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 12 APHA world champions who believe in a consistent presence in the Journal.
Meet PHJ Pro Team member Fred Tabor
Fred, of Aubrey, Texas, is a longtime horseman. He began showing and training halter horses in 1967, with a focus on Paints since 1974. Fred has trained and shown numerous world and reserve world champions. He has also served as an APHA director for a number of years. Fred has been a PHJ Pro Team member since 2013.
Nickname: A few call me “Fast Freddy”
Favorite Restaurant: I enjoy an evening out for dinner at Pappadeaux’s. It’s really a great restaurant!
Favorite Song: “How Great Thou Art.” I know this song is an oldie but goodie, but some songs you just can’t replace with something better!
Favorite movie: The Last Time I Saw Paris (circa 1954). It’s one of the all-time great ones.
What is your favorite thing to watch on TV? Sports, sports and more sports!
Do you have a celebrity crush? It would have to be Natalie Wood; I love everything about her.
Favorite vacation location: Alaska. I really enjoyed the fishing trips I took there, and the scenery is breathtaking.
When did you start showing horses? 1974. (I’ve done this a long time!)
Do you have a good luck charm? I wear a U.S. flag pin in the show arena.
Do you have any superstitions? I have several, including not wearing the color yellow on show days, not allowing peanuts in the aisle and no boots sitting on top of a table.
What is something you could not live without? My family
If you were to show a different discipline, what would it be? It would be Western pleasure. There is nothing prettier to watch than a good pleasure horse move.
What might people be surprised to learn about you? I am very patient.
Do you have a business tip for other trainers? Develop a good record-keeping system, and keep it current.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a new horse? Find a successful trainer or breeder and be very candid with them about what you are looking for and what you want to achieve. Then trust them, and follow their advice.
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, Noble Outfitters 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.