“When it comes to conformation, pedigree, mindset, movement and achievement John has it all,” says owner, Erin Bradshaw. “He is the total breeding package. There are not a lot of APHA western pleasure studs that can say they’ve won both the western pleasure and the halter stallions at the APHA World Show.”
This year, John Simon is standing at Schroeder Ranch, Inc. under the watchful eye of breeder, Joan Schroeder. The 10 year-old bay and white tobiano stallion is a multiple APHA World Champion. He is by APHA multiple World Champion sire, Special Invitation by Invitation Only. John Simon’s Dam, Sensational Leaguer, is a multiple World and NSBA Champion and has over $100,000 in lifetime earnings.
“This has been one of the greatest journeys in my life so far,” Bradshaw states. “John was the first young horse we purchased and to watch him grow up and mature into what he has become today is one of the greatest blessings I could have been given. I have had a passion for horses since I was a little girl and John has been a part of achieving all of my dreams. He is truly one-of-a-kind and a part of our family.”
We sat down with owner Erin Bradshaw to find out more about John Simon’s every day life and to learn more about what makes this legendary paint stallion special.
Hi Erin! Thanks for sitting down with us. First off, can you tell us what you call John Simon?
I call him “Jean Simone” with a French accent or I say his name in a high pitchy voice, if you know me well you’ve heard me talk to John in my voice. He can hear me coming from a mile away and when he hears me talk to him in his voice, he perks up, comes to the front of the stall and waits for his momma.
How did he come into your life?
Scott Suggs was my trainer at the time and was very fond of him when Vicky Holt had him. We had just put down my old show horse, Maximum Zippo, due to an injury, so we knew we were going to have to find me a replacement. Scott called and said he had found the perfect horse. I fell in love immediately, of course. However, it took about a week to ease over the thought to my mom and dad that purchasing a three year old stallion would be the perfect fit. The rest is history!
What is his personality like?
Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaid back! John knows he’s a big deal and a World Champion. He has that “wazzup” vibe going on and he’s normally napping or laying down eating and napping. He won’t strut his stuff often; he keeps it on the DL (down low). When he’s visited by fans or breeders, he goes into “selfie” mode. He will take a thousand selfies with you and perk his ears for each one. He totally knows when it’s picture time! He’s really like a life sized dog.
If you could describe him in one word what would it be?
Gentle. John is the most gentle and kind horse I have ever been around. If you’ve ever met him or been around him, you’ll see it. There is something about his face and calm eye that just captures people.
How long do you think you will keep showing him? What and where will you be showing him this year?
That’s a question I can’t really answer, I have always told people John will let me know when it’s time. He will be shown in the pleasure, trail and there may be a little western riding action going on this year.
What does your dad, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, Terry Bradshaw, think of him? Has he ever ridden him?
My dad loves John. He tries to buy him from my mom all the time, it’s pretty funny. John is the first horse that got my dad’s “eye” on pleasure horses and made him want to own one himself. He now owns the four year old that I show, Im Johnny Cash, and I think that holds him over pretty well. He has not ridden him, but one day, ONE DAY, you will see me post a picture of him riding John.
We remember when your dad showed off his halter World Championship trophy with his stallion, Initials Only, on a sports show and you mentioned on Facebook that he slighted John’s World Championship that year in the Senior Western Pleasure? Did he ever say anything about that?
He did not. (laughs) I always think John should be ahead of any other horse we own, so I think my dad is so used to it that it now goes in one ear and out the other!
Tell us something we might not know about you and your father?
We’re avid fisherman! Bass fishing was a huge part of my life growing up and my dad and I have taken it on pretty seriously in the last couple of years.
What is John’s daily routine?
When John is at home his daily routine consist of breakfast, grooming and then he starts his workout. John gets everything first at our house. He does not wait on anyone. After Scott rides him, he is undone, groomed, and left to munch on his hay the rest of the afternoon. On Sunday’s and any nice day or week where we aren’t getting ready for a show, he goes out to what we call “Johns play pen”. It is a huge turnout that sits at the front of our property. He stands proudly out there all day and stares at my retired show mare, Pamela, in our other pasture. He is infatuated with her. Pamela is his “true love”.
When John is at Joan’s, his routine is a little different. He starts his day with breakfast and being groomed. If it’s a breeding day, he patiently waits for his turn to go to the breeding barn. Afterwards, he is taken to his turnout. If it’s not a breeding day, he is groomed and then turned out for a few hours before coming back in for dinner.
What are his favorite treats?
Shockingly, John is not a big treat goer. Instead of treats, his forte is alfalfa. He loves, loves, loves him some alfalfa. He can actually clear a flake in record setting time.
What are your favorite and funny memories?
My favorite memories with John are from the APHA World Show. He has taken me on a journey with him that I will forever grateful. There are so many amazing memories with him I can’t list them all, but probably one of my favorites was this year when both him and his first baby I raised, Johnny Cash, won a World title. It was very special for me. A funny memory would be the night he got loose on our ranch. He thought that was a fun little game. I, on the other hand, did not. It took us three hours to catch him!
Does he have any quirky habits?
He smacks! He smacks his breakfast louder than any horse. It is so funny. You can literally hear him eating from any part of the barn. He will also not let men catch him in his turnout, only Joan and I can catch him. It’s a lady thing. He knows who his two favorites are!
If he could say one thing, what would it be?
Wanna take a picture?
Tell us about some of his foals, oldest foal crop? Any superstars?
They’re looking great! Out of his first two foal crops, he has produced a Reserve World Champion longe liner, World Show Champion, multiple futurity championships, as well ROM earners. His most famous baby would probably be, Im Johnny Cash (pictured left), the four year old that we raised and I show. He won the non pro threes at the APHA World Show this year as well as other futurity wins. His oldest are just starting to hit the show pen under saddle. This year will be a good year!
What do you think is the strongest trait he is passing on to his offspring?
Mindset and movement. We have had so many breeders, trainers and owners call and tell us how great minded they are. They can’t believe how much they act like him. We knew from the ones we have trained and raised how good minded and talented they were, but to get as many calls and messages as we have from others is really amazing.
Our returning breeder rate has been very high as well which is always a plus. We like when mare owners come back for more. He is stamping his front leg and they have all inherited his great jog. I think those two traits are so important to see in his babies. Not every mare is going to be a World Champion or proven producer, so if he can improve some of the more average mares in the way he has and continue to do so, the sky will be the limit for him as a sire.
Erin, thank you for sitting down with us!
You’re welcome
CLICK HERE to view John Simon and Im Johnny Cash’s ad in the March issue of GoMag
