Brad Kearns of Grayslake, Illinois, and Mainstreet Cruiser won the 2008 senior trail world championship - a first for Brad.
Before the senior trail class began, AQHA Professional Horseman Brad Kearns scoped out the course, jumping logs, backing into the chute and loping through the pattern himself. The strategy worked. Brad and Mainstreet Cruiser, owned by Michael and Linda Biehle of North Vernon, Indiana, scored a 231.5, solidifying their spot in 2008 World Show history as world champions. Amid the chaotic celebration, the Journal managed to catch up with Brad to hear more about “Harley” and their run.
Q: Congratulations, Brad! Tell me, what does this win mean to you and the owner?
Brad: Well, it’s just a wonderful feeling – you can’t even imagine what it feels like. When you’re out there showing with all your friends, you’re really just competing to be your personal best and, luckily, today mine was good enough.
Q: Tell me about the horse, what’s he like?
Brad: He’s kind of like Walter Matthau a little bit. He’s not really a “people-person” kind of horse. He likes being by himself. But he’s a really good horse; he always does his job. He’s a little bit spoiled.
Q: What was the hardest part of the course?
Brad: It was all hard – from remembering it, where to go next, to the poles were all high. The exhibitors were actually joking beforehand that maybe we needed an English saddle because they were kind of high. But it was a fun course.
Fun Fact: Though he has trained several world champion horses and riders, this was Brad's first world championship ride. Mainstreet Cruiser's world championship titles include two youth trail world championships and one amateur world championship in western riding.
WINNER STATS
Horse name: Mainstreet Cruiser Pedigree: 1995 bay gelding by The Sweet Cruiser x Zippos Shannon by Zippo Pine Bar Exhibitor: Brad Kearns, Grayslake, Illinois Owner: Michael and Linda Biehle, North Vernon, Indiana Trainer: Brad Kearns, Grayslake, Illinois Breeder: Clint and Sonja Mickelsen, Toledo, Washington
Total class entries: 86 Purse: $47, 893
World Champion Prizes: Custom-designed gold-tone trophy, Montana Silversmiths buckle, neck wreath, gold medallion, Cripple Creek-logo jacket, world champion patch, Tex Tan product, Justin Boots
