The National Snaffle Bit Association joins the horse community in mourning the death of judge and professional trainer Brad Gibby, of Newborn, Georgia, who died on January 22.
Originally from Stone Mountain, Georgia, Brad studied at DeKalb College, where he graduated in 1968. Brad’s training barn became known for the Halter horses he stood, the Western Pleasure horses he rode and the Youth and Amateur customers whom he coached and who showed with him – who became known and advertised as “Gibby’s Gang.”
Brad earned $20,243 in lifetime NSBA earnings, primarily in Western Pleasure and Western Yearling Longe Line events. He showed such horses as Tardy Starlet, Impressible Skipper, Sonny Dee Dell, A Special Reynolds and Dont Flash Me. Among his notable wins are the 1986 Alabama Futurity Three Year Old Open Western Pleasure, the 1986 Gold Kist Open Two Year Old Western Pleasure, and earning the bronze award in the Two Year Old Open Western Pleasure at the Florida Royal Show with 54 head shown.
He never met a stranger and helped everyone he could. Brad was also a sought-after judge who officiated horse shows for various breeds around the country. In recent years, Brad turned his cowboy heritage into creating coveted Brad Gibby Lazy Susans that were made from lariats.
In 2019, Brad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and began a hard-fought battle with his health. He continued to judge as his health allowed and remained upbeat throughout the fight.
NSBA shares its condolences with the Gibby family and his many former clients and friends in the industry. We will share more details once they become available.
