“It’s been a whirlwind few days after I received a call from Dianne Eppers from the NSBA board explaining to me that VS GoodRide “Boss” was named the 2019 NSBA Horse of the Year,” says his owner, Brenda Gower. “To be honest, I could hardly talk after she told me the news, as I was trying not to cry. What an incredible honor. There are so many talented horses in this industry, and to be included among them is a true privilege.”
With five different riders, including Jason Martin, Charlie Cole, Sara Simons, Danny Desmond, and RJ King, Boss had an incredible year. The 2015 AQHA stallion amassed 109 points and $17,554.53 in NSBA earnings in Western Pleasure, Western Riding, and Trail events.
Also, capping off a fantastic AQHA World Show, VS GoodRide placed third in the Junior Western Riding with Jason Martin. He and Jason were also Reserve Champions in the Level 1 Western Riding Stakes, and Boss was the Level 2 Western Riding Champion with Sara Simons and Level 2 Western Pleasure Champion with RJ King.
All of this is following a tremendous Congress, winning his first Congress Championship in the Maturity $10,000 Limited Horse Open Western Pleasure Stakes with Danny Desmond. He was also a multiple Reserve Champion and Top 10 placer in several other classes, including earning Reserve in the Junior Trail with a score of a 241, Reserve in the Green Western Riding, Reserve in the Maturity Open $10,000 class, third in the Jr Western Riding and fourth in the Green Western Pleasure.
“From the day Boss was foaled, we knew he was special,” Charlie Cole remembers. “He has all the qualities of a top horse – great movement, amazing temperament, and exceptional looks. It’s a testament to his incredible mind and talent that he won at the major shows with five different riders. I’m excited to show him in 2020.”
Jason Martin adds, “I’m just super excited an all-around horse won it. I believe it may be the first time.”
Sara Simons told us that “I feel like it’s a true testament to his talent to be, not only competitive in the western pleasure, but also the western riding and trail at the biggest venues across the country. As a stud, he frequently had to leave a show where he was competing to breed and then return later that night. I can’t say enough great things about his mind. It’s been a real honor to work with such a tremendous individual.”
Gower would like to thank the NSBA Board of Directors and the astounding team that came together to make this happen. Jason Martin, Charlie Cole, Sara Simons, RJ King, Danny Desmond, and Ashley Dunbar-Clock, and the rest of the team at Highpoint Performance Horses, Simon Show Horses, and King Show Horses. “Each trainer took their expertise and came together to promote and bring out the absolute best in Boss throughout this past year,” Gower says.
“I feel blessed to be apart of this great horse’s journey to greatness. I think we have just scratched the surface of what Boss is capable of, and I can not wait to see what 2020 brings,” says one of Boss’ many riders, Danny Desmond.
Each year the NSBA Board of Directors presents the Horse of the Year Award to the owner of the horse (at time of most recent NSBA competition) that is most deserving of this prestigious award based on NSBA participation, show record, and points earned in that year. Congratulations to everyone involved for this very deserving award.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this amazing stallion. View some more photos from his incredible year below.
