By Chrystal Abernathy
One in a million is how you could best explain All About That Jose’. Shown 93 times, winning 35 blues including a world championship and a reserve world grand championship, this beautiful majestic black stallion had more personality and love for those who were lucky enough to work or ride him.
Owned and loved at the time of death by owners Harold and Sherry Roberts, All About That Jose’ was by Jose’ Jose’ and out of Bustin Thru The Storm. He passed away on June 28, 2021, at the age of 11 at Leatherwood Farms in Lewisburg, Tennessee, due to complications from colic.
Bred and raised by Diana Bowers, All About That Jose’ was originally named Jose’s Hayburner. Bowers was the first to show the young stallion during his two-year-old season. She made good shows with the colt his two, three and four-year-old years. Jose’s Hayburner and trainer Justin Harris made quite a stir his four-year-old season capturing the Young Trainers class at the Spring Fun Show. That is when the black stallions caught the eye of fellow trainer Edgar Abernathy. Abernathy followed the horse that season watching him make other shows with Harris and Bowers. In the spring of 2015, Harold Roberts approached Abernathy about finding him a horse to show. Abernathy knew the horse that would be a perfect fit for Roberts.
At the first show of the year in Decatur, Alabama, Abernathy put Harold in the saddle and an instant connection was made. Abernathy was a little hesitant at first about the vivacious stallion with Harold being in his 80s, but soon could see that the duo was perfect for each other.
Harold and Sherry Roberts, along with their daughter Kyndra Myers, loved the black stallion but they all thought a change needed to be made. A new name was unanimously selected for Jose’s Hayburner. All About That Jose’ would be his new name and they would call him Bruno.
Under the direction of Abernathy and trainer Blaise Broccard, Harold went on to capture the 2016 Novice Men’s World Championship and a reserve world grand Championship that same year. Harold had many horses to show, but none were as perfect for him as the team of he and Bruno.
Harold, Myers, Abernathy and Broccard had quite a run with Bruno winning shows at the National Trainers’ Show, Spring Fun Show, Tunica Fall Classic, Woodbury Lions Club and the Red Carpet Show of the South, just to name a few. In 2018, due to personal health issues Harold made his last appearance on Bruno at The Celebration in the 70 & Over class capturing a top three finish. The following year All About That Jose’ was moved to Rising Star Ranch to stand in the breeding barn. He stood at Rising Star Ranch for two years.
In 2020, Broccard brought Bruno back to the training barn at Leatherwood Farms. “Bruno was a true testament to the Tennessee Walking Horse,” said Broccard. “He had a gentleness that drew people to him. Young and old, as well as novice and experienced riders all stepped out of Bruno’s stirrups with a big smile on their face. He aimed to please his rider. Bruno was a blessing to work with every day, and I will miss him tremendously.”
The Roberts and Myers family expressed their thoughts on Bruno by saying, “He was a gentle giant who loved with all of his heart. He had such a fan base with everyone that came in contact with him and watched him perform. He will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him.”