COLUMBUS, Ohio — Texas native Jeff Harris is still emotional about his victory two years ago at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
The Navy veteran had planned to ride his horse, Tuff Two Top, in the Heroes on Horses event, but the horse became injured during the 19-hour trailer ride from Texas to Ohio.
So he resorted to Plan B and eventually got in contact with a complete stranger, Columbus native Cody Campbell, who let the veteran use his long-time beloved family horse, Stu.
Harris and Stu had 30 minutes to practice and what happened just before the event is something Harris will never forget.
“I was thinking man, this is going to be a rough ride. This horse won’t even look at me. This horse turned and looked at me like I got you. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you,” said Harris.
Harris knew this day would be special.
Before the event, he placed a picture of Marine Lonnie Grizzel in his pocket, a tribute to Campbell’s stepfather who struggled with PTSD until he took his own life just six months earlier.
“Lonnie, he always liked showing and riding, the little bid he did and you know he rode Stu, too, and like I said he’s taking care of everyone in the family.”
On this day, Harris, who is known for rodeos and speed events said riding slowly proved to be the winning combination, as he and Stu beat out 18 other military veterans from across the country to win the top prize.
It was an improbable outcome, one both can just look back at and smile.
“You had to get somebody else’s horse and you only had 30 minutes of practice on it and you win the whole shoot and match here for Heroes and Horses. I mean it’s something,” said Harris.
Two years later, Harris and Campbell remain close.
Although they lost a year due to the pandemic, the trifecta is poised to defend its title this afternoon.
“For him to come and be able to come back and do it again on this one, we’re gonna give it our best shot and I think old Stu will be ready,” said Campbell.
“I dreamed of coming to Congress when I was 16, 17 years old. (In) 2019 I had the chance to come. Looking forward to hopefully having my name announced as grand champion Heroes on Horses,” said Harris.
Cody Campbell and his mother Dr. Lisa Campbell, a breast cancer survivor, will also participate in the 2021 All American Quarter Horse Congress.
Events continue until Oct. 24. For more information, click here.
