Amy Gumz’s rising star stallion, Its A Southern Thing, has made his mark in the show pen and has started making his mark in the breeding arena with his first foals hitting the ground. “Moonpie” made history at the 2015 AQHA World Show with his incredible performance in the Junior Western Riding finals with Jamie Dowdy in the saddle. The talented 16 hand, stunning bay tied to win the class with the eventual 2015 AQHA Superhorse winner, Snap Krackle Pop and Blake Weis. To add even more drama, the two horses had a run off in the finals and tied again.
Dowdy and Weis decided to not ride for a third time and only a half point separated the two horses using the raw score. Even though Weis edged out Dowdy, the two trainers rode the victory lap together. These outstanding performances and the sportsmanship between Dowdy and Weis will go down in history as one of the best performances and moments in AQHA World Show history.
In addition to the 2015 AQHA Reserve World Championship in the Junior Western Riding, Its A Southern Thing and his trainers, Shane and Jamie Dowdy, had other noteworthy performances and wins last year including: AQHA 2015 World Show Reserve Champion Level 2 Western Riding, AQHA 2015 World Show Bronze Champion Level 2 Western Pleasure, AQHA 2015 World Show 7th Jr. Western Pleasure, NSBA 2015 World Champion Jr. Western Riding and NSBA 2015 Reserve World Champion Jr. Western Pleasure.
We sat down with owner and breeder Amy Gumz, to find out more about Its A Southern Thing’s every day life and to learn more about what makes this young stallion special.
Can you please explain Its A Southern Thing’s nickname?
He is most known as Moonpie. He was named Moonpie at an hour old, but it actually took us a year to figure out that the slogan for the Moonpie cookie is, “Its A Southern Thing”. He also goes by “Pie” on casual days. Since he is the offspring of a cookie (Shesa Hot Cookie) and Moonie (Only In The Moonlite), it was perfect. A year later when we were registering him; my daughter spouted out, “Its A Southern Thing”. I just thought it was a cool stud horse name and used it. Months later, I found out it’s one of the slogans for Chattanooga Bakery and Moonpie’s (as in the cookie treat). Of course, my daughter knew it all along, but I’m a little slow in that department.
Has he ever tried a Moonpie?
Yes, he has tried a few – banana flavored is his favorite, but he seems to be partial to the salted caramel.
If you could describe him in one word, what would it be?
Egotistical. He knows he’s it. Just ask him.
What is Moonpie’s daily routine?
Home at the breeding farm, he gets breakfast, lunch and dinner, maid service, a gym that specializes in cardio, pedicures, plus free dental and medical. Does it get any better? Oh yes it does! The visits with the ladies.
Does he have any funny or quirky habits?
Yes, when he gets nervous, he sucks his tongue. He’s sly when he does it as unsuspecting people think he’s actually passing gas.
What treats does he like? What are his eating preferences?
He loves Mrs. Pastures cookies. No other brand will do. We are forced to buy them by the 40 pound box. I expect him to start carrying a sign around his neck that says, “Will work for treats”.
Do you have any funny memories you would like to share about him?
Besides being a show horse, a baby daddy and my heart horse, Moonpie is now a “wingman”. My non-horse son waited patiently until Moonpie arrived home from showing at the Arizona Sun Circuit. That’s when he painted the word PROM on his hip in spray paint, put a long-stem red rose in his mouth, and complete with a black hat, rode to his girlfriend’s house to ask her to be his date for the senior prom. Mind you, my son has been on a horse three times in his life and the last time was 12 years ago. Needless to say, she said YES!
If he could say one thing, what would it be?
Given that it’s breeding season, “Hey baby!”
What do you think his potential is as a sire?
Obviously, we think he has a real potential to be a very strong sire. We have turned down huge offers to purchase him that would have included gelding him. His exceptional dam line (Shesa Hot Cookie by Zips Chocolate Chip) is why he will be a great sire. The bloodline is too strong for it not to work. Plus, add his size, movement and disposition, it’s what we all strive for.
Does he have any foals on the ground? If so, how old?
He has a small test crop of five two year-olds. Hopefully, many of them will debut this year.
What is his strongest trait that you hope he passes on to his offspring?
Breeding for over 25 years, I’ve never seen a stud stamp his foals so hard. I see great top lines and his shoulders and lift in all these foals. (Pictured left, one of his 2016 foals)
What did you think when you first set sight on him in the show arena?
He’s mesmerizing! He has that wow factor, good or bad, you have to watch him.
As you mentioned, you have been breeding horses for over 25 years. Tell us something we might not know about you?
Before entering into the breeding industry, I was an industrial engineer at a major steel company.
What your feelings and emotions during the 2015 AQHA World Show Junior Western Riding finals and runoff?
It was exciting and so nerve racking. He was so good. It was an emotional roller coaster with both highs and lows. I felt like I had given birth when it was all over.
Moonpie became the topic of conversation in 2015 because Shane (Dowdy) chose to move him forward in the western pleasure, including at the Congress and World Show, and not stay on the rail. Whose idea was that? Were you trying to make a statement?
That’s really where Moonpie looks the best. Shane’s job was to show him to his best of his ability, and he did. We weren’t trying to make a statement, but the whole Twitter, #whoneedstherail statement took on a life of its own. People want change in the pleasure industry, and he became the Poster Child for this cause. It’s a scary place to be. “Scary” meaning a trend setter, or breaking the norm. Shane showed Moonpie as per the rulebook, but much of the pleasure horse norm does not follow the rules.
Anything else you would like to add?
We are humbled by the outpouring of support for this horse. He really is one-of-a-kind and the public response has unparalleled. I can’t remember a greater fan following for many many years.
Thank you Amy for sharing your thoughts!
You are welcome!
Its A Southern Thing’s 2016 Stud Fee is $1500 for AQHA mares and $1250 for APHA/ApHC mares. Foals are eligible for: AQHA IF, APHA BT, KyQHA BIF, NSBA IF and BCF, Southern Belle Futurity, and Tom Powers Futurity.
Please click here to find our more information about breeding your mares to this up-and-coming sire.
CLICK HERE to view his ad in the February issue of GoMag
