You’ve seen them in the Paint Horse Journal and around the horse shows, providing expert advice and assistance to horsemen of all disciplines. The Paint Horse Journal Pro Team consists of APHA world champions who believe in a consistent presence in the Journal.
Meet PHJ Pro Team members Wade & Carly Parks
Wade Parks and Carly Veldman Parks of Sabina, Ohio, have taken the Paint world by storm throughout their careers. Carly enjoyed much success in the Youth and Amateur divisions before attending the University of Georgia. Wade attended Middle Tennessee State University before starting his professional career working under Ty and Karen Hornick. After graduating with a degree in agricultural business, Carly coached the University of Georgia varsity equestrian team before joining forces with Wade to create Parks Show Horses. Since then, they have amassed numerous world and reserve world championships won by both themselves and their clients.
Carly Parks
Nickname: Carls
Favorite restaurant: Anywhere with good Mexican food
Favorite vacation spot: St. John’s Island
Favorite movies: 8 Seconds and Elf
Favorite singer or band: Cross Canadian Ragweed
Favorite song: “Feet Don’t Touch the Ground” by Stoney LaRue
Favorite sports teams: Notre Dame football and Indiana University basketball
I started showing when I was 7.
Favorite horse you’ve ever shown? Picasso By Q, aka “Boomer”
Favorite clothing store: Nordstrom
I’m superstitious about sharing my superstitions.
I could not live without my baby boy, Caden.
What is one thing people might not know about you? I can sleep anywhere!
If you were to show in a different discipline, what would it be and why? Reining because it’s technical and also an adrenaline rush.
What business tip would you share with other trainers? Horse training isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. If you love it and give it your all, there is no better profession.
Wade Parks
Favorite Restaurant: Council Oat Steakhouse in Tampa, Florida
Favorite vacation spot: Vegas
Favorite movies: Cowboys and True Grit
Favorite singer or band: Casey Donahew
Favorite song: “Mr. Misunderstood” by Eric Church
Favorite sports teams: West Virginia University and the Miami Dolphins
I started showing in the lead line at 15 months old.
Favorite clothing brand: Kimes Ranch
Good-luck charms or superstitions: I never show in yellow.
One thing you can’t live without: My son, Caden
What is one thing people might not know about you? I was born and raised in a small town in West Virginia.
If you were to show in a different discipline, what would it be and why? Roping because I love it.
What business tip would you share with other trainers? Don’t forget to focus on the business side of your job. It’s just as important to run a good business as it is to perform well in the show arena.
The PHJ Pro Team features professionals who are experts in a variety of disciplines and pass along their knowledge to guide clients to the winners’ circle. For more information on the Paint Horse Journal Pro Team and how you can become a member, visit apha.com/phj/phj-pro-team. Special thanks to our PHJ Pro Team sponsors: Olathe Boot Co., Horseware Ireland and Kimes Ranch Jeans.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.