GoHorseShow is saddened to report that two-time AQHYA World Champion and multiple Congress winner, Im Tuff By Choice (Tuffy), passed away a few weeks ago at a horse show in Ohio due to complications associated with colic.
“He died the way he would have wanted it,” former owner Dawn (Piper) Baker told GoHorseShow. “He loved being on the road and being a show horse.”
In 2001, Dawn and Tuffy won back-to-back AQHA Youth World Championships in the Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation as well as winning the Congress in the Hunt Seat Equitation and Horsemanship.
Dawn adds, “I would describe Tuffy as a workaholic. He loved to work and he hated to be left alone. He always had to be loaded first or second on the trailer or he would get upset. We got along great and he was a special horse. One of his funny quirks was that if you got off balance on him he would buck you off,” Dawn says laughing. “I don’t know how many times I hit the ground jumping him. He was nice about it though–he would slow down, buck you off and then take off running.”
The 1994 bay gelding by Investment by Choice and out of Codys Bay Punk was shown by several exhibitors including Elliot Durbin, Lia Ploog, Britni Day, Dawn (Piper) Baker, and Anne Reihman. Several trainers and people that loved him included, Brynne Tincher-Ketner, Brent Tincher, Rick and Heidi Cecil, and Duane and Heidi Piper.
“Tuff was one of my all time favorite horses,” former owner Lia Ploog told GoHorseShow. “He was obviously so talented– it was ridiculous. He was so easy to get broke, you basically just had to stay out of his way, and he had it from there. I was a lucky girl to have had a horse like him.”
Tuffy amassed over 2400 points in several different events. He also received superiors in the hunter under saddle (3x), western pleasure (4x), hunt seat equitation (2x), horsemanship (2x), and showmanship (2x). Im Tuff by Choice also received his AQHA Youth Champion, AQHA Youth Performance Champion (2x), and was Reserve High Point Youth in the Nation in 2001 with Dawn (Piper) Baker.
Anne Reihman, who was Tuffy’s owner for six years, says she is grateful that she had an opportunity to show such an amazing horse. (pictured left)
“He was not only a great pattern horse, but he was a great mover as well. I am, and always will be, amazed at his versatility. From showmanship to trail to hunter under saddle to horsemanship to western pleasure to western riding –he was successful and able to place high in almost any class,” Reihman recalls. “Tuffy taught me so much about the meaning of hard work and dedication. He made you work for everything. If you didn’t give it your all, neither would he. But if you gave 100%, Tuffy would give 120%.”
The Tincher’s, who had him in their barn when he passed, are saddened by his death. Brynne Tincher-Ketner posted on her Facebook about her beloved Tuffy. “Im Tuff By Choice–Best horse I have ever had the chance to ride. Unbelievable how much one horse can teach you…(I) really like you better than most people.”
Trainer and AQHA judge, Brent Tincher, who is heartbroken over the loss, remembers Tuffy as a special horse. “He made everyone look like a star. He was still one of the best lopers in the pen even at his advanced age and he had a heart of gold,” he fondly says.
Elliot Durbin,who was the last exhibitor to have the privilege of showing Im Tuff By Choice, says he will be missed. “He was a once-in-a-lifetime horse, and I’m so so glad I had the the chance to show, and love such an incredible horse. He was always good to me and taught me alot! He had a great, and funny personality. Thank you for everything Tuffy–you really did give me the ride of my life, you will always be in my heart!”
Photo © Jeff Kirkbride
