For the past seven years, the name Jose’s Delightful Pusher has become synonymous with youth competition. On Wednesday, August 15, 2018, Jose’s Delightful Pusher was humanely laid to rest. Foaled on April 5, 2006 this 12-year-old mare known as “Honeybun” held a place very dear to many hearts. 

Sired by Jose’ Jose’ and out of a Santana mare, Jose’s Delightful Pusher was bred by W.E. Broughton of Perdue Hill, Alabama.

The talented mare started her show ring career under the Carl Edwards & Sons banner where Gary Edwards directed the young two-year-old to three blue ribbon wins and her first reserve world championship at the Celebration. Following the Celebration, Jose’s Delightful Pusher was purchased by Beverly Sherman and showed under the direction of Steve Aymett. 

It was 2010 when Jose’s Delightful Pusher found her perfect division in youth competition where she teamed up with Stratton Weaver. As Jose’s Delightful Pusher continued to get better and better, she caught the attention of John Callicutt for a new mount for his son Landon. Making the move from Tennessee to North Carolina to Baucom Stables, the new pair became unstoppable. Leading up to the 2011 Celebration, the pair had seven victories under their belt. They went on to earn the Youth 11 & Under Mares World Championship that year. The following year saw much of the same for the team with win after win and another world championship title. 

Following that 2012 world championship, Alan and Lorie Riddley decided that Jose’s Delightful Pusher was perfect for young Lilly Riddley. This would be “Honeybun’s” forever family and Baucom Stables would remain her forever home.

In Lilly’s first outing with the top mare, they dominated the Youth 11 & Under division as the North Carolina Championship that fall. They have not looked up from there earning a total of 34 victory passes, three reserve world championships, two world championships, three reserve world grand championships and a memory making world grand championship.

“The most cherished thing about Delightful Pusher wasn’t her show record or her blue ribbon rides, but her personality,” said Lilly. “She would always paw until I came to pet her and would always stand still for me to get on her back at the barn. I will always remember the bond I had with her and will cherish her forever. I am grateful to have owned ‘Honeybun’. She taught me how to ride, along with the help of Baucom Stables and many others. She was my best friend … she will forever be missed.”

Jose’s Delightful Pusher was a once in a lifetime horse that will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.