THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF BAR K STROKER ACE Q-26557 STILL THE BOSS AT 34
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PHOTOS BY: VICKIE LAMBERTON
THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF BAR K STROKER ACE Q-26557 STILL THE BOSS AT 34
By any standard, 34 years is an extraordinary milestone for a horse. For a Quarter Horse gelding who has spent decades in the show ring, on the trail, and at the heart of a devoted partnership, it is nothing short of remarkable.
Yet in the rolling hills of Tasmania, one very special gelding continues to defy expectations. His registered name is Bar K Stroker Ace( Q-26557), though to those who know and love him, he is simply“ Fred.” A proud registered member of the Australian Quarter Horse Association, Fred’ s story is one of longevity, loyalty and the quiet brilliance that defines the Quarter Horse breed.
THE BEGINNING OF A ONCE IN A LIFETIME HORSE
Fred was bred by Jessie Hallows, his papers his birth date as 12 / 09 / 1991 and he began making his mark early. In 1993, Fiona Nelson( née Ellis) travelled to the All American Quarter Horse Congress as an AQHA Youth competitor igniting her passion in the show ring. Upon her return from that trip, she brought Fred as a two year old, with the support of her father well-respected horseman Eddie Ellis. Together they built an impressive performance record across multiple disciplines that begins in 1994. Western Pleasure, Trail, Team Roping, Reining and Halter- showcasing the trademark versatility of the Quarter Horse.
In 1995, Fiona sold Fred as a rising four-year-old to Vickie Lamberton as she took up an opportunity at Chance Lodge. When contacted about this article and told of a 34-year-old gelding she once owned, Fiona immediately asked,“ Is it Fred? He was a special horse.” She admitted she had often wondered where life had taken him, a testament to the lasting impression he made from the very beginning.“ He was just a great horse from the very beginning, and as I was so young, I didn’ t really understand it at the time”. Within an hour of the phone call she had emailed a photo of him to us.
FROM SHOW RING TO BUSH COMPANION
In his early years with Vickie, Fred carried her proudly in the show ring across Tasmania. Those competitive days may now feel like“ years ago,” but the bond forged during that time remains unshaken. When their show career concluded, Fred transitioned seamlessly into a new role as trusted bush companion.
Countless hours were spent exploring the Tasmanian countryside, Fred carrying Vickie while her friend rode alongside on her mare, Sally. They were accompanied by two loyal dogs, Ellie and Connie, forming a small but devoted trail-riding family.
Fred was the very definition of a seasoned trail horse. Valleys, thick scrub, steep hills and shifting sand were never cause for hesitation. He would quietly assess the terrain, then step forward with steady confidence over the undulating hills of Dysart, Tasmania.
“ Just point him in any direction and off we would go,” Vickie recalls. The dams along the trail were a particular highlight. Fred adored splashing through the water alongside the dogs, sending sheets of spray in every direction. More
2026 AQHA MARCH / APRIL ISSUE