UPDATE: While Denny Hassett did not make the finals of the Junior Western Pleasure on Monday, we heard he had a blast showing. Here is an update from longtime friend and owner of the horse, Sure Feels Good that Denny rode in the class.
From Debby Brehm:
In the pleasure class, each rider enters one at a time and is introduced as they ride an extended trot down the middle of the arena. Denny was the third entrant and as his name was read off, the crowd erupted with a HUGE cheer. My horse, Sure Feels Good (Bubba), was wonderful for Denny. He stood patiently along the rail until the class started. Denny and Bubba had a great ride with only one small bobble. Denny had the time of his life, and it was so meaningful to have both his daughters, Kim and Deanna, there along with all his horse friends. Rusty, Katie, and Maggie said Denny rode great. I know Denny had to feel so excited to hear such a loud cheer when he entered. I am sure even the judges were thrilled to be part of Denny’s bucket list! I want to thank Rusty, Katie, and Maggie for having Bubba ready to go for Denny!
—————————————————
Did you know that AQHA World and Congress Champion halter trainer Denny Hassett used to ride and show performance horses? What many may not know or remember is that Hassett, one of the industry’s very best halter trainers with more than 40 AQHA World and Reserve World Championship titles to his name, used to also show in many riding events. Hassett was quite the hand in western pleasure, reining, trail, western riding and the roping events. He hasn’t shown in those events since the 1980s.
In his past performance career, Denny won a Reserve AQHA World Championship in the Senior Reining and Reserve Congress Championship in Open Versatility. A few years ago, Hassett mentioned to his longtime client, Debby Brehm, that one of his bucket list wishes was to ride at the AQHA World Show one more time.
Brehm kept this in mind and decided this year would be the year to help Denny’s wish come true. Brehm asked her pleasure trainers, Rusty and Katie Green to get her horse, Sure Feels Good qualified to show at the Junior Western Pleasure at this year’s AQHA World Show. After the Green’s finished qualifying him at a show in Texas earlier this year, Rusty told Debby that “Denny better sharpen up his spurs and get his chaps ready because he’s riding at the World Show.”
At 74 years-old, the Kansas native is excited to get back in the saddle. “It will be fun to ride one more time before I get too old,” Denny says and laughs. He plans on getting some saddle time during Amateur week before showing in the Junior Western Pleasure preliminaries held on Monday, November 17th. “I just hope I don’t have a wreck and have a good ride. The western pleasure has changed so much since I have shown in the class.”
“Denny is more than my trainer–he is family,” Debby Brehm told GoHorseShow. “He doesn’t have an enemy in the world and a very honest horseman who is concerned about the welfare of his horses and an all-around good guy. I’m really excited to give him the opportunity to show again and I know all of his friends will be in the stands cheering him on. Rusty and Katie Green were very excited to help his dream come true.”
Denny’s wife, Dana, has bought him a brand new pair of black chaps and a Good Ride western shirt to show at the World Show. Hassett and Sure Feels Good are the fourth team scheduled to jog down the middle of the Jim Norick arena in Junior Western Pleasure. It is safe to say that both young and old will appreciate seeing Hassett back in the saddle again.
Additionally, Brehm told us that she has been a client of Denny Hassett’s for over 30 years and would like to invite everyone to join her, Denny and Dana as they celebrate their 30 years together showing halter champions. She will be hosting an anniversary party at Denny’s stalls on Tuesday November 18th from 5 to 6:30 and are serving hors d’oeuvres and cake. They would love for everyone to attend.
CLICK HERE to view their special ad in the November issue of GoMag
