In Loving Memory of Congress, World, and NSBA Champion, A Big Secret

By: Brittany Bevis

The past few weeks have been the source of both exciting highs and devastating lows for AQHA amateur competitor Shelby Ratliff. Following the recent completion of undergraduate courses at Abilene Christian University, Shelby is busily making preparations for her upcoming graduation.

Sadly, she also just received word that her beloved, former show horse, Congress Champion, AQHA World Champion, and NSBA Champion gelding A Big Secret, has passed away. Many people will remember “Secret” as a gentle giant, a statuesque, black gelding that stood 17.3 hands tall and had a heart twice that size.

“He was a great horse,” Shelby says. “Most people called him a gentle giant because he was 17.3 hands and didn’t  flinch when anyone was on him. [High Point Performance Horses Breeding Manager] Christi Christensen’s daughter actually did Leadline on him and won. He was such a kind, gentle horse that I could go out in the pasture and get on him without having to worry about anything.”

Some of Shelby’s fondest memories spent with Secret include winning her first Congress Champion title, AQHA Youth World Champion title, and NSBA World Champion title in Hunter Under Saddle. The pair had such a run in youth competition that they remained undefeated for almost an entire year.

“My all-time favorite memory was when I won the World on him,” she says. “I was 14 years old, and it was my first year in 14-18 Hunter Under Saddle. I remember being so nervous going into the finals, because I was the youngest one in there and I had the biggest horse. I stood out like a sore thumb!”

“I thought I had a pretty good ride; I mean, he carried me around just like he always did. I remember standing in the line up and they got down to the top five. I thought, ‘okay, top five; this is serious.’ Then, I remember it was Sam Chiodo and I standing there. They called her number, and I was shocked. Secret and I won our first World Champion title together. I remember the victory lap like it was yesterday. It was the best lap I have ever taken in my life, and I’m glad I got to share it with him.”

Other accolades won by Secret include a Reserve World Championship in Junior Hunter Under Saddle at the 2007 AQHA World Show with Trish Yamber in the irons. Trish and Secret placed second behind trainer, Beth Case, aboard Zee Yellow Jacket.

Trainer Jason Martin recalls a fond memory when he piloted Secret to win both the Limited and Open Hunter Under Saddle Maturity at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. “Secret was an amazing horse!” Martin says. “I won both the Limited and Open Hunter Under Saddle Maturity at the Congress. That in itself should tell everyone what a great horse he must have been. He was huge, black, and had the most incredible canter. He made both Shelby’s and my dreams come true!”

“Secret was an amazing horse that taught me how to ride and show,” Shelby continues. “He taught me what it means to be humble and grateful. I’m thankful that I got to own him and be a part of his career. He was truly an amazing horse that deserved everything in the world, plus more.”