Skip to content

Neil "Cowboy" Martin honored with the UPHA Caretaker Hall of Fame




The UPHA Caretaker Hall of Fame is given to an individual who has demonstrated a long standing commitment to providing excellent care of horses. He or she must share the enthusiasm and loyalty with his/her barn family and maintain perseverance in the face of adversity.

During the Thursday evening performance of the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show, UPHA honored Neil “Cowboy” Martin, as the 2020 inductee into the UPHA Caretaker Hall of Fame. 

"Cowboy" has a deep love of the American Saddlebred. He has spent his career taking care of some of this industry’s very best. 

The son of Jimmy Martin, he is originally from Alabama. In his youth, he and his dad moved to Harrodsburg, Kentucky. He developed his love of horses while growing up watching his dad train horses, in residence at the Mercer County Fairgrounds.
 
"Cowboy" worked for Nelson Green at Happy Valley Stables, John Conatser at Bent Tree Farm, taking care of the famous World's Champions: CH City Kitty, CH Cynthia's Party Punch, and TNT. He worked for Donna Moore, where he has fond memories of taking care of the World’s Champion mare CH Rhythm 'n Jazz. 
 
Additionally, he worked for Tom Moore for eight years. During his tenure he took care of the famous World's Champions: CH Home Town Hero, CH Caramac, Callaway’s Blue Norther, CH Crystal Vision, CH Night Prowler and CH Captive Spirit. 
 
He continued to stay connected within the horse industry when he was asked to drive a horse van for Bud and Cindy Willimon, owners of Southern Venture, Inc. He became their first full time driver and remained with them for 15 years. He then went on to drive for Creech Brothers for 18 years. He has always been a horse trainer’s partner both as a caretaker and a driver. You always knew your horses were in the best of hands with “Cowboy”.
 
If not for his diagnosis of ALS, "Cowboy" would still be working; safely hauling a group of top horses to their next horse show. 
 
"Cowboy" was not able to attend the presentation due to health issues. Accepting the award on his behalf was former UPHA President and his longtime friend Bret Day.

Congratulations once again from all of us "Cowboy", on your well-deserved induction into the UPHA Caretaker Hall of Fame.

More Stories

  • Letter To The Editor

    Dear Kentucky State Fair Board,

    My name is Melissa Moore; I am an American Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster horse trainer. I am a second generation horse trainer whose family is deeply immersed in this equine industry and has been for over 75 years.  

    Read More
  • UPHA Office Moving

    UPHA is relocating to a new address. Kindly update your records with our new location. The postal address is P.O. Box 3728, Midway, KY 40347 and the physical address is 123 East Main St, Midway, KY 40347. Read More
  • From the Desk of Edward R. “Hoppy” Bennett

    Dear Members of The American Saddlebred Community, 

    As predicted, we have received pushback from various members of the Saddlebred industry, namely the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA).  When we made our decision to replace the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) with Equine Sports Council (ESC), we were aware of and discussed this pushback and moved forward with the changes, knowingly.

    Read More
  • River Ridge Is USEF Lite Rated

    Barbara Dunham, manager of the River Ridge Charity Horse Show, announced that the show has been granted USEF Lite status for its April 24-27 event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    In response to recent developments surrounding the World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated webpage to serve as a news hub for its members. This webpage will provide timely updates and information as the situation evolves. Read More
  • Morgan Grand National Update On New Coliseum

    The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is one step closer to the beginning of a new era as progress on the new state-of-the-art coliseum in Oklahoma City continues on schedule. Read More
  • Update On Citrus Cup Regional - New Venue and Dates For 2024

    Join in for fun in the sun at Citrus Cup at its new location, the fabulous World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, on April 24-27, 2024. Fay Lowry will be judging all main ring classes. The new revised class schedule includes classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackney, Harness Pony, Open breed, carriage, ranch riding, and dressage divisions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    Many of you received an email today from David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues, that indicates a decision has already been made by the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) to change the governance of the World's Championship Horse Show from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).  Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is extending the National and National Amateur Futurity weanling nomination deadline until May 1, 2024... Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has given the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) notice to terminate its 1995 agreement with the KSFB to provide support to the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). The termination notice was hand delivered to the KSFB on Friday, March 15. Read More