The Bailey Family
Horses are a family event for the Baileys. In fact all five members of this family have won World Championships in their chosen breed organizations and disciplines. This TQHA member spotlight focuses on Amy, Paul and their daughter Korry.
The foundation of the Bailey family’s involvement with the TQHA can be attributed to Amy. Amy has been involved with the AQHA all of her life because her father, Wade Hightower, was a trainer. She has been a member of the TQHA since 1982. Amy was TQHA Youth President in 1986, TQHA Amateur President 2004-2005, TQHA Second Vice-President 2009 -2010, and has also served on numerous TQHA committees. Through his 15 year involvement Paul has been TQHA President, a TQHA Board Member and an AQHA Director. Korry has been involved with the TQHA for 14 years and, when she is not showing, can frequently be found working in the show office or at the show arena gate.
This family is truly a tribute to the TQHA with success both in and outside the ring. Notable AQHA awards include:
Amy- 1987 AQHA yearend high-point title in youth tie-down calf roping (only girl to ever win this award), 1989 Congress Champion in amateur heading and heeling, 1990 Congress Champion in amateur heading, 2002 AQHA World Champion in amateur working cowhorse. Amy also has multiple top ten placings at the AQHA and AQHYA world shows in 5 different events: cowhorse, reining, team penning, heading, and breakaway roping. In 2009 she placed 4th at the AQHA world show in amateur cowhorse. She has also won world and Reserve World Championships at the National Reined Cowhorse Association World Championship show; 2004 NRCHA World Champion novice non-pro bridle, 2005 NRCHA Reserve World Champion novice non-pro bridle, 2008 NRCHA Reserve World Champion non-pro hackamore, 2009 NRCHA World Champion non-pro two rein, in addition to other multiple top ten placings at the NRCHA world show.
Paul- 2004 amateur reserve working cowhorse World Champion, many AQHA world show top ten placings, 2004 NRCHA reserve novice non-pro bridle World Champion, 2005 NRCHA novice non-pro World Champion, 2008 non-pro hackamore World Champion.
Korry- 2009 AQHYA working cowhorse World Champion, multiple AQHYA top ten placings, Swayze-Woodruff Memorial Scholarship Recipient, 500 Hours Riding Program, Star Program, 2009 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association top ten as a member of the Middle Tennessee State University equestrian team.
These successes have not come without facing adversity along the road. When Amy was 10 years old she was kicked in the face by a horse while driving him in a pony cart. The resulting injury required 149 stitches, both internal and external, and her foot was burnt to the bone from the tire on the cart. Even these injuries could not stop Amy’s love for horses. She later went on to win the 1987 AQHA yearend high point title in youth tie down calf roping on that horse, Mr. Mischief Maker, that kicked her in the face. It is also important to note, that it wasn’t that common back in the 80s for a girl to be participating in the roping classes. The boys gave Amy and her sister a hard time and the girls called them “country” and “tomboys”… until they started winning. Paul notes that “anytime you and the horse have a cow in the arena you face adversity”.
The Baileys agree that although they enjoy their time in the show ring, the thing they enjoy most about the TQHA are the lifelong friends that they have made. Korry says that the TQHA “is a wonderful way to experience Quarter Horses. Getting involved is a wonderful experience. You meet new people at every show.” To get the most out of the organization Paul and Amy suggest that you speak up and let someone know if you would like to be more involved, there are always jobs that need to be done. You should also be willing to work and have an open mind regarding other people’s opinions and ideas.
So come on out to the next show and meet the Bailey family in person….