Chad Judy - Arabian Horse Trainer, published in AHT

Chad Judy ...

An Arabian Horse Trainer's Story Of Faith, Fortitude And Friendship

by Catherine Cole Ferandelli

“You are what you’re surrounded by.”

Ntl. Champion Mister Matrix

T

his statement is the compass by which Chad Judy has built his life. Exceptional allegiance to family, friendships and a rigorous work ethic, have been the pillars on which Chad has built a monumental career. For Chad, success truly takes a village, proclaiming, “I have been very, very blessed with family, friends and professional peers who have had nothing but the best intentions.” But good fortune and success in the hard-driving Arabian show horse industry is a long shot venture at best, demanding a constant balance of sometimes seemingly contradictory components—toughness, yet compassion; patience, yet pushiness; loyalty, yet change, just to name a few. Chad Judy meets and deals with all these facts and more with compassion and a real knack for building durable personal and professional kinships alike.

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Still vigorously youthful after decades of training national level Arabian show horses, Chad Judy has learned from and worked with the best in the business, reeling off one iconic Arabian horse trainer name after another. All of his learnings from these legends possess one common thread: Train a horse to its best qualities by functioning in a forward thinking environment with positive energy and enthusiasm. Steadfast to his impeccable ethics, Chad Judy has long earned the respect of his industry peers.

The tangible proof is dozens of national titles, accolades and recognition, including three APAHA awards in the Saddle Seat and Hunter/Show Hack professional categories.

Chad’s early years certainly helped set the stage for success.

The youngest of four brothers and a son of a passionate sports enthusiast, Chad’s family life was competitive, yet warm and open to exploring other avenues. As young boys, next older brother Scott and Chad discovered and gained fervor for all things involving horses. Scott remembers, “Chad and I always loved horses. Despite the sports passion in our family, our parents encouraged involvement in everything equine related.

We rode and trained our own horses, competing locally in all kinds of events.” Scott laughs, “I remember 6 year old Chad racing barrels, taking a sharp turn and falling off his Appaloosa mount. You heard the spectators take a deep breath and then break out in cheers as he stood up, got back on and finished his run!” And the two brothers continued to share their love of horses. “Back around 2003, Chad talked me into breeding my Appaloosa mare Dudes Crystollace to the purebred Monarch V,” Scott recalls. “I was always a Quarter Horse/Appaloosa kind of guy, so this was definitely outside my norm. Well, my mare produced an exceptional gelding we named Marc My Words.

Sold as a 2-year-old to Empress Arabians client Kate Gardner, he went on to win the 2007 U.S. National Champion HA/AA

Empress Arabians' Ntl. Champion EA Mybey Berry

Chad and Frosty Hunter Pleasure Futurity Horse title. For a small breeder such as myself, this was a super cool moment. I’ll always be grateful to Chad for talking me into it!”

Chad’s beginnings in the Arabian horse industry began in Lisbon, Ohio at Page 2 Arabians, then a huge breeding and training farm populated with over two hundred horses. A high school freshman, Chad started at the ground level, performing grooming duties and then quickly moving up to starting horses, some fifty a year. Chad looks back, “Some of the best trainers in the business were at Page 2: Bob Hart, Sr. and Lance Valdespino, a true horseman who was an inspirational mentor to this young teenaged guy. At Page 2 I showed Arabians with the likes of Ray LaCroix! I was so busy, my parents agreed I could leave school and complete my academic education with a tutor.”

Unfortunately, Page 2 Arabians went out of business, with a huge Sotheby’s Auction disbursing their stock. Noted breeder, Wayne Newton, bid on several, including Pralines and Cream, a horse picked especially for his daughter Erin. Seeking one on one equine tutelage, Wayne contacted Chad to help Erin with her horses. This is when career opportunities seemed to unfold for Chad. After working for Wayne Newton, he went to Wrigley Arabians, at one point sent down to Texas to learn from veteran trainer Ray LaCroix. Other ‘up and comers’, including Martha Murdock, Cyndi Rettenmund, Rob Bick and Caralyn Schroter were with Chad at the Texas facility, all gaining valuable experience for future operations of their own.

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During this time, Chad became further acquainted with the renowned LaCroix remembering, “From there, Ray and I moved to Julie Wrigley’s farm in Lake Geneva.”

These professional ‘tributaries’ connected, making a passageway to Empress Arabians and the Ruscitto family.

While working for Julie (around 1995), Chad learned of yet another professional opportunity located closer to his childhood home and family in Venetia, Pa. Businessman Lou Ruscitto and his wife, Carol, were seeking a trainer for Empress Arabians— their vast Arabian farm operation inspired by their youngest daughter Marla’s love for horses. Chad looks back, “This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a young trainer such as I. To this day, I believe Gene LaCroix and Marla were key to my even being considered for the position, much less getting hired! I always felt the farm was built for Marla; she was already this incredibly knowledgeable young woman when it came to Arabian horses. She knew more about Arabian horse pedigrees and history at age 14 than I!” Lou and Carol had recently made the historic acquisition of Hucklebey Berry (‘HBB’) as Marla had fallen in love with the famed stallion during her summer visits to Gene and Erin’s farm in Whitefish, Mont. The three-time unanimous English pleasure

Chad and son, Preston

Chad and Marla Ruscitto national champion was standing at stud there, for then owners Gerry and Babs Maddox.

Carol and Lou recall their first meeting Chad back in 1995.

“When we met Chad face to face (after some spirited long distance job negotiations),” Carol says, “I thought he was handsome; a sweet looking young man. My husband Lou had a different reaction to his youthfulness.” Lou exclaimed, “This guy barely looks 18 and he negotiated these terms with me?” Carol smiles with remembrance, “Both Lou and I had a few initial concerns about Chad’s being able to handle our large training and breeding operation. Our reservations were quickly dispelled as Chad immediately went to work, unerringly fitting in with staff, our horses, family and our farm’s culture. We now confess, to early on subtle spying of Chads’ training practices. Never did we witness any abuse of horses or staff. Chad’s philosophy as a trainer is to be patient, yet persistent; fair, yet firm. He always sees the good in horses and people. Chad’s solid character serves him well.”

Chad hit the ground running, as at the time, Empress Arabians was breeding around one hundred mares a year. Shows saw the arrival of Marla and Chad bringing a dozen or more horses to compete and winning countless championships. Chad recollects, “Working at Empress Arabians catapulted me into the stratosphere of showing national champions. But working for

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Lou and Carol Ruscitto is about far more than winning that top prize. Their priorities are always about running an honest and fair operation. Putting the horses care and well-being is top of the list. So is mutual respect for everyone who touches Empress’ operation, from the grooms, to Lou and Carol themselves.”

Carol confirms, "Chad has been with us for nearly 22 years. He and our daughter Marcy are the parents of our 15-year-old grandson, Preston, so that makes him family too. Chad is a very positive person. He doesn't let negativity into his life. I really admire that about him. He's fun to be around and a great dad to our grandson. Though Empress Arabians is now a smaller operation in herd size, we cannot imagine any future here without Chad. We have lived so many joys: he took our late daughter Marla to a whole new level in terms of showing, all the while sharing a special connection that only Arabian horses can bring. One of our fondest memories is Marla and Chad’s The Ruscittos and Chad with EA Love Potion, EA Words of Wisdom and first national title showing The Big Oh." Carol continues, Mister Matrix “We’ve endured tragedy and still we press on. Lou and I are busy raising our granddaughter Marleea. She loves the horses as much Chad concurs, “During the 22 years (and counting) that I have as her mother did. Chad and Empress Arabians has evolved been with Empress Arabians, Lou and Carol Ruscitto have today to a predominantly training operation with such a special become my biggest supporters, personally and professionally. collection of loyal, long standing clientele. We love our life here They have always done their best to provide me with anything I and want to see it go forward just as it is.” would need to be successful. Whether it be breeding great horses that I got to train and show, or just plain old love and support in my life, Lou and Carol have always treated me like family, even before I became family. I don’t think when Lou hired me all those years ago, that he thought he would end up gaining another family member to help support! We, like every family has, have had our share of ups and downs, but at the end of the day, our foundation keeps us strong. I know I have been blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people like the Ruscittos and everyone at Empress Arabians.”

Ntl. Champion The Big Oh

Barbara Gardner, client and Empress Arabians Farm Manager since 2008, agrees, “My mom and I have been Chad’s clients since 2003. When we first brought our horses here, I remember most how positive Chad was. Even if you did the wrong thing, he never said, ‘You did that wrong.’ Rather he would say, ‘You know that isn’t working, so try to do it this way.’ I never felt like I was being molded into a certain style of rider, I was being molded into the rider my horses needed and I could be.

There was never an ‘it has to be this way,’ with Chad.” Barbara continues, “Chad always has some silly way to make you smile, even on a bad day. As co-workers and friends, we have been through many highs and lows. I feel very blessed that our friendship has always held steadfast.”

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Chad “Rich” Beadnell has worked as co-trainer with Chad for some thirteen years. “I arrived at Empress Arabians all of 17 years old, finishing high school by mail. I expected to start at ground level and did. Still, Chad took a chance, elevating me to riding some of our training horses after a matter of weeks. Barely a year later, I was showing! We are a family here, everyone respects each other. It’s work, but it’s family, all at the same time.”

Over time, Chad’s training operation has changed. He elaborates, “We are still a national oriented show barn, but most of all, we love the journey we take to go for the roses. I now have several clients: wonderful folks like Brad and Karen Root who trust me with their numerous horses. Brad is one of our vets here; he’s hugely important to our operation. Robin Miller and her Half-Arabian Country English horse RH AK Forty-Seven are wonderful and still going strong; and Jen Childers and Kate/Barbara Gardner are loyal clients beyond measure. Our farrier, Bob Parks, has been with us for 21 years, always looking out for the health and happiness of our horses. We couldn’t have this operation without him.” Chad goes on, “Nowadays, we show up at U.S. with 10 ‘jewels’ to show.

We spend a lot of time giving lessons, seeking that picture perfect combination of a charismatic horse and rider.

Ntl. Champion EA Apollomalu “Our training program has changed, but the priorities and goals remain the same,” Chad maintains. “Surround yourself with the best people, folks with integrity, honesty and transparency. Always give mutual respect. Embrace your professional peers and honor them.

These days we frequently share a barn at shows with Brian Murch and Strawberry Banks Farm. I consider him a mentor in the best sense; he’s an invaluable friend and consultant, not just about training horses, but in all aspects of our industry.”

Brian shares the same feelings, “I’m a little older than Chad. It’s nice to be able to know someone well enough to share advice. Everything Chad and Empress Arabians does, from its staff to horses, is polished and professional from start to finish.”

Every day, Chad’s dogs, Milo and Nino, come to work with him.

They truly run his life outside of work and adore him like no other.

Every morning and afternoon, he walks them around the farm while he checks on the fields, and when in his office, you will find them both sitting behind him. Milo and Nino want to be with him so much, that even when he is out working, they take over his desk.

In telling Chad’s story, leaving out his dogs would be like leaving out a big piece of his heart.

Chad smiles as he reflects on his life, personal and professional, “Family, friends and horses are the cornerstone of my life’s work. This business is a tough one in which to realize success. The physical and mental tasks can take their toll on the best of talent. I’ve been blessed throughout my journey in the Arabian horse industry, having worked with great horsemen who were also fine individuals. I could look up to them as a youngster just entering the business. I’ve been with the Ruscittos and Empress Arabians for 22 years now, likely a record of some sort. My work is my life as family and friends are so interwoven through and through.” Chad concludes, “I’ll always want to be doing what I do, loving the horses, and helping them and their riders create their own path to be the best they can be. God willing, I’ll continue to train great show horses and their riders, and build even more remarkable memories.”

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“I have known Chad for over 25 years. He is a gentleman, honest and hardworking. A talented man who actually trains his horses, is kind to them and always has their health, attitude and wellbeing first in mind. He has integrity and he is a HORSEMAN, a term I do not use lightly. I have watched him grow and become one of the best in our industry.

I have had first hand, the pleasure of working with Chad at, and thru Empress Arabians, and during the days of Hucklebey Berry, one of the great horses of our day. I would send him a horse to train and show anytime. Best wishes and continued success in the future.”

Your forever friend—Bob Battaglia “I have known Chad since 1992 when we were both at LaCroix Ltd. working for Ray LaCroix. We have had a mutual admiration ever since. Chad has talent, integrity and loyalty all the way to his soul. He is simply one of the "good guys," and I enjoy every successful milestone with him. I am certain there will be many more.” —Martha Rattner “I have known Chad what seems like, forever. Not only is he a wonderful trainer, he is a great person and friend. He makes the world a better place!” —Cindy Clinton "Chad is a consummate professional … a perfect combination of talent, knowledge, and kindness. Working with him is a real pleasure." —Dr. Chat Kleinpeter “I worked with Chad for six years; hard work and a lot of fun, too! I give him credit for getting me going in this business. I highly respect Chad as a great trainer and friend.” —Jonathan Ramsay “Chad is one helluva’ trainer! From the time when we worked together years ago, until today, Chad has always presented himself professionally, with dignity, integrity and friendliness toward everyone. I do believe he has the ability to always do things right— with people, horses or any given situation, and he is as good as any trainer who’s ‘come down the pike’ in decades. Nowadays, I see Chad 2-3 times a year at shows and he always makes me smile. Chad Judy is a true gentleman; someone I aspire my kids to be.”

—Jim Lowe “I’ve known Chad since the ‘80s. I believe we first met when he was working with my brother Ray. He has always been a truly fine person, and I regard him as a great friend. Chad always has my respect as a fine individual and is on my list of top trainers.”

—Gene LaCroix “I've known Chad since he was 16 years old. He has always been focused and driven by his love for horses and the show ring. Lou and Carol have been an immense influence in his life both professionally and personally. Together they have achieved the greatest level of success in the business, and have done so with pride and integrity. I wish Chad and Empress Arabians much more of the same in the future.” —John Neyer “A versatile horseman beyond words with so much talent and love for the horse; he works a horse with so much softness and ease, which makes for a winning picture.” —Pepper Proffit

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I worked with Chad around 1990 at Page 2 Arabians. He was new in the business; he may have shown some horses with us, but I don’t think so. From the beginning, Chad showed huge potential. He was an excellent listener, taking instructions and following through exactly as asked. He was very good with all our horses, and it was easy to tell he loved them very much. Chad was always enjoyable and fun to be around. We haven’t seen each other in years … what a great chance to say hello!” —Lance Valdespino “I've known Chad since he worked in Texas for Ray LaCroix. The day I met him, he stepped out into the arena with a smile! No matter how hard the job became, Chad never gave up and worked with dignity and pride. He was a gifted horseman then, and boy, has he stepped up and proven it today! From training a great harness horse to winning with English horses; to National Champion Hunters and Show Hack … Chad Judy is a master of them all! There are few others as kind, generous and gifted as Chad. I'm so very proud to call him my friend. Love you, Chad, forever and ever!” —Cathy Vincent “Chad and I had a great time working together for three years. First of all, he is a dedicated trainer and a true horseman, but he is also someone who likes to have fun and enjoy what he does. Going to work every day was easy when you had someone there to bounce ideas off of and lots of laughs to go with it!” —Kevin Price “Back in 1995 or 1996, I was still training horses for Fairway Farms. I got a call from a kid from Pennsylvania that had gone to work for Empress Arabians. At the time, I was familiar with Empress because of Hucklebey Berry (HBB), but hadn’t yet heard of Chad. He asked if we would have some stalls for them if they came in early before the Youth Nationals. He wanted his horses acclimated to the Oklahoma heat. I told him we would make room.

This kid showed up with everything clad in purple. He introduced himself and that was the first time meeting Chad Judy. What a class act! He spent the week with us and I remember putting him on his first 5-gaited horse. He was flashing those pearly whites, which are now synonymous with Chad’s many victory passes.

In a business that sees trainers come and go, especially in working private jobs, Chad has always been the exception. He not only can train and show a horse to perfection, he is also the example of a steady man. You can count on one hand the trainers that have been with the same farm for over 20 years. Chad Judy is the exception.” —Bill Addis “Chad is an asset to the Arabian horse industry. Not only is he a talented, versatile trainer, he exemplifies all the qualities of a horseman. He treats his horses with dignity and respect, and he is a sportsman who is respected by his peers, not only for his successes in the ring, but for the way he conducts himself out of it.” —John & Christine Ryan “Chad’s long stint at Empress, consistently producing national champions now for decades, speaks volumes not only for his character and his talents, but also about the Ruscittos, our breed, and our industry. New trainers coming up in the ranks can look at success stories like Chad's and be inspired. I have long admired his skill, his integrity and his work ethic. Sometimes he's even fun to be around! Congratulations, my friend, here's to 20 more years.” —Allen Zeller

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s e i r o m e M ... is making them.

The best thing about

TTHE HE WAY WE W WERE ERE

WEE ARE FAMILY W

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We enticed Chad to work for us with the "Black Car".

Lou and Chad bonded like father and son.

A very happy pair ... double National Championships.

Who could resist this face?

Beautiful Memories.

A handsome pair.

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The horse and trainer connection ...

Chad has it!

Chad's first National Championship.

DFA

MERCYM M ERCYME ERCYME (Baske Afire x Jullyna DFA)

2015 U.S. National Champion Arabian Pleasure Driving Open with Chad Judy 2015 U.S. National Reserve Champion Arabian Pleasure Driving AAOTD with Jen Childers 2016 U.S. National Champion Arabian Pleasure Driving AAOTD

AALLUSIVE LLUSIVE MOMENT M OMENT

(Allionce x Like Magic) 2006 Canadian National Reserve Champion Arabian Hunter Open with Chad Judy 2006 Canadian National Champion Arabian Hunter AAOTR & AATR

CASTING C ASTING CROWNS C ROWNS DFA

Fifteen years ago, I was fortunate to meet Chad while looking for someone to train our first foal. Fifteen years later, I can’t ima gine our horses with anyone else. From the beginning, he has demonstrated grea t integrity.

He is honest, fair, kind and has a kna ck for balancing the best interest of the hors e with the needs of the client. Although our breeding program is small, he has always mad e us feel valuable as owners. Of the five horses we have bred or raised, three have become nati onal champions! Allusive Moment, Casting Crowns DFA and DFA Mercyme were all star ted and shown by Chad. I simply can’t thank him enough for his expertise, but most imp ortantly, for his friendship.

Chad, thank you so much for all you have done for me and our farm. I am greatly blessed to know you. You are the best !

Can’t wait for the next adventure!

(Apollopalooza x Hot Flashez TSA) 2007 U.S. National Top Ten Arabian English Futurity with Chad Judy 2009 U.S. National Champion Arabian Country Pleasure Junior Horse

~ Jennifer

COMING IN 2018 … OUR NEXT FUTURE CHAMPION … HA Toskcan Sun x Nottalooza, by Apollopalooza Owners: Jennifer and Bill Childers | Deerfield Arabians 393 Whitmar Hills Rd, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 740-629-7016 Ar abian Horse Times | 36 | Volume 47, No. 10

RH

AAKK Fort Fortyy Seven+/

(Mamage x Lakeview's Savoir Faire)

RH

TTwo wo Thhumbs umbs UUpp

(RH Mi Mamage x RH My Catarina)

Chad, Thank you for being you … Awesom e, Remarkable, Amazing, an Incredible Trainer, Coach and Friend! Thank you for shar ing your professional expertise, for your positive instructions, for the happiness you crea te in my horses and in me! Thank you for your kind and caring heart and for loving my hors es and my family. I would not be as successfu l in the show ring as I am today if it weren’t for you.

Our journey together is a blast! Truly, you are the BEST! God is good!

—Robin Miller

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Cha d ,

ng memories many amazi o S ? e rt a st I t would tak Where do are, but tha sh ld u u yo co k I n a h and things gh paper. T nd not enou ything er ev r fo days to do a my heart f o m o tt o b ving in me, from the me; for belie r fo e n o d much! You you have aching me so te d d n a e m any lives an trusting nce in so m re fe eif n d o a re e a d . You have ma e one of them b to te a n u I’m fort best friend! nd truly my my heart! of-a-kind a e bottom of th m o fr u Thank yo forever, Always and ell Rich Beadn

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BEAM M MEE UP SCOTTY SCOTTY EA (Hucklebey Berry x Scottys Crystal)

National Champion

AALLUSIVE LLUSIVE MOMENT M OMENT (Allionce x Like Magic) Multi National Champion

LLifeinthe ifeintheffastlane ifeinthef astlane CMJ

MARC M ARC M MYY WORD WORDSS

(Take Heart x Hot Flashez TSA) Multi National Top Ten Winner

(Monarch V x Dudes Crystollace) Multi National Champion

IIB

PRETTY P RETTY W WICKED ICKED (Audacious PS x AH Wicked Ways) Multi National Champion

HHot ot In HHarlem arlem

(Harlem Superior x Hot Flashez TSA) Multi National Top Ten Winner All horses, at one time, proudly owned by Kate and Barbara Gardner - Summit Arabians Ar abian Horse Times | 39 | Volume 47, No. 10

Fourteen years ago, I had the good fortu ne to move my horses to Empress Arabian s for training with Chad Judy. He took my daughter and I under his wing and has kept us there since. His training method is what stands out to me the most. He never forces my horses to do a job they can’t perform . He has taken many horses for me over the year s and trained them to National Top Tens or better, and for that I am grateful. I must say, that while the success is spectacular, the jour ney with Chad is what has been the best . He is not only a gifted horseman, he is a kind, funny and entertaining friend.

—Kate Gardner From the moment we met with Chad, he has guided us and trained our horses to perfection. We can’t thank him enou gh for our success, or for the journey we’ve been on!

Thank you, Chad, for everything!

—Kate & Barbara

sa , when I wa Dear Chad ow time flies! From lented horseman. ta gh It’s amazin dmired you as a very ide you for 12 gs a n I lo a y, o yo u ng b me work d show you letting aintain an I appreciate owing me to train, m efinitely been a huge d all years and edible horses! You’ve orseman I am today—to it h cr e in th l severa k e me d the Rusc ping to ma er grateful to you an ared over el h in rt a p e I’ ll be forev e have all sh something he memories that w bsolutely all about th T a ’s r.

It fo y e! il m m ti fa ill last a life the years w friend! y tude, m journey, Much grati nz E n a th Jona

The Lally as our trainFamily has been bless multiple re er and friend for 14 ed to have Chad g y family ach ional and national w ears. Beyond the ieve, he ha ins he has s in such a p ositive way. impacted the lives of helped our knowledge our girls We are fore h and for his e has shared with u ver grateful for the s ex a genuine ca ample of persisten s a gif ted horseman ce ring of all , things two , hard work and and four le g ged.

Congratula tio -Kriss, Fra ns and much love to y nk, Maura , Devin an ou Chad! d Casey

rs of my best five yeaere my dear e th Cha d , r fo u o ank y yo u w I want to th were you my trainer, hen I rode Mister w e ly n m o d t o se made my u tea life. N ved how yo ch fun together. You top ten; lo I . d n ie u fr aming of a e had so m Matrix—w e true. I was just dre ational Champion, m N dreams co ting to receive U.S. pion, U.S. Reserve never expecadian National Cham ! All I can say is, en 2-time Can hampion AND Top T C l a n Natio ank you. Love always, WOW! Th alkoski Judy Niedz

I first met mare, A A Chad Judy in Janua Pristine, to ry of 1995.

Wrigley A I had Ray L with him, rabians in Lake Gen aCroix when he was taken my an d C h a d ev a , W I. My first rid training at gave me on was very su in e working w pportive and helpful of the best I have ev g lesson was er ith Chad a to had! He m e th at year. I re nd he beca him leave fo all m place. We r Empress Arabians, e a good friend. I wa y enjoyed a and Marcy lways kept in contact but he went on to su s sorry to see ch to Chad at when Preston was bo and I was so happy fo a beautiful rn E m .

I p re to ss o k , and loved three dif fere r him always gra go ci exceptiona ous and welcoming, ing there. The Ruscit nt horses l!

Pittsburgh Sometimes Chad w and the care of my ho tos were —it was alw ould take h rses was and friend is ; the Arabia ays a great time! Ch clients to the city o f ad n horse ind ustry is so is a great horseman blessed to h ave him!

—Jean O’L eary

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A time for everything, and everything in its time.

T he Great Bend Ranch and Empress Arabians began their “official” journey together in 2010.

It is only fitting that the Great Bend Ranch horses be with Chad Judy. Brad has had a long-standing working relationship with Chad and Empress Arabians spanning twenty plus years. Together they created many cherished memories for the Ruscitto family.

Chad and I became fast friends beginning with the purchase of Worth the Waitt in 2006. She remained with Chad through U.S. Nationals that year. Afterward, Chad and I remained in contact.

He followed Worth the Waitt’s successes, as well as all the purchases we made. He showed an interest in the horses I was showing and loved hearing about my care centers and the people I was helping.

T he Great Bend Ranch has numerous horses and can be overwhelming to any barn. When it was decided a smaller more intimate venue was what was sought, it only made sense that Chad was contacted. Since making the decision to move to Empress, we have never looked back. Not only did we find the right setting for our horses, we became a part of a wonderful family.

Every decision that the four of us (Brad, Chad, Rich and I) make, places the horse first. Long term decisions are made, and Chad stays the course. Over the years we have all learned one another’s strengths and capitalized on them.

Spending time with our horses is very important to us. We prefer to purchase young prospects. One of the great benefits of Empress Arabians is watching the babies develop into young potential show horses. With Chad, we are able to be an intricate part of the journey to the show ring. Although we continue to enjoy showing, the time spent at the barn watching the development of the horse and myself as rider has become what we truly enjoy the most.

Chad’s patience, ability to communicate with both horse and rider, and the individual care Chad and his staff provide is unbelievable.

It was only fitting that Chad was instrumental in my first Unanimous National Championship and that it was with Worth the Waitt, the horse that brought us together.

Although making a move to ride with Chad at Empress had been discussed numerous times in previous years, there is a time for everything, and everything happens in its own time.

T hank you, Chad, may our journey continue …

Brad and Karen Root New Mexico | Pennsylvania | Utah Ar abian Horse Times | 41 | Volume 47, No. 10