Growing up in the Cortez area, Jake Cruzan had big dreams.
He didn’t dream that he’d win a prestigious title on a horse that he rescued.
Cruzan did just that, capturing the world championship in heading at the 2014 Built Ford Tough American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show in Oklahoma City on Aug. 9.
Cruzan’s victory showed that hard work pays off and that even the most unlikely of dreams can come true.
An unlikely beginning
To fully appreciate the significance of Cruzan’s recent title, it is important to examine his evolution into a top-notch rodeo cowboy and horse trainer.
Born to local business owners Kyle and Rickie Cruzan, Jake Cruzan didn’t grow up around animals, but after joining 4-H, he quickly became interested in horses and competed in junior rodeos at the age of 8.
“My parents did not ride or rope (and) they did not grow up around horses,” Cruzan said last year. “Given my background, it is sort of ironic that horses have become such a huge part of my life.”
Bolstered by his love of horses, Cruzan rose through the rodeo ranks, winning Colorado State High School Rodeo Association state titles in cutting and team roping in 2013. He also finished first in cutting at the Arizona State High School Rodeo in 2014.
“I don’t consider myself the best roper or the best cutter, but I do consider myself to be a good horseman,” Cruzan said in 2013. “I think that my ability to keep my horses ready and tuned has been a big key.”
Aware that he could connect with horses, Cruzan elected to forgo a professional rodeo career and focus primarily on horse training.
“I believe that I can make a living (training horses), and that is what I want to do with my life,” Cruzan said in 2013, one year before his high school graduation.
After working under trainer Brad Barkemeyer near Cave Creek, Ariz., Cruzan moved to Camp Verde, Ariz., and began working six days a week for trainer Kevin Stallings.
“It has definitely been a good opportunity,” Cruzan said. “Kevin is a good horseman, and he’s very knowledgeable.”
An unlikely horse
While Cruzan’s path to winning a world championship in heading was aided by the knowledge he gained under Barkemeyer and Stallings, the seeds of his title run were sewn in an unexpected way.
In April 2013, Cruzan heard from a friend that Peppy, a gelding that he had been impressed with on previous occasions, was starving, sick and in danger of dying. Interested in acquiring Peppy, Cruzan traveled to take a look and was shocked by what he saw.
“The individual who owned him had starved him,” Cruzan said. “He weighed about 700 pounds, and he was pretty lame. Nobody wanted to buy him because he had so many problems.”
Convinced that Peppy could become a productive show horse, Cruzan took a chance and purchased him.
“It was pretty sad for me to see Peppy in the shape he was in, and I knew that nobody was going to take care of him,” Cruzan said. “He was a shot in the dark, but I had always liked that horse.”
Cruzan worked hard to nurse Peppy to health. After several months, Peppy responded, regaining his weight and stride. As his horse grew stronger, Cruzan began riding him and not long after, began seeing results.
“I started working with (Peppy) a little bit and got him qualified for worlds,” Cruzan said. “I had a feeling that he could do well.”
An unlikely win
With Peppy in top condition by mid-summer, Cruzan took Peppy, along with two other horses, in the 2014 Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City on Aug. 1-9.
The show is considered a pinnacle event for American quarter horse exhibitors 18 years old and under and features many of the nation’s top quarter horses.
With 815 competitors in attendance, Cruzan faced stiff competition, but he believed that his horses could score well.
Cruzan’s beliefs were confirmed on Day 1,when Peppy marked a score of 222, which was good enough for eighth place.
Looking to move up on Day 2, Cruzan rode Peppy into the large arena, and the horse enjoyed the performance of his life.
Breaking perfectly from the gate, Peppy marked a score of 225, the highest score of the competition. Peppy finished first overall.
“Everybody thought I was crazy for buying (Peppy), but I bought him, and here he is now,” Cruzan said. “I think he’s grateful for what I’ve done for him, and he’s paying me back.”
A bright future
Just 19 years old and winner of one of the nation’s most prestigious show titles, Cruzan’s future appears bright.
Cruzan emphasized that he has much to learn, and will continue working for Stallings for at least a year.
In addition, Cruzan, a devout Christian, plans to continue honoring his faith and spending time with his family, for which he is grateful.
“I’d like to thank my parents and grandparents because I couldn’t have accomplished my goals … without them. “This has been a great experience. “You have to appreciate it while you’re in it and be grateful.”
Wise words from an inspirational champion, who reminds us that even unlikely dreams can come true.
