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| Vicky and Jim Martin pose for a photo with their gelding MV Peppy Rey Tari, aka "Bob." Jim competes with Bob September 1 in the 2007 Bayer Select World ranch sorting finals. |
BY MEGAN BROWNELL, JOURNAL INTERNJim Martin of Oklahoma City doesn’t just ride horses. For 18 years, he has worked for the Oklahoma City Police Department and has been a lieutenant the past 12 years.
Jim said his police career has been rewarding and devastating. He responded April 19, 1995, to the Oklahoma City bombing where 168 people lost their lives.
“At the time there was so much adrenaline going,” Jim said about that April day. “It wasn’t bad until later. At that point, you’re just thinking, ‘help people.’”
Jim paused and continued, “I helped a city officer buddy of mine -- what we had to do was fingerprint the victims. And that was hard. It didn’t really hit me until the Fourth of July. And that was kind of odd. At the first explosion of fireworks, it just hit me.
“I’ve dealt with it since, but that’s where the horses come in. Our place is right on the Canadian River. I go down, saddle up, get in that river, and ride forever,” Jim said.
Jim said his riding time is a release for him. That time in the saddle helped Jim make AQHA history.
He was the first amateur to qualify to compete in ranch sorting at the 2007 Bayer Select World Championship Show. Jim qualified aboard his sorrel gelding, MV Peppy Rey Tari, aka “Bob.”
“Bob is by a grandson of Little Peppy,” Jim said. “He’s a 3-year-old and works for a living. I use him as a turnback cutter, and sorting is just a hobby for him.
“We sorted last night and made the Bayer Select World finals,” Jim continued. What I like about the sorting is that it’s something anybody who’s got a horse can go do. You don’t need a trainer, and you can be as competitive as you want to be. You can take your horse and go sort cattle.”
Jim’s only riding time comes after work, and he stays outside until dark. Jim’s wife, Vicky, said they love daylight-savings time. As a joke, they created business cards reading PM Cutting horses -- because they only ride after a full, busy day.
Vicky and Jim celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary in August. They chose the 2007 Bayer Select World Championship as their out-of-town anniversary trip.
“Our goal is to come back next year with sorting horses for me and her and then bring some cutters. My love is cutting.
“We have eight horses going to the AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City for ranch sorting. From what I’ve seen (at Bayer Select World), AQHA has to be pleased with all these horses. It’s a good thing for everybody,” Jim said.
