Shadd Parkinson Interview | Bridle & Bit Magazine

Shadd Parkinson — Parkinson Performance Horses

Photos Courtesy: McKenzie Parkinson & 2 Diamond Photography

Q Winning the Spectacular at last year's Kimes Western Derby aboard Whose Tuff must have been a great achievement. How does a win like that feel for you?

I love showing a great bridle horse such as "Shep". He loves his job and has been such a wonderful horse for both myself and his owner, Christa Hampton. The consistency and versatility that it takes to be successful in the four event competitions truly takes a special animal, and when it comes together and you can showcase your horse in that way, it's really special.

Q The City of Scottsdale made significant investments, around $50 million, into WestWorld, including the construction of the North and South Halls, enclosing the Equidome, and installing air conditioning. How do you think these improvements have impacted the NRCHA, particularly in hosting events like the Western Derby in late May and early June?

Well, I'm pretty sure we wouldn't be attending an event in Scottsdale in June without these improvements. It has turned Westworld into a year-round event destination by providing the overall infrastructure to elevate the experience for participants, spectators, and the horses. I love having an NRCHA premier event in my backyard, and I look forward to seeing what other high level equine events make their home at WestWorld in the future.

Q Cow Horse competition demands mastery of various disciplines, such as reining, cutting, and fence work. Which part of working cow horse appeals to you the most?

There is nothing like going down the fence. The speed, the element of split second reaction, along with the fact that it is unpredictable and so rewarding when it goes well, make it my favorite portion of the discipline.

Q Many top performance horse trainers are drawn to working cow horse competition. What do you think it is about this discipline that attracts them?

Firstly, working cow horse offers a unique blend of athleticism, precision, and strategy that challenges both horse and rider. You never have it mastered, every run is a completely new experience. Secondly, the opportunity to showcase a horse's versatility and natural instinct is particularly appealing to trainers that value a well rounded equine athlete. And finally, the camaraderie among competitors and the sense of tradition and heritage associated with working cow horse is definitely a draw for trainers from any background.

Q How do you and other top trainers in the NRCHA feel about the inclusion of working cow horse competitions in events like The Run for A Million?

Having the opportunity to compete at prestigious and well-paying events like Run for the Million or The American provides a level of excitement and motivation that we haven't seen before in our industry. It benefits the industry as a whole and allows an additional world-wide stage to show off our horses and our event.

Q The exposure of working cow horse on shows like Yellowstone, that featured Bob Avila, Corey Cushing, Todd Bergen, and others, surely had an impact on the performance horse industry. What do you think this exposure has done for the sport?

Western as a whole has risen to the forefront of pop culture in the last few years. We've always known that this lifestyle is special, and the fact that the world seems to be catching on to that thanks to many influences, including Yellowstone, is a great thing for all of us that make our living in this world and love this lifestyle.

Q Your family's dedication to the Sun Circuit, including your presidency of the AzQHA in 2018, following in the footsteps of your late father, Dorn Parkinson, who had a long-standing service to the organization, must be a source of pride. The event broke all records in 2024 for the number of horses and entries. How does it feel to see all the hard work pay off with such success?

The ongoing success of the Sun Circuit as the premier quarter horse circuit in the country is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many. When people come together as a community to support something we love, great things happen. I am proud to have been a small part of it, and I hope to be showing at the Sun Circuit for many years to come.

Q Before the Western Derby, you're relocating your training operations to Almosta Ranch, marking a new chapter in your journey. Riding under the new covered arena must be exciting. Competing at the highest level requires a top-notch ranch, and Almosta's new owner, Kris Charton, is ensuring it remains a standard setter. How do you feel about soon calling Almosta Ranch home?

I have had a wonderful home at Bella Vista Ranch for almost 20 years and am thankful for my time there. However, the move to the Almosta seems like such a natural transition for us. My family just moved into our new home on the neighboring property, and before that we lived on the Almosta for the last 13 years. It's home. Kris has made so many amazing improvements to this already stellar facility and I am so grateful for the opportunity to train there. The addition of Marilyn Brandt to my team is also a reason I'm excited for the move. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a gift of working with riders and horses alike. Al has also been such a great mentor for me, and it will be great to have him close by as well.