Thanks, Dad! A Surprise for Our Horse Show Dads
Photo credit: Amazon
There is a popular horse dad t-shirt that says, “Horse Dad: Scan for Payment.”
It’s truly funny and sometimes it seems like dad just keeps opening his wallet, but the reality is that our horse show dads influence us and our love for all things equine.
Sometimes they taught us to love the horse, and sometimes, they stood beside and behind us even if they weren’t “horse guys.”
We asked some of our exhibitors who have graced our pages to surprise their dads with a thank you and a heartfelt message, so keep scrolling to see the beautiful sentiments.
To Jason Amala, from daughter Rose Amala
I’m so grateful for my dad because he’s my biggest fan. He never misses a competition, whether he’s there in person or watching the livestream from work. Ever since I was little, he’s left hidden notes in my suitcase with his three rules: try hard, be a good sport, and have fun.
To Chris Arentsen, from daughters Olivia and Audrey
From Olivia…
I’m grateful for my dad because he spends so much time taking me to horse shows and always supports me, no matter how early we have to wake up or how long the day is. He pushes me to be my best, celebrates my accomplishments, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his help and guidance.
Olivia and Chris
From Audrey…
I’m really grateful for my dad, whether it’s him cheering me on, helping me get a gold trophy, or just making a life decision, he is always there for me. I love how he supports me through the hard times and pushes me to be stronger each and every day and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his help and guidance.
Audrey and Chris
To Ramsey Berry, from daughter Chloe Berry
Chloe said Ramsey gave her the confidence to go in and show. She was very nervous and a little bit scared to show in the halter. Ramsey told her, ‘You got this! You were born to do this.’
Pictured: Karley, Ramsey, and Chloe Berry
To Troy Beynon, from son Liam Beynon
Happy Father’s Day to my dad, Troy! Thank you for everything you do to help me at horse shows. You always make sure I get to the show early so I have time to practice my trail patterns, get me to the ring on time, help me wash the horses’ legs, and make sure my numbers are pinned on correctly. You even make sure I have my Red Bull every morning so I can keep going through those long show days!
Horse showing takes a whole team, and I’m lucky to have you as such an important part of mine. Thank you for supporting me, helping me, and always being there through the early mornings and long days. I love you, Dad! Happy Father’s Day!
To Terry Bradshaw, from daughter Erin Bradshaw Weiss
My dad has been a staple in my career in horses and the sole reason I got into horses when I was little. He put me on a horse at 5 and it was downhill from there! Lol.
He has impacted so many different parts of my equine career but the most being how to handle the competition, winning, losing, keeping your head up and continuing to always work hard no matter how much success you have had.
To Jody Brewer, from daughter Addison Brewer
My dad is one of the biggest reasons I’m able to do what I love. He helps care for my pigs, supports me at every show, and always stays level-headed, teaching me that success comes from hard work, patience, and learning from both the good days and the bad.
To Matthew Budine, from daughter Kayla Budine
My dad is the reason so many of my horse girl dreams have become a reality. His support, encouragement, and sacrifices never go unnoticed, and I am so grateful to have him by my side every step of the way. Love you, Dad.
To Ronnie Casper, from daughter Carly Casper
My dad has always been one of my biggest supporters, both in and out of the show pen. From the early mornings and long drives to the countless hours spent helping me chase my goals, he has always been there without hesitation. I’m grateful for his work ethic, encouragement, and the example he set of showing up for the people you love. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
To Royce Dever, from sons Trusten and Troy
From Trusten…
My dad, Royce, has been so supportive in my horse journey—hauling, laundry, late nights, early mornings, and he’s always there when I need him. He shows me every day what it means to get up and work hard and succeed, not only in the show pen, but in life.
From Troy…
My dad never hesitates to show up for me! I’m grateful for his support and couldn’t do this without him!
To Steve Ehrle, from daughters Cassie and Alex
From Cassie Ehrle…
From driving thousands of miles across the country to supporting every round regardless of the outcome, my dad truly goes above and beyond as a horse show dad extraordinaire! More importantly, beyond the arena, I am blessed by the countless hours of memories, laughter, and time spent together through each new adventure! I am beyond grateful for everything he does to allow me to pursue each and every goal in and out of the show arena! Happy Father’s Day!
Cassie and Steve
From Alex Baca…
Behind every successful and not so successful ride was my dad who drove thousands of miles to make dreams possible and who spent countless early mornings helping get my horse ready. Thank you for believing in me, for supporting my passion, and for being there for every win, every loss, and every mile of the journey. I am so incredibly grateful to be your daughter! I love you, Dad! Happy Father’s Day!
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- Alex and Steve
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- Photos by Dani Long
To Gil Galyean, from son Brody Galyean
I’m grateful for my father to be able witness what it truly means to be a Horseman, Father, Husband and man and what to strive for in my own life.
To Steve Headley, from daughter Sarah Headley
So fortunate to be able to share my love of horses with my Dad. Whether he was leading me around in lead line when I was at my first horse show or cheering me on at the world show, now he has always been one of my biggest supporters. He is one of my people waiting at the gate win or lose.
To Randy Jacobs, from son RJ Jacobs
My father always said, from sports to now running the business, “You will make mistakes and that’s okay it’s how you learn from those mistakes in which you will get better….just don’t make the same mistake twice.”
To Ryan Kail, from son Lane Kail
My dad impacts my journey because he’s always been there for me during the great times and the bad. He’s taught me so much on how to be a horseman and a great showman. Couldn’t ask for a better dad!!
To Jimmy Langley, from daughters Avery and Addison Langley
Our dad has always gone out of his way to make every experience meaningful, whether it becomes an unforgettable memory or a lesson that helps us grow. Through every hardship, every win, and every moment in between, he has been our biggest supporter, our steady guide, and truly the best horse show dad we could ever ask for.
To Josh Weakly, from son Jax and daughter Knox
From Jax, age 12…
My dad impacts my life by being there to support me through the ups and downs and helping out when he can. I’m grateful he has taught me so much through the start of my halter career! Love you dad!
From Knox, age 9…
I’m grateful my dad comes to the horse shows and watches me show. And when he helps drive the motorhome. I also love it when he helps me ride at home when my mom can’t.
