Category: Quarter Horse

Once Upon The Mountain: Joe Merrick (Ep. 57)

Once Upon The Mountain: Joe Merrick (Ep. 57)

In this engaging conversation, Billy and Cade interview Joe Merrick, author of ‘Once Upon the Mountain,’ exploring his life growing up around horses, particularly the legendary Easy Jet. Joe shares heartfelt stories about his childhood experiences, the challenges and triumphs of horse racing, and the lessons learned from his father and the racetrack. The discussion also touches on the current state of the racing industry and the importance of preserving its integrity.

Takeaways

  • Joe Merrick’s book captures the essence of horse racing.
  • Growing up around Easy Jet shaped Joe’s life and career.
  • Joe’s father instilled a strong work ethic in him.
  • Easy Jet’s racing career was unprecedented in its success.
  • The transition from racing to breeding was significant for Easy Jet.
  • Integrity in horse racing is a pressing concern today.
  • Joe’s experiences highlight the bond between humans and horses.

 

About our Guest:

As the son of AQHA Hall of Fame member Walter Merrick, Joe Merrick was a 12-year old during the legendary run of his fathers trainee in 1969, and has written a book that gives the account of those events in 1969 from the perspective of the pre-teenage adolescent.

The AQHA Hall of Fame runner and sire Easy Jet rattled out an epic two-year old campaign in 1969 that saw the son of Jet Deck score 22-victories from a lofty 26-starts as a two year-old.  During that run in 1969,  Easy Jet qualified, and claimed victories in the Blue Ribbon Futurity, Columbus Triple Crown Futurity, Lubbock Downs, Futurity, Laddie Stakes at Centennial Park, Rocky Mountain QHA Futurity, All American Congress Futurity,  Sunland Park Fall Futurity, Kansas Futurity, and the All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.

 

Link to buy the book below!

Connect with Joe Merrick

About our Guest:

As the son of AQHA Hall of Fame member Walter Merrick, Joe Merrick was a 12-year old during the legendary run of his fathers trainee in 1969, and has written a book that gives the account of those events in 1969 from the perspective of the pre-teenage adolescent.

The AQHA Hall of Fame runner and sire Easy Jet rattled out an epic two-year old campaign in 1969 that saw the son of Jet Deck score 22-victories from a lofty 26-starts as a two year-old.  During that run in 1969,  Easy Jet qualified, and claimed victories in the Blue Ribbon Futurity, Columbus Triple Crown Futurity, Lubbock Downs, Futurity, Laddie Stakes at Centennial Park, Rocky Mountain QHA Futurity, All American Congress Futurity,  Sunland Park Fall Futurity, Kansas Futurity, and the All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.

 

Link to Similar Episodes:

Cody Jensen’s Winning Formula in Horse Racing (Ep. 39)

From Jockey to Media Star: Zoe Cadman’s Journey (EP. 52)

Connect with Billy Peterson:

Connect with Cade Peterson:

Connect with Shaun Peterson:

 

Honoring a Legacy: The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation with Laura Joiner (EP 54)

Honoring a Legacy: The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation with Laura Joiner (EP 54)

In this episode, Laura Joiner discusses the Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation, which she leads in honor of her friend, the late Sam Thompson, a jockey who tragically passed away after a racing accident. The foundation initially aimed to cover Sam’s medical expenses but has since expanded to support injured riders and others in the horse racing community. Laura shares the foundation’s growth, scholarship initiatives, challenges in running a nonprofit, and the impact of their work on individuals and families in need. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement and helping others.

Takeaways

  • The foundation was founded to support Sam Thompson’s medical expenses.
  • Sam Thompson’s legacy continues to inspire and drive the foundation’s mission.
  • It has grown to support injured riders and others in the horse racing community.
  • Scholarship initiatives have become a significant part of the foundation’s work and the foundation has awarded over 275 scholarships to date.
  • Community involvement is crucial for the foundation’s success.
  • The foundation aims to create an endowment for sustainable support.

Previous Episodes of Interest:

Connect with The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation

Connect with Billy Peterson:

Connect with Cade Peterson:

 About our Guest: 

Laura has been involved in the race horse industry since the day she was born. Previously, she and her husband (Cody Joiner) operated Circle CJ Racing, LLC. Today they are involved in breeding and racing not only quarter horses but also thoroughbreds.

Sam was not only a rider in their stable, but a close friend as well. Laura wants to put smiles on the faces of those who are in need in our industry, just as Sam did to everyone he touched. Laura has been with the foundation since the very beginning and plans to continue helping it grow larger than they ever dreamed.