The partnership of Tim and Shannon Gillespie is a testament to the power of shared passions and complementary strengths. Synonymous with success in the APHA and AQHA industries, Gillespie Show Horses has carved a niche for itself by producing top-tier equine athletes and providing comprehensive training programs. Their journey, rooted in diverse backgrounds and a profound love for horses, exemplifies how two individuals can achieve remarkable feats by thinking and working together.
The Genesis of a Partnership
Tim and Shannon Gillespie’s story is one of a shared destiny within the competitive world of horse showing. Tim, hailing from a family of horsemen in Wisconsin, grew up surrounded by the equine industry, with his grandfather involved in buying and selling horses and his mother a skilled rider who prepared horses for sale. His childhood was spent on a sprawling ranch that also served as a therapeutic facility for troubled teenagers, integrating horses into rehabilitative programs. This early immersion instilled in Tim a deep understanding and love for horses, leading him to compete in open shows from a young age.
Shannon, raised in Waterloo, Iowa, is a third-generation horse enthusiast. Her mother, a respected figure in the horse community, trained horses part-time, ensuring Shannon was involved in barn chores and horse care from childhood. Shannon initially excelled in all-around events before developing a keen interest in hunter under saddle horses. Her youth career was marked by significant achievements, including a Congress Championship in showmanship and numerous top placings at the AQHYA World Show.
Though their paths diverged after college—Shannon pursued a career in marketing and pharmaceutical sales, while Tim embarked on a ten-year modeling career traveling globally—their connection to horses remained a constant. [cite:7, cite:8] This shared passion eventually drew them together. They met through a mutual friend, and after dating for four months, Tim witnessed Shannon’s exceptional riding talent, which he described as “sealing the deal.”
Building a Legacy: Gillespie Show Horses
The establishment of Gillespie Show Horses in 2007 marked a pivotal moment, transitioning Tim and Shannon from successful amateurs to respected professional trainers. This decision was influenced by a desire to continue training the horses they sold and a challenging economic climate that made sales more difficult.
Their combined expertise allows them to offer a comprehensive training program that caters to a wide range of disciplines, including western pleasure, hunt seat, and all-around events. Tim and Shannon emphasize meticulous attention to detail, exceptional customer service, and a deep understanding of client needs, stemming from their own experiences as amateur competitors. “We always want to keep the customers and the horses happy,” Tim stated. “We were amateurs for many years and we know what we wanted as clients from our trainers and I think that has helped us to be more attentive to our client’s needs as trainers.”
The couple’s diverse backgrounds and differing riding and teaching styles have proven to be a significant asset, enabling them to accommodate various learning styles and train a wide spectrum of horses. Shannon noted, “I think that our business has made us closer. Since we are opposite in many ways, we are able to nurture each other’s strengths and pick up the slack with each other’s weaknesses.”
Influential Equine Partners
Gillespie Show Horses has been instrumental in the success of numerous standout horses, many of whom have become legends in their respective disciplines. Prettie Vegas, an AQHA/APHA mare, was a significant early success for the newly established trainers, securing multiple Congress Championships and APHA World Championships in hunter under saddle, affirming their decision to transition to professional training.
Tim often highlights Zips Heaven Sent, Zipped From the Heart, and Too Sleepy for Candy as particularly influential. Zips Heaven Sent, an APHA stallion, was a prolific sire whose offspring frequently achieved World Champion status across various events, bolstering the Gillespies’ early career. Zipped From the Heart was a highly decorated pleasure horse, earning numerous APHA and NSBA Western Pleasure titles. Too Sleepy for Candy, also a multiple APHA World Champion in pleasure, continues to produce top young horses for the Gillespies.
Shannon’s list includes Seems Like Heaven, a talented and quirky APHA gelding by Zips Heaven Sent, who she describes as a “once-in-a-lifetime horse.” A Good Intention, a versatile APHA World Champion in western pleasure, is another horse she cherishes for his challenging yet rewarding nature. BMQ The Jig is Up, an AQHA/APHA gelding with impressive hunter under saddle accolades, has also proven to be an exceptional all-around horse under Shannon’s guidance.
The Future of Gillespie Show Horses
The Gillespies are actively campaigning and breeding with promising stallions to shape the future of their program. On the western side, Lazy Luvah, an APHA World Champion, is known for producing 100% color and roan offspring. For hunter under saddle disciplines, Ultimately Fabulous, an AQHA stallion, is making a strong show career debut despite an earlier injury. “The Wow Factor,” a four-year-old APHA stallion, has already garnered Reserve Congress and APHA World Championship titles and is poised for continued success.
With a dedicated team including assistant trainer Morgan Ilic and associate Dustin Eickenhorst, Gillespie Show Horses meticulously prepares for major events like the Congress and APHA World Show, managing a significant number of horses and riders. Their consistent program, strong communication, and organizational skills are key to their success.
Tim and Shannon Gillespie continue to chase their dreams together, demonstrating that dedication, expertise, and a shared love for horses can create a truly remarkable legacy in the equine industry. Their journey is a testament to the belief that when you work together, you are undeniably better.
