Will Faudree's Speech at Brad's Retirement Ceremony
March 22, 2009

I know if I let Brad he would be the one up... After all it is his party and like most of his big occasions I am along for the ride! It all started 8 years ago I was sitting at Phillip and Evie Dutton's house and Phillip and I were on the phone with my parents talking about getting this horse called Antigua from Australia. My mom asking the obvious question of would I be able to ride him and Phillip giving the obvious answer of a monkey could so I had half a shot. The same applies tonight providing the monkey have a tux and a lisp.

There are so many people that are here that have been apart of Brad's career and I know how thankful Brad is... I want to thank Joanie Morris and Doretta Gaudreau who were there for him day in and day out at different times of his career, helping make his stars reachable. His vets - Dr.'s Tom Daniels, Kevin Keane, Christianna Ober, and Brendon Furlong, his farriers - Dave Kumpf, Greg Davis, and Steve Teichman. Colby Saddington for teaching me what I know about horse management and going with me to try him, and me telling everyone on the flight that we were going on out honeymoon, so we could get up-graded to Business class... didn't work - That was when I really irritated her.

Coaches - so many people that helped me with Brad over the years that I can not begin to name you all - Phillip Dutton thank you for your belief in Brad and me and your time that helped develop our partnership. - Bobby Costello when I ventured out from the constant direction of Phillip you gave me the knowledge of believing in myself as a rider and as a person - Thank you. Captain Mark Phillips who is not here, but in my last lesson on Brad with him we were at The Fork the day before the mandatory outing this past summer and I had set up what I wanted to jump, he and Sandy came over and I jumped what I felt Brad needed (not much) and Mark leaning against a standard said "...what an amazing athlete" those 4 words summed it up. Which brings be to the Guiding force behind Brad's career.

MY FAMILY my Mom and Dad who never questioned what or where Brad was going and were always there with no expectations. Y'all have given so much to us always putting Kristen, Keegan and I first in all that we wanted to do, never doubting our dreams and sacrificing so much to helps us achieve our dreams. From Baseball to Africa to Aachen. No words can justify your support. And lastly I want to thank Brad.

I think that the biggest thing Brad has taught me is that when a true champion gets to the end of the road they find another gear and carry on no matter what. With that said what I have learned recently is that a true champion also knows when to bow out. Leaving a mark that few will ever forget. Weather it is lighting up a room with an infectious smile or simply leaving the start box - Here's to Brad