AQHA judge and multiple World and Congress Champion Jerry Erickson of Sanger, Texas has shown some of the nicest hunter under saddle and hunter horses in the industry–including such greats as, Just Plain Mac, Avenging Devil, Ruler I Am, Real Time Minute, Sonnys Hot Jazz, Tel Ima Eagle, and Lucca Brassi.
GoHorseShow sat down with this long-time trainer who talked in-depth about his suspension, losing his judges card, and retesting for his card last year. We also discovered the secrets of how he has been able to remain successful for such a long time in this very difficult and challenging industry.
Q: Hi Jerry, thanks so much for doing this interview! So tell GoHorseShow how you first got involved with horses?
A: I was born and raised in Baldwin, Wisconsin and was active in 4-H and the local saddle club–The St.Croix Riders. I always had an interest in horses–the only one in the family, and through 4-H clinics, the county fair, and saddle club activities, I quickly became very involved. All of this started when I was between ten and 12 years of age.
Q: When did you start training horses?
A: The first time I was paid to train I was 16 and throughout high school and college, my summer job was training outside horses. I actually had a great profit margin back then as my dad paid for all the hay and grain plus the utilities! Neighbors, who raised Arabians, took me under their wing and my first breed show experience was with them. While attending the University of Wisconsin at River Falls, I worked part time for a local Quarter Horse breeder, Dr. Don Vezina. Initially, I showed halter futurity babies and western pleasure with youngsters that Dr. Vezina raised. My Arabian saddle seat background made it easy to start showing Bridle Path Hack; this is what Hunter Under Saddle was called in the mid-70’s.
Q: Who were some of your mentors?
A: The above-mentioned people have each been a mentor to me in some way especially Dr. Vezina. Don was quite sharp, and I learned so much from him. I would also have to mention Jack Finney who is the person that brought me to Texas in the first place. Jack was an interesting person, to say the least, who was always thinking. He impressed upon me that a person could make up for shortcomings by thinking things out and figure out the best way to proceed.
Q: What is it you like about being involved in this industry?
A: Throughout college, I kept telling myself not to go into training full time, this would be a difficult life without the benefits of a real nine to five type job. However, I have never had a nine to five type job and this is probably due to the personal enjoyment of working with the animals and the sense of accomplishment most of them provide to me. Even more important is the fact that the horse community, for the most part, is like family to me. I think back to the 4-H project leaders, saddle club members, my college advisor, Larry Kasten, Dr. Vezina and on to the Quarter Horse activists who initially encouraged me. People like Bill Moomey, Pete Kyle and Jerry Stanford who were so helpful as I was attempting to feel my way into this industry. The advice and encouragement of these and many, many more people are what I like about the horse industry.
Q: What are some of your favorite wins and memories?
A: My first Congress win with a mare named, Birds Go Bruce, when I was still virtually an unknown would be the first that comes to mind. I was fortunate to have a wonderful horse named, Ruler I Am who won the Sr. Hunter Under Saddle at the World Show four times. The last time Ruler I Am won the World Show–I was his owner and he was 12 years old, which is old for a rail horse to still be competitive at that level. Finally, Sonnys Hot Jazz provided many great wins and memories, but the biggest thrill was when he won the Sr. Pleasure Driving at the World show under all 5 judges. In my mind, Sonnys Hot Jazz was very special, but that day he was amazing! (pictured top left)
Q: Why do you think you have been able to be so successful over such a long period of time in the industry?
A: I think much of my success and longevity is due to the fact that I like my horses and I try hard. I learned early to be observant to the animals needs and instead of molding each horse into my thinking of what is ideal–treat them as individuals and compromise with each animals special needs and disposition.
Q: Do you have and advice for young trainers?
A: Tongue in cheek–my advice to young people is to consider the nine to five job and do the horses as a hobby. However, my personal experience is living proof that is not always possible. So if you are a young trainer watch and listen and be so observant of what works and what is not working. Keeping ones mouth shut and attentively keeping your eyes and ears open will help so very much in the long run.
Q: Do you have any suggestions for changes that should be implemented to improve the horse industry?
A: My thinking is that instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining; more people should become involved in the association. It is easy to complain about how dumb a judge is, but everyone should try wearing his or her boots and then see how easy it is. It is also easy to complain about the association instead of taking the time to write a rule change proposal or volunteering to be on a standing committee.
Q: What is it you like about judging?
A: I very much enjoy seeing the different horses and the results of the different types of rides put on these horses. I would like to think that my opinion in a small way helps improve the horses and riders.
Q: How did you lose your judges card in 2002?
A: I was an AQHA judge for 20 years, and, then, was suspended, in 2002 and was no longer allowed to judge. I can go on forever on how and why I was suspended, but, basically, I left that year’s Congress with a very sore horse that needed two weeks stall rest. He was given a substance to keep him calmer while he was confined to his stall. Whatever was given to him was to clear in two weeks, and I was tested 18 days later at the world show. I am unable to complain, because he did have the substance in him, which I freely admitted. However, I did not receive an unfair showing advantage in the ring, because after riding him for several days; he was way too fresh from the stall rest and after lots of riding he went sore again. This was the first year that enhanced testing procedures were used, and this is why he came up with a positive test. I would maintain that the level remaining in his system clearly indicated that the performance of this horse was in no way influenced by this drug.
Q: You just recently retested and got your judges card back. What was it like going through the process again?
A: Initially, I had decided that I would not apply for a judges card again. As the years went by, it was gratifying that many people urged me to apply again. In 2008, a person stopped me at a show and strongly urged me to once again apply for a judges card. I have known this person for years, but we are not really friends. In fact, I don’t think he really likes me, yet his urging impressed me. I applied for a specialty card and was placed on the specialty list in 2009. I was immediately called by several shows including the Congress. After judging a handful of shows and especially the Congress, I applied for a regular card and took that test the end of April 2010. I was fortunate to regain the privilege to judge and have several exciting shows lined up this year. The testing procedure is more intense and time consuming now than it was nearly 30 years ago. Possibly because I was fresh out of college the first time I tested; the whole process was easy for me. This time my study habits were not as good and the live judging portion of the test is what pulled me through. I feel that this is the way it should be, let the horsemen who can judge the live animals dictate the future as judges. (pictured top left–long time client Flora Brama with Jerry)
Q: What would you like your legacy to be in this industry?
A: I would like to think that my willingness to be helpful and encouraging to others would be part of what I am remembered for. I really hope that I have been able to give something back to the industry by answering every call for help from fellow exhibitors and the association. I have so greatly enjoyed speaking at the AQHA Educational Seminar, providing horses for various judging contests, and speaking to judging contestants each spring. Presently, I teach a class at North Central Texas College and most of these students have an interest but no background with horses. I hope that I have been able to teach them something and spark some interest at the same time.
