Members of the Saddlebred community from across the country converged on the American Saddlebred Museum in Lexington, Kentucky on Monday, October 28, to honor and pay tribute to the loss of a true legend, Hall of Fame trainer, Donald Parker Harris. Harris passed away September 25, 2024 at the age of 93.

Born March 11, 1931 in Elkhart, Indiana, Don’s father was involved in the coal mining business, and had a few American Saddlebreds that he kept as a hobby. This was the start of a decades long passion that catapulted him to the top of the profession. Don learned and honed his training skills and showing expertise, in a career that brought victories at the nation’s best shows for some of the top owners. He got his start at small shows in Indiana, and later in southern Kentucky, where he competed on the “leaky roof circuit”, which was comprised of small shows, many of which no longer exist today. Harris always had high praise for those shows as he believed they are still greatly needed as the foundation and feeder for the industries major events.

This was just the beginning of a career that spanned more than five decades in which he developed and showed some of the greatest American Saddlebreds of all time, including:  CH IMPERATOR, CH GIDDY-UP-GO, CH PROTEGE, CH SULTAN’S STARINA and CH FINISTERRE’S GIFT OF LOVE. He was known not only for his showmanship, but also his use of the true old type show gait, as opposed to just a slower rack.  He stamped his Five-Gaited horses with that, and the collected trot on his Three-Gaited entries. Through his illustrious career, he won countless World’s Championships, and made a name for himself both in and out of the show ring. His array of winners was endless, both in the open and amateur divisions. Many of his clients were major players in the industry, and trusted him as a trainer and friend.

Harris was also a staple at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City when they still had ASB classes. Don and his “high steppers” as the city folks called them, were always a hit with the massive crowds who attended the show.

Many trainers of today learned under him, and he served as an esteemed mentor. His clients included people from all around the country, and his influence spread to other countries as well. They who started as clients and mentees became lifelong friends all.

With the tremendous success he achieved in the show ring, the later years brought countless honors for his amazing career, some of which include: the American Horse Shows Association (now USEF) Horseman of the Year (1980), ASHA C.J. Cronin Sportsmanship Award (1996), ASHA Lifetime Achievement Award (2009), and the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award (2011), just to name a few.

Perhaps what Harris will be best known for, however, is his immense kindness. A larger than life figure, known for his dapper clothing and ever present fedora, Harris always took time to talk to well wishers and pose for a photo with his adoring fans. According to former client and friend, Jimmy Lee, “In my many years in the horse show world, across multiple breeds and disciplines, I have never met anyone who was a great showman, a greater gentleman, and a better person than Don Harris. He was a genius on a horse and when he entered the ring, he lit it up. Don was a tremendous ambassador for our sport that he loved so much. I was my honor and distinct pleasure to have known him and to have had horses with him. Thanks for the memories Don.”

In his later years, Harris really enjoyed coming to the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show. He was a fixture in his suite, where he enjoyed speaking, listening and watching. In recent years, his suite has become a gathering place for the younger set, including his granddaughters, Ella and Logan.  Harris was able to attend up until last year.

Always a great raconteur, he was never too busy to speak and engage with show visitors who simply wanted to shake his hand and have a photo taken with him. He truly was a living legend, and was quite possibly the greatest ambassador for the breed.

The celebration of his wonderful life was meticulously put together by Harris’ daughter, Agela Harris Herrin, and the museum staff, including director Jennifer Foster. The event, which was open to all, brought a huge crowd on the warm and sunny fall evening. All in attendance knew and revered Harris. It was said that he would have loved the event, and that his spirit was definitely felt throughout the evening. On display in the museum showcases were artifacts and memorabilia from his long and storied career, including a poignant case containing simply his fedora.

Harris leaves behind a devoted family which includes his beloved wife, Judy Whitney Harris, and his children, Jeffery Harris, M.D. and Angela Harris Herrin (Charles). His family also includes his cherished grandchildren, including four grandsons, two granddaughters, four great-grandsons and one great granddaughter. Preceding him in death was a son, Stan Harris, and his late wife, Roz Harris.

As the great playwright William Shakespeare said in his epic, “As You Like It” in comparing man and the world, he said:

All the world is a stage.

All the men and women are merely players;

They all have their exits and their entrances

and one man in times plays many parts.

This last line exemplifies the life well lived of the incomparable Don Harris. Trainer, exhibitor, ambassador, friend- or quite simply, legend.