Over the years, Roger, his clientele and the organizations he lead have done much to grow and strengthen Cal Western while supporting the Appaloosa at its highest levels.

Roger began his professional ring career in high school, ring “broncs” on the river bottom. His first encounter with Appaloosas was in 1964 riding horses for Mr. C.H. Mabray, an aspiring breeder new to he horse world. IN 1972 Roger made his first California State Champion win in Jr. Western Pleasure with T.J.’s Yellow L Hawk, a gelding bred and raised by Mabray. It was the beginning of a life long career with the Appaloosa where is love and respect for the Appaloosa show horse developed and deepened. Since then, form halter to western pleasure to cow horses, Roger has shown numerous National, World and State Champions.

In 1965 Roger married his wife of 40 years, Toni. Together they raised their daughters Renee and Margaret showing Appaloosa horses. The family traveled around the state and country, earning National, State, Regional and local championships, while “having lots of fun” doing it. Roger will tell you that one of his proudest moments was watching Margaret, then only 13, win Senior Western Riding at the 1983 Nationals on Poker Chip Britches. At the same show, Renee had her big win in Trail 14-18 on K1, and Roger took home the National Champion Junior Cutter on Fancy Desiree.

In addition to horse training, Roger had a career as a horse shoeing. Until he retired from public shoeing at age 50, he was considered one of the best farriers in California. To this day he will tell you that in his professional opinion, the Appaloosa is the soundest breed of horse around.

In 1967, Roger and Toni were two of the original founding members of the Golden Empire Appaloosa Hose Club. They have always been actively involved in the club and its horse shows. Roger was President several times. His last tenure lasted from 1995 to 2001. Roger also served on the board of Cal Western from 1974 to 1980 (based on personal references), and was “President for a minute” in 1977. He was elected to resolve operational problems that needed immediate attention prior to the next Presidents installation. His experience in the industry and personal business enabled him to take action when it was needed and kept Cal Western healthy.

As an Appaloosa judge, Roger has judged Appaloosa horses all over the United States, as well as Europe and Australia. In 2000, he judged the ApHC National Show. In January 2001, he judged the Victorian State Championship Appaloosa show in Australia. It was a “trip of a lifetime” for Roger and Toni. But, 2001, a year so devastating to America, was to be a turning point in Roger’s personal and professional life. By year’s end, Roger was in a wheelchair, put there by a series of strokes.

Today, a year later, Roger maintains his sense of humor about his condition, is optimistic about his recovery, and is working hard to get back on track. He is already back in the saddle, thanks to the M.A.R.E. program – Mastering Abilities Riding Equines. A therapy program for disabled and handicapped people. With a little help at home, Roger continues to practice riding with one of the past stars, the 21-year-old gelding, Fly Proof – an ever dependable Appaloosa.

Roger Ott has always personified what it meant to be an Appaloosa enthusiast and a strong supporter of Cal Western through his words and deeds. His shows were always Cal Western approved. You always saw him working either loading or unloading cattle, driving a tractor moving mud, tacking on missing shoes, or wherever help was needed. Roger’s brought range of knowledge has enabled him to lead Cal Western development and growth in the south. Roger Ott is and has been an icon of Cal Western and Appaloosa support and must be recognized by his induction into the Cal Western Hall of Fame.