The Ford Truck Arena at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was awash in red white and blue on Saturday evening as the National Snaffle Bit Association honored our nation’s military veterans with a parade of flags, presentation of the riderless horse, and a special flag presentation by the Thunderbird Academy.
Spectators were also able to cheer on military veterans who were recognized on the Jumbotron, whose names had been submitted by the horse show exhibitors prior to the presentation.
The special tribute to veterans preceded the Heroes On Horses Walk Trot Western Pleasure class, in which United State military veterans may ride and compete for the NSBA world championship title.
During the parade, this year’s exhibitors in the Heroes On Horses class were introduced. This year’s exhibitor group represented the United State Marine Corps, the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, the Special Forces Group and infantry divisions of the United States Army, Navy Intelligence, Navy Aviation, and the United States Air Force.
When the judges’ cards were tabulated, Jackie Egan, who had served just under three years in the Navy as a United States Navy Airman Apprentice plane captain, was named the world champion aboard Chockstar, a sorrel Appaloosa gelding owned by Stable Strides Farm.
“I’ve been showing in the Heroes On Horses classes for a few years,” Jackie said. “I really come here to support my son, Mason, who shows in the Equestrians With Disabilities classes, and support our Stable Strides barn family.”
“I’ve grown to really look forward to the Heroes On Horses classes, and the dinner we have with the other veterans and our practice session. I’ve made such great friends with several of the other veterans and really look forward to seeing them each year.”
Taking the reserve champion title was John Halpin, a retired sergeant major in the Marine Corps. John served 24 and a half years including three tours in Iraq and a tour in Afghanistan. He also served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm and earned a Bronze Star and three combat ribbons as well as 19 other medals during his service. He now works in the construction industry and lives with his wife, Brenda, and children, Kayla and Austen.
John grew up in a horse family, where his father was a farrier, and has been riding horses for 50 years. He enjoys the bond that you create with your horse. He showed Megas Playboy in the class.
Bruce Cummings served seven years in the United States Army including in the 82nd Airborne Division of the 7th Special Forces Group. Bruce just started riding horses two and a half years ago, but loves the camaraderie of being with other veterans. He also enjoys volunteering with Equestrians With Disabilities riders. He earned the bronze championship in the class aboard A Chip Of Sudden, a 14 year old Appaloosa mare.
The NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity continue through Sunday, August 18. To view the complete show schedule, compete show results or view the live video feed during the show, please visit nsba.com.
