Arnie Gervasio of Ringoes, New Jersey, has been showing horses since he was 9 years old. However, he had never won a world championship. That is until August 26 when he showed his homegrown filly, Blonde Is Coolest, against 10 others to become the 2008 Bayer Select world champion in weanling mares. The Journal caught up with Arnie shortly after receiving his trophy to ask him about his winning run.
Q. Tell me about Blonde Is Coolest.
She’s just been a sweetheart. She’s been a nice baby ever since she was born. I owe a lot to Daryl Lankin and Kathy Smallwood for getting her ready for me. Everything just worked out fine. She’s just been a peach to be with all the time. She looked like that when she came out of her mama and everything has gone straight uphill. So we’re lucky.
Q. Did you breed her?
Yes. I own the mare, and I’ve always been in the breeding business and selling horses.
Q. What did you like about her dam, Im The Coolest Lady?
I liked her looks and her breeding. She passed that on to both of her babies. I bred to Mr Yella Fella twice and we couldn’t be happier.
Q. What is it you like about Mr Yella Fella then?
I think he gives you a nice baby. I think he has a lot of muscle, good balance and a good disposition. Very happy. Very elated.
Arnie Gervasio led Blonde Is Coolest to the weanling mares Select world championship title.
Q. Is this your first world championship?
Yes, it is my first after all these years.
Q. How does it feel?
I was a little nervous, to be honest with you. When they start out at nine, then you wonder if you’re at the end of it and as it gets closer then you see there are four out there and then three and then you start thinking, “It can’t be me.” But it felt real good to win. It was worth all the waiting.
Q. How long have you been showing horses?
Since I was 9. I was out riding jumpers, reining horses, pleasure horses and halter horses. Just kind of everything.
Q. Will you take Blonde Is Coolest to the World Show in November?
We don’t know really what we are going to do yet but I think so, yes.
Q. Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I want to thank Daryl Lankin and Kathy Smallwood and Beth, my wife, for putting up for me and everything.
