Clarice Cooper’s AQHA, NSBA and Equistat Leading Sire, Dont Skip Zip, is the sire of 80+ World and Congress Champions and Reserve Champions, and his offspring has earned an impressive 123,000+ points and lifetime earnings of over one million dollars. During his show career, he was the 1994 AQHA High Point Open and Junior Western Pleasure Horse and received his Superiors in Open and Amateur Western Pleasure. We talked with owner Clarice Cooper to find out more about this gentle giant.
Hi, Clarice! Thanks for sitting down with us. Can you tell us what Dont Skip Zip’s nickname is? Does he have more than one?
His barn name is Skip. We also call him Skippy, Pops, and Big Daddy.
If you could describe him in one word, what would it be?
Patient. He is fantastic with kids, and has been an incredible teacher for countless vet students, and visitors to the farm.
What did you think when you first set sight on him in the show arena?
I actually showed against him for a while when I was showing Chocolate Zipper. I remember going back and forth between who would win NSBA High Point or Reserve High Point. He always looked like the fun horse that anyone would want an opportunity to ride. Still to this day when people come to meet him, we saddle him up for anyone who is interested and have them take him for a spin.
What is his daily routine?
Skip has a nice big breakfast in his king-sized suite, and then if weather permits, he goes out to his paddock for the day, where he immediately heads to his rolling spot. His field sits directly across from our office, and has a panoramic view of everything on the farm. He loves to watch the foals play! On collection days, he comes in for a quick clean up, does his duties and heads straight back outside. At day’s end, he gets a good grooming and then promptly rolls in his nice clean shavings. Ah, to be a stud.
Does Skip have any funny or quirky habits?
Skip takes great pride in showing off to anyone who will watch. I swear he knows when someone is here to see him. He immediately sets himself up, pricks his ears forward and gives his best “blue steel” look. His favorite person in the world is Kelly Barnes, who does all of our photos and advertising. When he hears her voice, he knows its his time to shine. If he is out in his paddock, he will lope up and down the fence line like he’s in the show pen. He’s got a big personality, but is still one of the quietest studs I’ve ever been around. He loves Cooper, my daughter, and she will lead him around, give him spa days, and has even ridden him a few times.
What treats does he like? Eating preferences?
He’s got quite an affinity for Ms. Pastures cookies, although he isn’t one to turn down a carrot, apple, peppermint… pretty much anything you’re interested in offering him. After collecting, he knows to head to the treat window at the lab for a job well done. (pictured left)
Do you have any funny memories you would like to share about him?
We picked Skip up in Texas, and on the way out, we had to pick up a donkey that someone had given us as a wedding present (yes, really), and a two year-old mare. It took us over three hours to load the donkey in the trailer. The donkey was in the first slot, and the mare in the second. We loaded Skip up in the back, and started the trip home. It was my turn to drive, and let’s just say driving a manual transmission isn’t on my list of things I’m good at. About a half an hour into my driving shift, we had to pull over; I thought we either had a horse down or a tire problem. We opened the trailer, and found the mare with her halter off, front feet in the hay bag, and she was in heat. We got Skip and the mare unloaded at the truck stop, but, then, we had to figure out how to unload and reload the donkey. I shut the door, with Ryan (husband, Ryan Shotkoski) and the donkey inside, and he somehow managed to get the donkey in between the wall and a divider. We loaded Skip up into the first slot, got the donkey in the middle, and the filly in the back slot. Many hours, and a lot of frustration later, we were back on our merry way home to Georgia.
If he could say one thing, what would it be?
“I’m ready for my close up!”
Who are his most famous offspring?
There are so many cool horses that I would love to mention, but I think we might be here all day. Of course, Cool Lookin Lady, and Cool Movin Lady, How Bout This Cowboy, Dont Skip Foxy, Dont Skip My Charms, Dont Skip Passion, Dont Dress Me, Dont Skip The Cash, Dont Skip George and Dont Miss This Lady. Skip also sired Zippin Thru Town, who is the dam of Mechanic.
Why do you think Skip has been so successful in his breeding career?
Skip is such an influential horse for many reasons. He stamps his babies with his awesome movement, good temperament and big heart. The Reynolds family, who raised the legendary, Zippo Pine Bar, have said that of all of his offspring, Dont Skip Zip reminds them the most of Zippo. I am elated that Dont Skip Zip’s offspring are proving themselves to be incredible producers as well.
What is the strongest trait that he has passed on to his offspring?
He definitely stamps his dashing good looks. I can always pick the Skip babies out immediately. They are always well balanced, and they have his lift and deep hock.
Tell us something we might not know about you?
I recently had to have jaw surgery, and everyone needs to know that chocolate Boost smoothies are way better than vanilla!
What do you think sets him apart from any other horse you’ve known?
Definitely his personality, and his offspring’s personality. He’s so smart and really can gauge who is leading him or riding him. He’s one that will test you if he knows you know what you’re doing. He’s been such a great teacher for so many people, both in the pen and in the shed.
Anything else you would like to add?
Skip has been so influential in my life. I met my husband because of him, and the friendships formed through him are unmatched. He always gives us his all. He really is a once-in-a-lifetime horse. As he gets older, I am thankful each day that we have his son, Dont Zip Me Up, to carry on his legacy.
Thank You, Clarice!
You’re welcome!
Breeding Information:
Dont Skip Zip’s stud fee is $1800.
For APHA and ApHC mares, it is $1,000.
CLICK HERE to visit his website and for more information.
