Brian Baker, of Sunbury, Ohio was a late bloomer when it comes to his involvement with horses. An up-and-coming western pleasure specialist, he did not get serious with horses until he was in his twenties.
The 35 year-old’s hard work and dedication is finally starting to pay off. Earlier this month, Baker won the Hylton $50,000 Maiden Three Year-Old Western Pleasure Futurity held at the Virginia Classic. He and his wife, Dawn, have also trained gifted horses such as GoodCowboyMargarita, Only Ever After, No Doubt Im Lazy, Diesel Only, Forafewdollarsmore, BMQ Without A Doubt, BMQ The Gig Is Up, and Shesa Good N Hottie.
GoHorseShow.com talked to Brian to find out more about his background, his first big win, the state of the western pleasure industry and the talent of the horses in the arena today.
Q: So first off, where were you born and how did you get involved with horses?
A: During my childhood, I pretty much was a city kid and lived in the suburbs of Joplin, Missouri. My mother grew up on a farm, but we never had horses. It wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I got involved with horses. I was basicaly still doing kids stuff–hanging out with my friends and still trying to find my way. I got a job at a church summer horse riding camp and my interest in horses evolved from there. I ended up going to school at Rodgers University in Claremore, Oklahoma where I got two associate degrees and then headed to Texas A&M to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science.
Q: When did you get involved with training horses for the show arena?
A: When I was breaking horses at Rodgers, I started training this Palomino filly that turned into my personal project. I ended up taking her to an Open Show and winning the Two-Year Old Futurity in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After that–I was hooked. That filly went on to do very well at the Palomino shows and received her Supreme Championship.
Q: You worked for Jess Herd, Jay Jordan, and Gil Galyean before going out on your own. What was it like working for these leading trainers?
A: I was starting from ground zero when I went to work for Jess. He basically broke me in and taught me the foundation of training a horse. I was able to start showing a lot more when I worked for Jay Jordan, and Gil taught me how to take a young futurity horse and turn it into a finished show horse. All of these guys were a big part of helping me get to where I am today, and the stage of where I was in my training experience and who I worked for during those times seemed to work out perfectly. (Photo © Shane Rux)
Q: What is it you like about the western pleasure and the horse industry?
A. I just love working with the babies that have never been ridden and teaching them from scratch. I like it when they start figuring out what they are supposed to do, especially when they are natural, easy, and it is obvious that they enjoy their job. I also enjoy the camaraderie between the trainers who are my competitors but at the same time my friends and will support each other. I also love that everyone has a chance to win and have their day in the sun. I enjoy that there are different opinions from the judges in the industry and that the little guy can get recognized.
Q: What would you like to see changed about the western pleasure?
A. Sometimes I think people worry about things too much and things get way too technical. There are some horses that nose out and others that are slightly too low or too high in their top line and they are completely discredited for it. There are other horses that have an excellent topline, but they aren’t as pretty underneath. I think people get too worried about these minor details. If the horse looks like he loves his job and it is easy for him to do it, then he should be rewarded for it. I understand there should be a standard–but I think at times we go overboard.
Q: Some people would say that you have been underrated and haven’t gotten the credit you have deserved—do you agree with that statement?
A. I would say that I have knocking on the door for quite some time and that a lot of people believed in me. I’m not going to stop working and keep trying to progress further. It is a part of life to pay your dues, and a lot of the guys in the industry haven’t seen the success I have–so I say I’ve been very lucky so far.
Q: What would you say is your favorite moment in the show arena so far?
A: It would have to be when I showed at the Southern Belle Futurity a few years ago. I was showing a buckskin filly called Sierras Bold N Gold. I ended up eighth in the class, but I was definitely the crowd favorite. An amateur of Chris Jones had the opportunity to place the class and she placed me first, and the place went wild. That was one of my proudest moments.
Q: What was it like to finally win your biggest prize so far in your career–the Hylton $50,000 Maiden Three Year Old Class at the Virginia Classic a few weeks ago?
A: I honestly couldn’t believe it because Tim Zuidema and I didn’t figure out that I had won until they called third place. It was a fabulous feeling, and it makes me want to do it again. It was amazing the buzz that was created after I won. Everyone was so supportive, and I finally felt like I was accepted. Everyone seemed happy for me and that is one thing I love about this industry.
(Photo © Excalibur Photography/Eric Hardesty)
Q: Tell me about the mare, Only A Summer Breeze that you showed in the maiden class?
A: Dan and Kathryn Frederick had sent me other full siblings of this mare, so I was familiar with their temperament, and I had a good feeling about her the first time I saw her. She was supposed to have been my Masters horse last year but she wasn’t ready in time. She was the most prepared horse I have ever shown and she was very consistent throughout the cuts and finals. She was very solid and pretty much shined in the finals.
Q: What did you think about having two firsts, a sixth and a tenth in your placings?
A: I don’t think I had any bobbles in front of the judges that placed me lower. That goes with the territory and that is why I enjoy this industry. Everyone’s differing opinions makes everything more interesting. I think it was a tough class and a very nice pen of horses–it definitely wasn’t a cake walk.
Q: So tell me about your wife, Dawn Piper Baker and how did you meet? According to Dawn, she said that you were very shy and you first met her when you went up and asked her to borrow some liniment at the Tom Powers in 2005?
A: Yes, that’s pretty much what happened. Our first date was at the Southern Belle Futurity. We just immediately clicked, and I guess our relationship could be compared to a horse version of a fairy tale. The western trainer is supposed to meet and fall in love with a hunt seat girl, and that is exactly what happened to us. We also have a two and a half year old little boy named Bradley. (Photo © Jeff Kirkbride)
Q: Is there anyone you would like to thank the most for your success so far in the industry?
A: I would have to say Dawn’s family, her mom, Heidi, her father, Duane, and brother Chad. It is awesome that we have been able to work out of the same facility and have a business relationship but still keep family a priority. They have been so supportive, and none of my success could have ever happened without their guidance and help. I will be forever grateful to have met Dawn, and I believe we have become an incredible team that hopefully will continue our success in the show arena.
