11/04/2026
Circle J Champs Lil Chief was our first "homebred" foal, and first foal of our foundation broodmare, Martin's Bunny.
Chief was shown nearly every year of his life, first by us (pictured winning Grand and Reserve in about 1988 with Carrie, and with all his prizes from the 1990 show season with a toddler Michael), and then with the Locke family.
Chief was so smart - he loved to figure out a new obstacle, and could often do it perfectly the first time he saw it, but then that was boring and he'd figure out creative ways to do it that might not be what he actually supposed to do. ;) I remember watching Robin and Chief in a HUGE (60 horses) Youth Halter Obstacle class at the AMHA Nationals in Virginia in 1997 (if my memory is accurate) the very first time they had the carousel obstacle - a circle of trot poles, raised in the middle. While most of the horses struggled with the new obstacle, Chief did it absolutely perfectly - and won that huge class!
Chief's daughters, Circle J Duchess and Circle J Princess were also owned by the Locke family, and had very accomplished show careers with them, just like their sire. His brothers, Circle J Buster Bo and Circle J Bunanza, were also Locke family members and decorated show horses - I remember Buster winning Obstacle Driving at Worlds even after he'd had his eye removed, and he was so much fun to drive. Bunanza was Best All Around Horse at the World Show, after winning Youth, Amateur, and Open Hunter that year, as well as top tens in many other classes.
An exceptional all around horse for his entire life, the last photo is Chief after he won Canadian National Champion Senior Gelding (again) at the age of 30 in 2014!
