Editor’s Note: This heartfelt speech was written by Darcy Reeve about her legendary gelding, A Certain Vino. It was read by the announcer after the Amateur Western Pleasure at the AQHA World Show to celebrate his extraordinary career and retirement. Please take a few moments to read about Vino’s unparalleled career and what made him the best that the industry has ever known.
Ladies and gentleman, please help us bid farewell to one of the greatest there has ever been.
A Certain Vino began his legendary career as a longe line champion at the Tom Powers Futurity. From there, he went on to win $100,000 in purse earnings at the Reichert Celebration as a two-year-old in 2005 with Stanley Ryan exhibiting the stallion for breeders and former owners, Tim and Lou Petty. The Reeve Family then purchased Vino at the 2005 AQHA World Championship Show 11 years ago under the guidance of Bruce Vickery.
Vino has won 15 AQHA World Championships, 29 Congress Championships and 40 NSBA World Championships with over $400,000 in lifetime earnings. A Certain Vino is the highest earning horse in the NSBA and the richest western pleasure horse of all-time.
Vino has had immense success in the western riding with an AQHA World Championship title and multiple NSBA World Championships. Karen and Ty Hornick, Charlie Cole and Jason Martin of Highpoint Performance Horses contributed to Vino’s all-around open and all-around amateur titles at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. He has also claimed the title of reserve all-around amateur and reserve Farnam Superhorse at the AQHA World Championship Show.
There is no question that A Certain Vino has left his mark on the industry, but he has had a bigger effect on the people who have been a part of his historic career.
The countless supporters, fans, and friends that have followed Vino’s success are greatly appreciated. The impact A Certain Vino has generated, and the opportunity he has created for AQHA members within the industry is second to none.
Here is to the horse who not only has the talent and image, but also the personality to match. To the horse that puts his game face on when it is time to enter the arena and will give everything he has with an unmatched passion. The same horse who will also do about anything for a peppermint. The horse who races you to the arena, but refuses to leave until his work is done. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have done more than make our dreams come true, we only hope to give you a retirement that will match everything you have given us.
Vino and his team would like to thank all of those who have played a part in getting him to this moment at his final show. To those standing in the arena with us tonight, there is not enough time in the world to express how much you mean to us.
Now ladies and gentlemen, please help us celebrate Vino’s renowned career as he takes one final lap around the show arena.
