Person · 2018
NRHA Hall of Fame · Inducted 2018
Bill Bradley
RHF Co-Founder · NRHA President · Non Pro Patron · Inducted 2018 (Posthumous)
Bill Bradley of Mount Sterling, Kentucky, was one of reining's greatest patrons — a non-pro competitor, owner, board member, and philanthropist who touched every corner of the sport. A co-founder of what became the Reining Horse Foundation, he served as NRHA President in 2005 during a critical period of international expansion. He supported the careers of trainers including Shawn Flarida, Craig Schmersal, and Dell Hendricks. He died just weeks before his Hall of Fame induction in 2018. His award was accepted by his wife Gloria and stepdaughter.
"He was probably as responsible as anyone for the establishment of what we now know as the international affiliate program."— Frank Costantini, NRHA Hall of Famer
Career Highlights
- Co-founder of the Reining Horse Foundation — among the founding donors; led some of RHF's most successful early fundraisers; NRHA President 2005 whose term saw European expansion accelerate
- Patron of champion trainers — supported Shawn Flarida early in his career: "He was the first owner who I ever earned a World Champion title with" (Flarida); also backed Craig Schmersal, Dell Hendricks, Fernando Salgado, and others
- Mount Sterling, Kentucky · Born 1951 · Passed away 2018 · Inducted posthumously
Class of 2018