and it was the best ride in the Hunter Under Saddle that I’ve ever had in my life. You know it’s an awesome ride when your horse trainers aren’t given you pointers during the class. Jerry retired to a 100% breeding career on top.”
Jerry enjoying some free time in his Texas pasture. Image courtesy of Shane Rux Photography.
Just like his celebrated father, APHA legend, Zippos Sensation, who has since passed away as well, Jerry left an enormous impact on the Paint Horse industry producing numerous Champions during his short lifespan and breeding career. Some of his more notable offspring include multiple World and Reserve World Champion, Chansation; multiple World and Reserve World Champion, The Big Maneuver; World and Reserve World Champion, Bigger is Better; World and Reserve World Champion, Tall Dark Sensation; World and Reserve World Champion, Chasin The Sensation; World Champion, The Big Invitation; World Champion and Reserve World Champion The Sensational Copy; and World Champion and Reserve World Champion, Big Expectations.
While his record of personal accomplishments and long list of champion-earning offspring is impressive, what the Merritt family is most proud of is the legacy he’s left behind by producing great-minded, easily trainable horses that are just as well suited for the Open and futurity pen as they are for youth and novice competitors.
“Everyone who owns a Jerry baby always speaks of how good-minded and easy they are. He definitely passed down those traits along with many other qualities. I love watching them in the show pen and progress in their career. Jerry and our family are proud of all of his babies. We have faith that they will continue to paint his legacy. We are fortunate enough to have frozen semen to continue with future offspring and the continuance of them being in breeder’s programs.”
But, Jerry was much more than just a talented show horse and excellent producer, he was part of the Merritt family. “We’re all still in shock after losing such a sweet-hearted, loving stallion. He wasn’t just a horse to us, but a best friend. We gave him a nice memorial and laid him to rest at my parent’s ranch in Kilgore, Texas, where he spent his off season. He loved the off season, because he was able to just be a horse, get dirty, and graze outside all the time.”
“My family will truly miss him. The unconditional love we have for Jerry is indescribable. I know I will miss his hugs, his funny personality, and watching him run free in the pasture. We’re blessed to have been a part of his life. I can see our Jerry in his babies, and that brings me pure joy and peace.”
