Famed local horseman, Howard Roberts (1916-2006) and his family, were honored at the International Saddlebred Hall of Fame Ceremony in Mexico, Missouri on June 11. 2022. Many of the Roberts’ family (21 in all) drove and flew from multiple states away to be honored at the 6th annual hall of fame ceremony. Starting at 5pm in the evening, attendees were ushered into the stoically preserved, historic 135 year old Simmons’ Stable on the Boulevard. The interior of the stable is covered in thousands of little lights that wrap the rafters and upper beams that bring the eye upward to view the massive restoration and integrity of the barn. Both ends of the huge barn were opened to let in the evenings’ breeze and fans installed in the hay loft, hummed and circulated sire to cool guests. Ears were met by harpists (Melissa Purvis) as she softly played throughout the evening. Stepping into Simmons, Stable is a step back into history and a bygone saddle horse driven era. Attendees mingled, drank cocktails, greeted old friends and were introduced to new ones. Large TV’s played a powerpoint photo show of this years’ inductees and their histories in the equine industry.
A lovely catered meal of prime rib and chicken (Buckys Sit or Get) was served. Co-president Bobette Balser Wilson welcomed all attendees to the barn. Mayor of Mexico (Chris Miller) and VP of the Mexico Chamber of Commerce (Todd Geeson) then we’re introduced and spoke to guests. The event invocation was given by stable Co- President, Mary White Littrell. Paulette Schroeder (Master of Ceremonies) then took the mic to began the induction ceremony.
Howard Robertson was posthumously honored and his family awarded a Tom Bass Bit trophy as he was inducted into the International Saddlebred Hall of Fame on Saturday evening, June 11th 2022. Howard was born in 1916 in the Delmar Community of Henry County, MO. Howard’s father, George, started Roberts stable when he became involved with racing miles and then purchased saddle horses.He bought the stallion Arlethas Easter Cloud from Longview Farm and began the successful business of breeding, training, and showing saddlebreds which Howard continued. Howard began showing horses at the age of 13. In the early thirties, Howard broke a mare and she won the five gaited junior class. He sold the mare for $1000 and bought a new Chevrolet car and had $140 left over. By now, the stallion, Arlethas Easter Cloud, was siring champions, Easter Vanity being one that Howard showed and won many championships. With the sale of Easter Serenade, George was able to build the stable and training barn on the home farm. For over 80 years, with the assistance of his wife, Dorothy, Howard was nationally known for the training, breeding, and showing of American Saddlebred horses. At one time Howard and his wife owned 54 head of horses in addition to customers horses that were being boarded and trained. Howard attended his first Missouri State Fair horse show at the age of eight. His family rode and drove their show horses from home to a rail siding on the MK&T railroad where they loaded the train and rode to Sedalia. The family camped on the grounds, showed their stock, and then returned home by train. Howard attended every Missouri State Fair horse show for 81 years. The Roberts Family were a mainstay at the fair and at one time had 24 head of horses in stalls at the fair. In 1994, the Missouri State Fair honored Howard for seventy years of participation. Along with showing horses, Howard judged horse shows in Missouri and neighboring states. Despite his busy schedule, Howard always found time to share his knowledge and experience with those just starting in the horse business. Clinton, Missouri and the rest of the horse world lost a treasured horseman as Howard Ellis Roberts, 89, passed away on August 9, 2009. A brass plaque with his engraved name is proudly displayed inside the 135yr old historic stable in Mexico Missouri for guests to view.
