(Editors Note: The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association Board of Directors decided to add a well-overdue and deserved category to their list of awards last year. The Pleasure Horse Trainer of the Year is voted on by their peers and must demonstrate positive attitude, dedication, motivation, is a team player, and an ambassador to their breed. The following script was read before Patrick Thomas was recognized for this award.)
Patrick Thomas, head trainer at Southern Serenity Ranch in Cedar Grove, Tennessee, grew up in Auburntown, Tennessee, a Cannon County native, and is the son of Terry and Betty Thomas. From an early age, Patrick enjoyed working on the farm, particularly with horses.
He trained his own horses and participated in many Spotted Saddle horse shows. At the age of 15 at the Spotted Saddle Horse fall championships, Patrick noticed Howard Hamilton showing a spotted Tennessee Walking Horse, Calvin Klein, and told his mom he wanted a western shirt just like Howard’s.
Little did he know, six years after hearing of his skills, Howard Hamilton would be calling to offer him a position to assist him. Southern Serenity has been his home ever since!
Patrick’s first year to show professionally at the Celebration was in 2004. His first spotlight ride in the Big Oval was in 2005 aboard Armed And Trigger Happy. He has since personally accumulated over 20 World Grand Championships and 36 World Championships to date, in addition to many trained amateur titles as well.
Some of his most memorable multi-titled champions just to name a few are: Honor My Cash, An All Mighty Dollar, High Fashion Statement, Armed And Trigger Happy, I’m Rose Walker, Lucky Daze, Moonshine At Midnight, 2x The Magic, Rise To Fame, and Lined Up At The Ritz.
No truer words have ever been spoken than Winston Churchill’s quote: “No hour of life is lost that is spent in the saddle!” Patrick has a passion for the horse, no matter in the show ring or on the trail. Howard says, “Patrick is a true horseman in every sense of the word!”
Patrick Thomas has spent his entire professional career of 15 years working side-by-side with his mentor, Howard Hamilton. The success of this team and the friendship they share is evident in all who know them.
Please help me in welcoming the second WHTA Pleasure Horse Trainer of the Year award to Mr. Patrick Thomas.