The Legendary Kansas Horsemen’s panel features talented horse men and women who have achieved high recognition such as Hall of Fame status for themselves or their horse, who have provided outstanding service to the equine industry in some capacity or who have earned high winnings in their discipline. It’s a great opportunity to hear their stories directly with reflections on past and present experiences, and we can pick up some sage advice from them too!

I grew up in Garden City in town. I used to hang around the race barn at the fairgrounds when I was a kid. I also liked to go out to the roping club and untie calves. I was around Otis Jennings family a lot. Otis was always my idea of a cowboy. I got my first horse to run my bird dogs within the late 60's. Moved to North Platte Nebraska in 1970, went to work for the Nebraska Farmer and called on farmers every day. I probably got to meet every good horseman in Nebraska one time or another. All of them one time or another, all of them taught me something. I started trading a few horses, roping and doing day work. I moved back to Kansas in 1980, then was moved to Colorado with the same job. I lived in the San Luis valley for a few years. Got to know the Wiescamps. I started making a few bits in the early 80's when I was in Colorado. I came back to Kansas in about 1985, day worked, did some shoeing, and made lots of bits. In 1989 I went to the Texas panhandle and made bits full time. I got to be friends with the "best". Kept my horses at Reed Hill's for about 10 years until Reed and John R. Passed. Met a lot of great horsemen there. I was in Texas for 21 years. I moved back to Kansas in 2010, still making lots of bits and spurs. Guess it's just what I do.

I have had a lifetime of enjoyment owning horses, been an AQHA most of my life, and was lucky enough to have a neighbor who was one of the nation’s top breeders in the 60’s & 70’s- Ron Crowthers. For a horse crazy kid, it was perfect. I’ve had a chance to work with some of the top breeders and trainers in Kansas. They each gave me knowledge to be a good horseman. I’ve always kept some broodmares, for that’s the best way to tell that summer is coming, when the colts start coming. I have loved showing, rodeos and making good horses.