In Loving Memory of Tracy Shultz, WSPHC Announces the Tracy Shultz Sportsmanship Award

Tracy Lee Copeland was born on May 3, 1964 in Sacramento, California to Janice (Akins) and John Copeland. Growing up, Tracy would live in Salinas, California and she would graduate from Salinas High School. Showing incredible intelligence, aptitude, and kindness to others, Tracy would attend Sonoma State University and earn her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner.

For 10 years, Tracy would live in Santa Rosa, until she would move to Oregon for the next 26 years. Tracy would work as a Nurse Practitioner for Oregon Emergency Physicians “O.E.P”. Tracy remained unwavering, passionate, and dedicated to her patients until she made the brave decision to retire due to her health.

In 1987, she would meet the love of her life, Michael Shultz, they would marry on June 23, 1990 and were blessed with two amazing daughters, Lauren and Lindsey. Tracy was a devoted mother who raised her daughters with lots of love, dedication, and instilling in them her same compassion and values. For Tracy, becoming a grandmother was one of her greatest joys.

Besides, family and work, Tracy enjoyed golf, kayaking, and sewing. She made many English dickies that were custom and incredibly personalized for her beloved horse show friends. Throughout the years, Tracy made close friendships through the American Paint Horse Association and showing her beloved Paint Horses. In her own right, she won numerous high points, belt buckles, and awards. Tracy won multiple World Championships at the Pinto World with her horse, One Fancy Dream, affectionately known around the barn as “Scoobie.” Later on, Tracy would breed one of her mares and find her heart horse, Up For A Good Time, or “Sophie.”

Throughout her riding and training, Tracy was part of Anthony Wilson Show Horses for 18 years, and everyone at the barn became her family. During Tracy’s cancer battle, she was determined to get back in the saddle and was able to show this last February at the Irish Classic and won her Walk Trot Equitation class under both judges. Tracy was an inspiration for anyone who had the privilege to show with her.

Tracy passed away on June 10, 2021 after a valiant and brave fight against cancer. Tracy’s favorite horse show each year was the Star Spangled Classic held by WSPHC. It’s with great pleasure that the The Washington Paint Horse Club announces the Tracy Shultz Sportsmanship Award, which will be given out annually at the Star-Spangled Classic in Monroe, Washington to a rider that exemplifies kindness, courage, and tenacity- something Tracy exemplified every time her foot went into a stirrup. This award will allow Tracy’s life to continue inspiring other equestrians for future generations.

Tracy leaves a legacy with her husband, Mike Shultz; daughters, Lauren Hubbard and Lindsey Allen; mother, Janice Copeland; father, John Copeland; stepfather, Coley Crocker; brother, Jon Copeland and granddaughter, Faye Allen.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the WSPHC C/O Tracy Shultz Sportsmanship Award 2311 N. Pearl St. Centralia, WA 98531.