Andy Adkins Memorial
Thursday, November 9, 2017

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(Editors’ Note: the following speech was prepared and read by Robert Cortner before the Andy Adkins Memorial Youth Championship at the Tunica Fall Classic.)

First of all, I would like to thank the Celebration for asking me to speak before this class. When I was first asked, I was truly honored but part of me was nervous as well because there is no way I could describe how much Andy meant to so many people including myself but I've got a few minutes so y'all bear with me and I'm going to do my best and try to get through it. 

For those of you who didn't know Andy Adkins or Double AA, Andy was a young horse trainer with a promising career whose life was cut too short and died in a tragic car accident in May of 2012. He was great person and a friend to all who knew him. I remember growing up when I had first started showing in 11 & under seeing Andy show horses like Boomer in Command, Key West, and my personal favorite Downtown Pusher. 
I remember thinking how cool I thought Andy was and thinking I want to be like him someday. Then, when I got the opportunity to meet Andy I remembered two things: that little grin on his face and a Boston Red Sox cap. 

Time went by as I got to know Andy as a trainer but more importantly my friend and even as time passed two things remained the same every time I saw him; that little grin and that Boston Red Sox cap. His time was cut so short that we all took for granted the times we had with Andy. But that's what makes this class so special — his legacy will always be remembered through what I consider one of the most prestigious juvenile classes on the show circuit. 

I've been fortunate to capture wins at many shows but I promise you that there's no better feeling than winning this class. From the energy of coming in to the flat walk boogie to turning your hat around and riding for Andy; this is a one-of-a-kind class that you won't find anywhere else. 

Now in this class these riders will look a little different than usual, as they will be wearing a Boston Red Sox cap, just like Andy always wore, with Double AA embroidered on the side in remembrance of him. As the winner of the inaugural “Andy” class I'd like to give you young riders a little advice. Number one, have fun and two ride, hard because remember you’re riding for Andy.

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