It was a mare named Bold Starlette who turned Novice Amateur Jerry Allen’s head back in 1982. The Tennessee native was at the World Show Sale, saw the pretty bay in the workout arena, and knew she was the one. It wasn’t until Jerry got her home to Tennessee that he learned “Lucy” didn’t really lope. She preferred to buck. For most riders looking for a show horse, that would have been the end. In fact, Jerry spent the next year trying to get the mare sold, but no one would even look at her.
One day, Jerry said, it was “just like a light switch was flipped on” and Lucy loped. That became the first step toward show ring success. Jerry’s daughter Leanne showed the mare in the 11 and Under Western Pleasure, ultimately taking home a fourth place out of 74 entries at the Congress. Jerry also showed Lucy in the Amateur Western Pleasure, qualifying her for the 1985 World Show. With his wife Vicki, and brother Jimmy, to assist with the driving, but no professional help from a trainer, Jerry made the trek to the show, placing eighth out of 56 entries. As Jerry puts it, “What an accomplishment for a country boy and his daughter!”
It’s been a few years since that World Show, but Jerry’s love for American Quarter Horses remains strong. As Tennessee Quarter Horse Association’s 1st Vice President, it’s not unusual for Jerry to fill many different roles. In addition to the leadership responsibilities of TQHA, you’ve probably seen him at the judge’s side at horse shows, serving as ring steward. Allen is also right at home when it comes to competition. His current show horse is a four year-old homebred named, Adeetailedinvitation, affectionately known as “Addee.”
To see the fancy bay mare today, you’d never guess her challenging beginning. When she was just six days-old, Addee’s mother colicked and was unable to be saved. While Jerry was with the mare, Jerry’s daughter Katie, and son-in-law Andy, were tasked with caring for Addee. Maybe it was a desire to please, or perhaps that little filly understood the seriousness of her situation, but no bottle was required. Addee surprised most everyone and immediately drank milk replacer right out of a bucket! So began the odyssey to keep Addee fed. She needed milk every three hours, for two months. That rigorous schedule was slowly tapered back, until Addee was five months-old and able to be weaned just like any other foal her age.
Mares don’t just provide sustenance for their foals. They provide life lessons too. With no mother to learn from, Addee had to rely on Jerry. When Jerry realized the filly would follow him around, he took that as an opportunity to encourage exercise. He would run ahead of her, with Addee trailing behind. Jerry was also known to hide in the tall grass for a game of hide-and-seek. He says, “I know we entertained all the folks that saw us.” Entertaining or not, there’s no denying the bond the two share as they step into the show pen today. Showmanship is the favorite class currently, with plans to add other events with time.
That progress will come, given Jerry’s hours spent in the saddle. In addition to running his business, Jerry Allen’s Cleaning Service, you will find Jerry horseback at least four days a week. That’s in spite of owning a home in a subdivision, with no room for equines. Instead, Jerry boards and trains with Mike Choate, who is well known for starting young horses. A recommendation brought Jerry to Mike’s place in Cookeville, Tennessee and Jerry says he was immediately impressed with Mike’s quiet and gentle nature with the animals. The business relationship grew into a friendship, and benefits both, as Jerry keeps the barn clean and Jerry’s grandsons get to ride the pony at the barn when they come for visits.
Maybe we’ll see those grandsons in the show ring one day. That’s how Jerry started too, with a pony that gave him the first indication of how much fun can be had with horses. From rescue races with his twin brother, to competing on a world level, Jerry says he looks forward to getting up every day and riding after work. He credits his daughters and his wife for supporting his horse show pursuits, and for always encouraging him to follow his heart. And he credits the American Quarter Horse breed for giving him a passion and pursuit he never plans to give up.
About the author–GoHorseShow would like to thank Cori Gould Jasso for sharing her article about Jerry with us. Cori is the current TQHA Executive Show Secretary and Treasurer, 2001 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen, horse show announcer, as well as an avid competitor and works as an Emmy–award producer at the NBC Affiliate in Nashville.
