GoHorseShow is saddened to report the passing of legendary youth horse, Handee Rap at the age of 32 years old. This 1979 bay gelding was bred by Mark Stevens and was out of Clabber Bar Gold and by Reynolds Rap. He passed away July 7, 2011 and was owned for the past 10 years by the Hadlock family of Goodlettsville, Tennessee. They are just now able to publicly talk about his death.
Affectionately known as Amos, this talented youth horse taught several of the AQHA leading exhibitors how to ride including Nancy Scott Wilkerson, Ashley and Jessie Hadlock, Amy Worrell, and Brooke Porter. This sweet gelding was the only horse in AQHA history to have four versatility championships which came over a span of 12 years. Amazingly, Amos had points in 18 events ranging from over fences to cutting to western pleasure. He was a true all-around horse. At the age of 21, he won the 12-14 Rookie of the Year and was a multiple placer at the AQHYA Youth World and Congress.
The Hadlock family purchased Amos in March of 2001 for $5,000. He was 22 years old.
“We credit him for teaching us how to truly ride. The best $5,000 we’ve ever spent to say the least,” said Donna Hadlock, Ashley and Jessie’s mother. In 2002 at the Congress, Amos received a career ending injury. His right hind leg fell into a deep sink hole up to his hock. Jessie had plans of putting a fifth versatility award on him. If it were not for the injury, we feel sure it would have been done.”
Handee Rap (pictured left with Ashley in 2001) accumulated over 1200 points and Superiors in the Hunter Under Saddle, Horsemanship (twice), and Trail.
“He was one of a handful of horses in my lifetime that I loved and respected, and he always had a special place in my heart,” said Charlene Carter, who had several different youth clients that showed him. “He was such a teacher. He taught so many people how to ride. He was not a push button horse. He was a people’s horse who loved his job and enjoyed going to horse shows. If a rider asked him to give his all—he did.”
