Tyler Parish – Olive Branch, Mississippi and Ethridge, Tennessee

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING HORSES PROFESSIONALLY?
I’ve had my trainer’s license since I was 18 years old - so 15 years.

TELL US SOME FAMILY HISTORY OF RAISING AND SHOWING WALKING HORSES.
I’ve been in the crossties since I was born, where my dad first was training in Arkansas. Though, I first remember taking an interest in the horses myself when we lived in Alabama as he trained for Dr. Moersch. It was when we moved to Bellgrade Farms in Georgia, that I knew for sure I saw the horse industry in my future career.

OF ALL THE HORSES YOU HAVE TRAINED, OPEN AND AMATEUR, DO YOU HAVE A HORSE YOU FEEL MADE YOU INTO THE TRAINER YOU ARE TODAY? WHAT HORSE WAS THAT AND WHY DO FEEL THAT WAY?
The easy answer is, It’s Only A Game. Although, the horse himself just opened the door. We got this horse from Chad Baucom, who had just won the Four-Year-Old World Grand Championship on him. For the next decade, I spent so much time calling Chad, and asking questions. It always seemed that no matter the time of day, he always took time to give me detailed answers for anything I had to ask him. Games definitely built me many memories in the show ring, but it was the mentorship that he facilitated that molded me into the trainer I am today.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG ASPIRING TRAINERS?
First, put God first and the rest will fall into place and second, never be afraid to ask questions.
Find a trainer that’s gear stands out to you, and soak in everything you can from them.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN THE PERFECT YEARLING?
Pedigree and demeanor

HOW ARE YOU MANAGING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK? IS YOUR BARN ON LOCKDOWN? ARE YOU STILL HOLDING YOUR REGULAR CLIENT APPOINTMENTS? HOW HAS THIS AFFECTED YOUR TRAINING?
Our training has not been interrupted. We are still putting in the time and consistent hard work as we are still gearing up for show season. Customers still come, just a little more spaced out.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST WORLD GRAND CHAMPION AND WHY?
Pride’s Jubilee Star, his show presence has always stood out to me. Ramsey Bullington’s training has always been one that I have studied and admired.

IF THERE WAS ONE AREA OF THE INDUSTRY YOU COULD CHANGE OR RAMP UP, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I have an interest in bringing the love of showing back to the youth division. When I was a kid, the end of show season was devasting each year and immediately the countdown began to next. I want my kids to experience the same love and dedication. So, I would love to ramp up this area again.

IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE BARN OR A HORSE SHOW, WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Hanging out with my wife and kids.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TV SHOWS, MOVIES OR NETFLIX FEATURES HAVE YOU BEEN BINGE WATCHING DURING THE PANDEMIC?
I have not had much time for tv, but in the incidences where I do, I like The Ranch and Yellowstone.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER THUS FAR?
All the blue ribbons and accolades never compare to the love I feel when my kids’ get excited about an upcoming horse show or when their faces light up after a good ride.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM CAN YOU GIVE TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY ON THE PANDEMIC? 
Be patient - we will be in the show ring before you know it.