2020 Horse Stars Hall of Fame Inductees

From Lynn Coakley, Equus Foundation

The Horse Stars Hall of Fame was established by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2013 to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and their magical and powerful bond with people. The USEF inducts the horses recognized annually as “Horses of Honor” for their stellar athletic performances. The EQUUS Foundation inducts horses who have had an inspirational impact on the public as companions, teachers, and healers.

“The Horse Stars Hall of Fame is a wonderful way to demonstrate the staying power of horses -- as athletes, companions, teachers and healers -- and their unique abilities to move us through a spectrum of experiences from thrill and exhilaration to pure joy. By sharing the stories of these amazing horses, we hope to build a more informed and compassionate America that values the impact of horses in our lives,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.

We are proud to announce that the 2020 inductees are Apollo, Cameo, Darry Lou, Disruption, El Primero, First Apple, Guns N Gold, Lucky Strike, Shezaffirecracker+//, Tsetserleg TSF and Zander fan Camelot Ster.

Equus Foundation Inductees

Apollo (2003 - ) New York City Department of Parks & Recreation

Apollo has been a part of the New York City Parks Enforcement Mounted Unit since 2008. The 18-hand, 2,000 lb., North American Spotted Draft Horse began his career in the Mounted Unit when he was just five years old and took to patrolling right away. Throughout his career, Apollo has worked to protect New York City (NYC) parks during major events. Read more about Apollo at: http://www.horsestarshalloffame.org/inductees/126/apollo.aspx

Cameo (1987 - ) Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program

At the Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program (MTRP), Cameo is considered a founding member of the program. The chestnut Morgan mare began her therapy career 21 years ago as the first horse at MTRP, establishing herself as a pillar of the organization. Read more about Cameo at: http://www.horsestarshalloffame.org/inductees/127/cameo.aspx

Disruption (2010 - ) Second Chance Ranch

Disruption started his career in 2012 as a racehorse in Washington with his trainer and co-owner, Monique Snowden. Tragically, Snowden took her life at the young age of 37-years-old. After Snowden's death, he found a new home at Second Chance Ranch (SCR) where he quickly embraced his new job as "equine coach" in their suicide-prevention programs. Read more about Disruption at: http://www.horsestarshalloffame.org/inductees/128/disruption.aspx

Guns N Gold (1995 - ) Oklahoma State University Athletics

When Guns N Gold (Cash) arrived at Turning Point Ranch at the age of 20, he already had a full career and needed very little training. Cash had been part of the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Equestrian Team. “Cash is one of those special horses that just knows when he has a young kid aboard or handling him. That is why he is such a special therapy horse,” said OSU Equestrian Team Head Coach, Larry Sanchez. Read more about Guns N Gold at: http://www.horsestarshalloffame.org/inductees/129/guns_n_gold.aspx

Lucky Strike (1994 - ) Gleneayre

A pillar of the Gleneayre Equestrian Program, Lucky Strike (Glen) has helped hundreds of individuals struggling with emotional, mental, and social anxieties. In his former life, the Dutch Warmblood won top ribbons in the hunter ring. His calm demeanor and forgiving attitude allowed him to smoothly transition from competition into Equine Facilitated Learning programs. Read more about Lucky Strike at: http://www.horsestarshalloffame.org/inductees/130/lucky_strike.aspx

USEF Inductees

Darry Lou (2008 - ) Evergate Stables

The 2008 Dutch warmblood stallion has become a stalwart in the talented lineup of mounts for four-time USEF Equestrian of the Year and Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden, as the pair have captured numerous international wins since their partnership began in 2017. Now owned by Jennifer Gates and Evergate Stables, they are looking forward to seeing what is next for Darry Lou. Read more about Darry Lou at: http://www.horsestarshalloffame.org/inductees/131/darry_lou.aspx

El Primero (2009 - ) Bryan Baldwin & Meralex Farm

The Dutch Warmblood gelding trained by Peggy Gehman and Louise Serio has been piloted by seasoned hunter rider Victoria Colvin since early 2019 and the pair have achieved some of the highest honors known to the hunter division. Read more about El Primero at: http://www.horsestarshalloffame.org/inductees/136/el_primero.aspx

First Apple (2010 - ) Summit Farm

First Apple and Sarah Lockman catapulted into the international dressage spotlight in 2019. The dynamic duo have transitioned to the Grand Prix level and have their sights set on continuing to represent the United States at the highest levels of international competition. Read more about First Apple at:  http://www.horsestarshalloffame.org/inductees/132/first_apple.aspx

Shezaffirecracker+// (2007 - ) Chris and Sonya Bickford

Shezaffirecracker+//, a 2007 half-Arabian, half-Saddlebred mare, collected numerous carriage pleasure driving accolades with co-owner and trainer Chris Bickford. According to Bickford, Shezaffirecracker+// has a "Type A" personality. She absolutely loves to do her job and there isn't a road long enough for her. Read more about Shezaffirecracker+// at: http://www.horsestarshalloffame.org/inductees/135/shezaffirecracker.aspx

Tsetserleg TSF (2007 - ) Christine Turner

One of the world's top eventing horses, Tsetserleg TSF is a 2007 Trakehner gelding out of Thabana by Windfall II. “Thomas” (as he's known colloquially around the barn) began his eventing career with Michael Pollard. When he first arrived at Boyd Martin's barn in 2016, Martin admits that he “didn't think much” of the 16.1 hand Thomas. Fast forward to 2019, and the pair has conquered some of the biggest eventing competitions in the world. Read more about Tsetserleg TSF at: http://www.horsestarshalloffame.org/inductees/133/tsteserleg_tsf.aspx

Zander fan Camelot Ster (2007 - ) Victoria Gillenwater