Zippo LTD’s show career spanned 16 years and 5,735.5 points in all divisions from youth to open, making him the second-highest point-earner in AQHA history.
Of those points, 464.5 came in youth trail, putting him eighth on the list of all-time youth trail point-earners.
“I think it’s a testament to everyone throughout his career, every trainer, every owner, that he was able to earn points at that level and keep going at the highest level,” said Julia Cheek of Austin, Texas, his last owner, after Zippo LTD died in June 2017. “I knew he was exceptional when I bought him, but I didn’t think you can ever fully understand how exceptional.”
The 1987 bay gelding was by Zippo Pine Bar and out of Ima Blister Bug by Ladybug’s Charge. He was bred by Ann Myers of Ashland, Ohio.
He earned his youth trail points with Julia and with Andrea Kail of Scottsdale, Arizona, now an AQHA Professional Horsewoman.
“He taught me patience and sportsmanship, more than anything,” Julia said. “I’d never ridden western before I got on his back. He taught me how to be a good competitor, how to go in and show your horse. He taught me so many life lessons and made me feel more valuable than any other teacher I’ve had.”
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