Larger Than Life: The Legacy Of Solair, 2017-2025
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92 – March/April, 2026
By Jessica O’Connor
Sometimes the world needs a reminder that behind the polished, poised animals we see in the show ring, horses all have a story to tell that is written after the arena lights go dark. More than just a collector of golden globes and grand champion neck sashes, legendary AQHA halter gelding Solair’s story is one of forging friendships, dedicated teamwork, shared dreams, and boundless love.
Born to be Great
“Contact me as soon as that baby’s born,” John Shepard told Luke Castle after a Palomino broodmare caught his eye in the field. Shez Wear N Spurs’ resulting 2017 foal by Solaris was, ironically, in the same pasture with the great CR Peacemaker when John arrived to purchase a prospect for Tony Bladen.
“I could have picked either of those colts, and it wouldn’t have been a bad decision,” Shepard recalls. “But Tony wanted a gelding, and I felt like for us and what we do, Solair was the one I wanted as a gelding.”
Under John’s guidance, Bladen went on to win at the Select World and Congress with “Sully” as a yearling. It was in Amarillo that Dan Fox first laid eyes on the exceptional young gelding and found himself starstruck.
“I was in the alleyway, and John pulled out this bay horse about 30 yards down from me,” Dan remembers of that day. “I was like a magnet. I saw him down there and I just had to get closer. I didn’t know John well at the time, but I walked down there and said, ‘What in the world’s that?’ He set him up and, typical Sully, he set right up and put his ears up. He hadn’t won a thing yet, but 20 minutes later I asked if he was for sale.”
Disappointed when Shepard relayed that he didn’t think he was, Dan asked that he be the first phone call made if the situation ever changed. Sully went on to win the Select World as a yearling the next day–and six weeks later, Dan’s fervent wish came true. John kept his promise, and the call was made saying that Sully was for sale. The rest, as they say, is history.
Solair the Showstopper
Click here to read the complete article
92 – March/April, 2026
