Remembering Denny

By: Brittany Bevis

We were all saddened to learn the news of Denny Thorsell’s passing on February 28, 2017. Long known as one of the friendly faces by the ring at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, and countless other shows, the impact Denny left on the horse industry was widespread and impactful.

Described by his friends and colleagues as a “true gentleman,” a man who “never put himself first,” and a “great horseman,” it’s clear that he succeeded in his goal of making everyone who entered a ring, by where he was presiding, feel welcome and appreciated.

With a background as a trainer of Cutting, Western Pleasure, and Halter horses for many years, Denny sought to further his knowledge of the industry by becoming an AQHA judge. He would later go on to judge events like the AQHA World Show and shows in over 33 countries. However, what many might not know is his fondness for bucking bulls. After his son, Shawn, began riding bulls in high school, Denny discovered a new appreciation for the animal. That lead to the creation of the now family run business, Buckin’ Ohio. Not only did Denny breed several Bucking Bulls of the Year and Creek Bend Bucking Bulls, he was awarded the title of Sebra Contractor of the Year three times.

Close friend, Gerri Leigh Pratt, says one of her favorite memories of Denny was when they won the 2016 Creekbend Ranch Derby Championship together. “He was so proud…” she reflects.

Here’s what a few of Denny’s friends and colleagues had to say about a man who will be truly missed.

Sandy Campbell Jirkovsky- “I would be lying if I said the first time I judged Quarter Horse Congress that I wasn’t nervous. This show was always on my bucket list to judge, and I was honored to get the opportunity. Denny instilled so much confidence in me and the entire judging team. He just had a knack for making everybody around him feel at ease. Denny was a great friend and a great horseman. He will definitely be missed by the entire horse industry.”

Gary Carpenter- “Denny always had a kind word, and he treated you like an old friend. We both have daughters who sing and that was often the topic of our conversations. He was so proud of Charis and really, his whole family. Our industry is better for Denny being involved and each of us is enriched as well. Happy trails Denny.”

Ginger Bishop Schmersal– “We will always remember Denny for his genuine kindness and interest in our family. He was a truly good man.”

Chris Cecil Darnell– “I will always remember the kindness that Denny showed to others. He was a people person. Whether he was greeting people at his bull rides, standing at the gate thanking them for coming, or running the back gate at the World Show, he made sure exhibitors had a friendly face to help them as needed. When I became a member of the infamous ‘boys club’ at OQHA, Denny took me under his wing and welcomed the lone girl. Our Congress Tri-Chairmen Team formed a special bond spending a lot of time together preparing for the Congress. Denny was the designated cook and cooked our Team Breakfast many Congress mornings, so we could start our day together discussing the plan for the day. I will miss his kindness and hugs. Rest in peace my friend.”

Todd Branson– “Not only a great horseman, Denny was a true gentleman. He was one who made sure everyone who entered the World Show arena did so with a smile. He never put himself first, and he will be missed.”

Gerri Leigh Pratt– “One of many wonderful memories was winning the 2016 Creekbend Ranch Derby Champion with Denny and his family. He was so proud.”

Lynne Puthoff- “Denny Thorsell, what can I say? He was a star part of our horse industry! He was very influential, cared deeply for it, and worked hard to make us all feel welcome. Whether it was at a weekend show, the Congress, or a World Show, Denny always had a hello and a smile. For me, that means so much when you’re in such a large industry as AQHA. He will be greatly missed and he and his family kept in our prayers. Rest in Peace Denny. Say hi to my Dad for me.”

Don Decker- “Denny and I go way back, and the stories we have are endless. After showing horses in Marion, Ohio, I was also in the Saddle Bronc Riding and drew a never-before-ridden bronc named The Farmer. I wanted to win on him because no one had ever ridden him. I’m sitting there a bit sad and concerned when Denny walks up and asked why I was like this. I told him the reason. Denny told me to just get on him and don’t get off till the whistle blows. ‘You can do it,’ he says. Thanks to Denny, I did and was the only one to ever ride The Farmer to the whistle. That was just Denny!”

Skip Salome– “One of the good times I remember with Denny was after I had a hard day at the Congress. We had those magic moments… Denny came into the office to get something. Then, we brought a lift truck out and put it up on the roof of the Celeste Building! This was one of many fun times. He’s going to be missed! Also, Denny was our breakfast chef. He cooked breakfast for everyone the first week of the Congress. We will miss him and his cooking.”

Ed Dingledine– “A few years ago, AQHA hired Denny and me to judge a three day show in Japan. The show was held at a fabulous Thoroughbred breeding facility called North Farms that became the home of Sunday Silence after he won the Kentucky Derby.  According to AQHA’s class list, the show was to be the basic AQHA format that included Halter, Pleasure, etc. and no one had told us anything different. The first day, we were in the show manager’s office getting ready to start and Denny told me the only horses he could see in the make up arena were Reiners. It turned out that the entire show was nothing but NRHA classes and neither of us was NRHA approved. By the time we completed the three days, we agreed we deserved our NRHA judges approval. That trip was one my favorite memories of Denny.”

If you’d like to help honor Denny’s legacy, please consider making a donation to the Denny Thorsell Bull Rider’s Relief Fund at any Huntington Bank.