While only 23 years-old and relatively new to the horse industry, Brad has learned a great deal about training and showing horses in a very short time. Did you know that 2009 was his first time to ever show on the AQHA circuit? This past year is the first year Ost has had the opportunity to show consistently an entire year. This native Idahoan competed on past World Champions Cool Assets, Kat Man Shine, and Potential Advantage in the western riding and trail.
At the recent AQHA World Show, Ost was the Intermediate Senior Western Riding Champion with Cool Assets as well as having top 10 finishes at the Congress in the trail and western riding. He is also currently leading the nation for the limited western riding year end award. Not a bad way to start off a show career! An assistant trainer for Bruce Vickery, in Sanger, Texas, he credits Vickery for his success and says he has learned so much about training and showing horses from his mentor and employer.
GoHorseShow sat down with Brad to find out more about him and how he ended up in the horse industry and decided to pursue it as a profession.
Q: Hi Brad– Thanks for sitting down with us! So first of all-tell us where you are from and how you got into horses?
A: I am originally from North Idaho. There are nine of us Ost kids, so my mother, a retired hairstylist, was a full time mom and my dad has always done construction. He owns his own business now, specializing in custom tile work. My aunt and mother got me started riding. Mostly in 4H and open shows, but then when I was 16, I started working for Cliff Kellmer. He is who got me started riding quarter horses, but I never showed AQHA as a youth. Cliff is an AQHA judge and professional horseman from Post Falls, Idaho. He is who I learned my foundation of riding from–I was his assistant for two years, but I never showed with him.
Q: So, wow, eight siblings? What was that like? Did any ride horses?
A: It was great. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I think it taught us how to be independent. You definitely learn to deal with different personalities. All my sisters rode at some point, but, I’m the only one still involved with horses.
Q: What made you decide you wanted to become a trainer?
A: I have never really thought of doing anything else. I think I decided I was going to be a horse trainer before I even rode a show horse. (he laughs) In 2005, I was able to travel to watch the world show and I watched Vital Signs Are Good and Majestic Scotch in the pleasure and western riding. I had never seen anything like it– that’s when I knew that this was for me.
Q: We heard that you were a model for a while?
A: I did model for a short time, with a local modeling agency back home. It was fun while it lasted. I was able to do some runway shows and photo shoots. I even started getting some acting roles for commercials. but, horses have always been my main goal, and I wasn’t able to do both.
Q: How did you come about working for Bruce Vickery?
A: I got a job with Bruce right before he made his move to Texas. He was looking for someone that was already living here or willing to move. At the time, I was working for a paint trainer and was kind of looking to break into the quarter horses. So, we talked on the phone, and I was actually hired sight unseen. I’m not going to lie; I was a little nervous to start riding. The thought kept running through my mind that he was going to fire me when he watched me ride, because I had never done trail or western riding, but, thankfully, I made it through!
A: It is super easy; I think we compliment each other very well, and I have learned so much from him. He basically lets me try new things and let’s me figure it out, but then tells me what it looks like, which I really like.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories around the horses?
A: My favorite memory is the very first time I showed the western riding. I showed Kat Man Shine in Duquoin Illinois, and we won the circuit–that was a fun call back home to family and friends. Also, my dad came to the world show this year. He hasn’t watched me show since I was 14, and he had never been to a quarter horse show let alone the world show. So, before I went in the finals, he says, “Whoa Brad, this is kind of a big deal isn’t it?” He couldn’t have been more proud even though he had no idea what was going on.
Q: What do you enjoy about the industry?
A: Honestly, I really love everything about the industry–maybe it’s because Im still new at it, but I love the traveling, the showing, and all the friends I’ve been meeting along the way. But, the main thing I like is that I get ride great horses everyday. I love a challenge, and I find that every aspect of this industry can be a challenge–not only from the obvious of working with horses, but even helping a client accomplish something that is hard for them. I find that just as rewarding.
Q: Any advice you have for young trainers like yourself?
A: My advice is to simply watch and learn as much as you can everyday–then most importantly practice, practice, practice. You can’t be scared to just try it. Be confident–you’re never going to win a class if you don’t think you can do it.
Q: Who are your mentors and what have you learned from them?
A: My aunt, Beth, and my mom were my first mentors with horses. They taught me everything from learning to saddle, loping for the first time, correct leads and my horsemanship and sportsmanship. Cliff and Mary Kellmer, taught me the foundation of riding and showing. Bruce Vickery, Jason Martin and Charlie Cole have all helped me. I’ve been so fortunate to watch and learn from them.
Q: What are some of your future goals?
A: To qualify for the World and Congress in the junior and senior trail and western riding and to win the Congress and or World Show before I’m 30.
Q: Wow! How’s that for ambition. Thanks for sharing your story with GoHorseShow and good luck in the show ring!
A: No problem! Enjoyed it. I was flattered you asked!
