It was around 3:30 in the morning of September 11, 2009, when Joe Berry made a short stop on the side of California’s Interstate 5. Seconds later, a vehicle traveling more than 100 miles per hour changed his life.
When Joe’s wife, Nancy, arrived at the hospital she knew it was bad. Joe had broken his back in five places, his neck in two places, and all of his ribs. Doctors couldn’t stop the bleeding and removed Joe’s stomach as well. His prognosis was dire and Nancy was told not to expect Joe to live.
He spent the next two months on a ventilator and then much more time gaining back his strength and walking again. Although it was a long road, Joe was determined to make it back to the show ring with his Paint Horses.
“These horses are his love,” Nancy said. “He missed the World Show last year, and he lives for it.”
Joe has loved horses since he was 4 years old. He went to work on the Jack Ranch in California riding horses and running cattle as soon as he turned 15, living in the bunkhouse and working from dawn till dusk. He also competed as a heeler in rodeo, making it to the 1973 NFR Finals.
That was his last rodeo as a competitor.
Joe and Nancy have been married for 45 years. Together they own the Lazy JN Ranch in Visalia, California. The 200-acre ranch stands seven stallions and is the home to around 300 horses.
Nine years ago, Joe purchased their first Paint stallion, Artistic Imprint, after seeing an ad for him. Artistic Imprint is a red roan overo stallion by RH Mr Imprint. He has sired two World Champions and three Reserve World Champions.
“Joe loves those roan horses,” Nancy said.
Yesterday, Joe Berry woke up in Fort Worth, Texas, and prepared to return to the World Show arena for the first time since the accident.
With his red roan filly, Red Hot And Tipsy, at his side, he knew he’d be up against some of the best-bred horses and top trainers showing in the Breeders’ Trust Gold division for weanling mares.
“This filly is so balanced across her back, great-legged, long croup, pretty face, she is a testament to the Berry’s breeding program. They’re building horses that aren’t just pretty, but good-legged, good bone, promoting a positive breeding program,” said the Berrys’ trainer Joe Engle.
He was entering the ring with his hand on the leather lead for the largest Breeders’ Futurity class at the APHA Fall World Show, with 11 entries, but Joe wasn’t deterred. He gathered his strength and walked right in among them. Joe came out of that ring with a standing ovation and the Reserve World Championship ribbon for his red roan overo filly.
“I want to say thank you to everyone in the stands who stood up and clapped for me. That meant so much,” Joe said.
