You might think that doing one thing would be tedious after a while, but for Tim Zuidema, his focus, passion and talent for western pleasure has allowed him to dedicate his life to training horses for the event.

The Micanopy, Florida, resident owns and runs Zuidema Pleasure Horses, and dedicates every day to managing his horse farm and preparing his equine clients for futurities and Appaloosa events. Tim owes his Appaloosa involvement to his father, Jack Zuidema, and has been riding since childhood.
“I appreciate the breed because it’s given me the opportunity to make a nice living doing what I like to do,” Tim says. “What I like about the breed is the quality of the upper level horses, because they can go anywhere…It gives you a lot of opportunities.”

Those opportunities have translated to numerous titles and awards, though Tim’s most memorable win was his first major championship win, which took place at the World Championship Appaloosa Show in 1990, when he rode the 1987 mare Totally Clancy to the men’s western pleasure championship.

Though western pleasure is his passion and job, Tim is an avid sports fan and enjoys taking part in his kids’ activities. Daughter Madison recently began showing horses and won her first titles at the 2009 Youth World Championship in 12 and under showmanship and the walk/trot hunter under saddle.
His son, Zack, shares his love of sports. Tim found the time to coach Zack’s baseball team, which had an enormously successful season in 2009, winning all games and the season-end tournament.

Q| Describe your training philosophy.
I believe in working hard to earn what you want; in treating people fairly; and in being honest and patient.

Q| Ford, Chevy or Dodge?
Chevrolet

Q| Who’s the best Appaloosa you’ve ever saddled?
I’d say two: Hands Off My Asset and Maid To Be Hot. Both were talented and trainable enough to show and win on any level. I won World and National western pleasure titles and several NSBA futurities with Hands Off My Asset. Maid To Be Hot had a lot of problems when she was born, but we got her broke then won the World and National 2-year-old western pleasure on her, she was that good. Those were two really nice horses.

Q| What’s your training schedule?
All day is devoted to training and managing the horse farm. At least 12 hours.

Q| What profession would you choose if you couldn’t train horses?
I’d like to be a sports agent. I like all athletic events.

Q| What’s your favorite brand of boots?
Mercedes

Q| What makes you a unique trainer?
I am very patient, and have the ability to deal with different kinds of people and horses.

Q| What can’t you live without: E-mail, cell phone or MP3 player?
Cell phone. I’d love to live without it, but I can’t.

Q| If you could train anywhere in the world,
where would it be?
Ocala, Florida, or Weatherford, Texas

Q| How would you like to be remembered?
As a good manager of horses and people, and honest and professional

Q| What piece of equipment never leaves your trailer?
Halter and lead rope

Q| What’s your favorite Appaloosa coat pattern?
Seal brown with a lacey white blanket over the hips with a white stripe on the face

By Tafra Donberger

Printed version found in the March 2010 issue of Appaloosa Journal.
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