Take a walk around any show grounds and you are certain to run into horse show families sharing in their love for our sport. Though it may not be as common a pair as mothers and daughters, there are many fathers and sons who share their love for the industry. To celebrate Father’s Day, GoHorseShow spoke with Bret Parrish and Troy Compton, along with their sons, and asked them just what makes their relationships special.
Bret, Candy, Cody, and Chase Parrish
Bret and Candy Parrish run Parrish Quarter Horses in Pavo, Georgia and showing Quarter Horses runs deep in their family. Bret’s late father, Kiff Parrish, did everything from halter, western pleasure to roping, and Candy’s mother, Darlene Trein and step-father Dan Trein, train and show all around horses. Bret and Candy’s sons, Cody, 20, and Chase, 17, have both carried on the family tradition. Bret, who has earned over $250,000 in lifetime NSBA earnings, takes pride in the fact that their family has placed their faith at the forefront of everything they do.
Both boys started showing at a young age and both achieved early success. Cody won the Small Fry Horsemanship at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in 2002 at the age of seven on Untouchable Too, and Chase won the Small Fry in 2005 on Skipafied at the age of eight.
According to the youngest son, Chase, faith and respect for the horses were qualities instilled at a young age. “I grew up riding horses with my family ever since I was a baby. I have grown up seeing how to properly handle and treat horses as well as recognizing the beauty of the animal.”
Cody (pictured right), the 2012 AQHYA World Champion in Western Pleasure, adds , “My dad really got me into the horses by getting me involved around the barn from an early age. When we were younger, my brother and I broke ponies and spent most every day at the barn riding with dad. We thought we were little horse trainers out there trying to be just like dad and that’s what really made me want to follow in his footsteps.”
According to Bret, it’s those memories of days spent with the boys training ponies that mean the most to him. “The boys probably bought, trained, and sold over 100 ponies. They did it until they got too big to ride. Those times spent with them were very special to me.”
Both boys agree that spending time with their Dad means more than any win ever will. “Because my parents are in this business, it means that we get to hang out together while he is working and just enjoy each other,” Chase says.
Cody adds, “I think the biggest reason that we enjoy the horse show lifestyle is that it gives us the opportunity to do something that we love together. Not many people get to share something like that with their families and are fortunate enough to do it on a daily basis. Whether the horses are good or bad really is secondary because were happy just to do it together.”
Bret agrees, saying that the horse industry has allowed their family the freedom to spend time at home. “Being self-employed has meant that we could spend a lot of time together as a family. Early on, the boys went with us a lot and it kept us close. A lot of businesses don’t have that luxury.”
It’s no secret that the Parrish boys are proud of their Dad. Cody shares that his favorite memory was in 2004 with one of his Dad’s biggest wins. “I remember being a seven year-old boy at my grandma’s house and getting the phone call from my mom telling us the news that my dad just won the first $100,000 pleasure at the Reichert Celebration (with RL Best Of Sudden).”
Chase’s favorite memory may have had a little to do with just how broke some of Bret’s horses were. “Probably some of the best memories we have are from when we were younger and the patience it took for my dad to endure our shenanigans. He would be trying to ride colts and here we come across the field with six ponies tied together with lead ropes and all pulling a little red wagon with two little boys piled up in it. Hey, but it made for some really broke horses.”
Along with bringing their family close together, Cody and Chase say that they’ve learned valuable life skills growing up in the industry. Chase (pictured left) jokes , “There is no better way to grow up and learn what true hard work is than using a pitch fork all day in the south Georgia heat.”
When reflecting back over their years in the horse business, those ties of faith, respect and passion shone though in each of the Parrish men. When asked what he’s most proud of when thinking about his Dad, Chase said, “Easy, the man he is. The wins are great, but what I truly remember is him teaching me how to shake a man’s hand and look him in the eye.”
According to Cody, “We’ve had the opportunity to ride lots of great horses and fortunate enough to find success in doing what we love. But to me, the thing I’m the most proud of is the kind of person my dad is and his character and integrity. Horses come and go but what people truly remember about you is the kind of person you are. I don’t think I could have picked a better role model. His selflessness and kindness are truly amazing, and I can’t think of a better person to strive to be like.”
Bret says when it comes to his sons, there is a lot to be proud of, but what matters most to him is that they’ve both grown up to be men of faith who have a positive influence on others. As a father, that means more than any win ever could; on the football field or in the show ring.
Troy and Cole Compton
Troy Compton of Purc
ell, Oklahoma grew up in the horse show industry and is a three-time AQHA World Champion and 12-time Congress Champion with greats such as Skips Special Barb, Beretta McCue, Good Version, Radical Rumors, Zippos Tiger Bar and Elis A Sleepin on his resume. Troy’s son, Cole, has followed in his winning footsteps. Compton says, “My father was a horse trainer and I followed in his footsteps. My son has basically the same background as me, but he really didn’t show an interest until he was around 13.”
After age 13, Cole fell in love with showing with his Dad. “I think he enjoys it because of the competition and he’s naturally a show off,” Troy told us. “It makes me proud that he shares my passion. He seems to have a natural feel for riding and he’s a natural showman. I love to watch his talent.”
Compton echoes the sentiments of many horse show families in that as much as the wins and titles are exciting, it’s spending time together that really matters. “A favorite memory of mine is picking Cole up at school with a horse trailer on and leaving on a trading trip. It was his spring break when he was around 11 or 12. We spent that week driving from the East Coast to South Texas. I think we slept in a bed three times that entire week. He loved running the road with me that week and has ever since.”
Be it sports, or showing horses, every parent likely wants to see their child involved in an activity that will teach life lessons and foster valuable skills. Compton surely agrees, “The main thing I think it teaches boys is responsibility. The horses require careful care and attention. It teaches a lot of life lessons. The highs and lows are so emotional that it just gets in your soul. Looking back, nothing makes me prouder than to hear people tell me what a great young man I’ve raised.”
The 17 year-old says his father influenced his love for horses by working with passion and compassion. Even though he grew up with horses and rode now and again, it took years to realize he wanted to continue the family tradition.
“Ever since I was little, I always had a connection with horses,” Cole says. “I think it all comes from seeing my dad work day in and day out with the same horses and have such patience and understanding with them. I remember he used to always go through the barn after everything was done and would spend time at each horses’ stall and pet on them, and I of course wanted to be like him so I would do the same.”
A common personality trait of those who show is being goal oriented and the Comptons are no different. “We’re both very competitive and we both enjoy the people,” Cole says. “Every show I go to I meet new people and it’s one of the only places you can meet people from such different parts of the country. The competitive side is something we both enjoy a lot. Being able to work towards a goal with one horse for months just to win one show is very gratifying.”
Cole adds, “It’s great because most other kids don’t get to share something like this with their parent. When I think about what we’ve done together, the thing I’m most proud of is how much time my dad and I get to spend together. Most kids never get to experience working together like my dad and I do and I think that’s definitely something that’s special.”
Happy Father’s Day!
Photos Courtesy of the Parrish and Compton Family, Jeff Kirkbride, and Don Trout Photography
