Kevin Dukes and The Grateful Red Win QH Congress Junior Pleasure Driving

By: Brittany Bevis

The always dapper Kevin Dukes donned a black fedora with a small peacock feather to add a bit of flair to his outfit this afternoon in Junior Pleasure Driving. A special touch like that is necessary if you’re expected to show a horse named The Grateful Red, aka “Garcia.” This beautiful, red, 5-year-old is in fact named after the founding member, lead vocalist, and guitar player for The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia.

Unlike the musician, his equine counterpart hasn’t had a very long career in the industry. “He’s only shown in Pleasure Driving about three times, so we’re very pleased,” says owner Linda Lindsey. “He’s very steady, keeps his head down, and does the job. He’s a very smooth mover, and nothing really ruffles his feathers. He’s a very sound-minded horse.”

Lindsey has owned Garcia for two years, and he has prior experience in classes like Equitation and Working Hunter. Lindsey hasn’t yet shown Garcia, but she has experience driving horses outside of the show pen.

“Hopefully, I’m going to start at the Fox Lea Farm show next year in Pleasure Driving,” she says. “I do drive horses, but I’ve never shown, so I’m looking forward to that. Driving the horses in these carts is really a lot of fun. It can be dangerous in the classes, but it’s also a lot of fun! I’ve been driving for three or four years, but I’ve never gotten in the ring.”

The Reserve Champion in Junior Pleasure Driving was Brian Holmes with Good Thing I’m Hot for Chad Sandoval. Third place was Lee Paul Shinn with Lovin Honor for Dr. April Speyer. Fourth place was Julie O’Brien with Zip Up My Blumers. Fifth place was Tina McElroy with Giv Romance A Chance.