Gills Bay Boy “Scamper”

Livestock •  Inducted 1996

The name is an apt description of the legendary barrel horse whose AQHA name is Gills Bay Boy. Purchased for $1,000 by owner/rider Charmayne James, Scamper began his record-setting career as a rookie in 1984. He took James past the $1 million earnings mark and to 10 world championships from 1984-93. Five-time AQHA/WPRA Barrel Horse of the Year, Scamper also won the prestigious 1992 AQHA Silver Spur Award reserved for Quarter Horses that bring special notice and fame to the breed. Scamper was semi-retired in 1993, although as recently as March 1996, he won $8,000 at RodeoHouston, one of his favorites. Over his career he earned $136,000 and 10 championships at the Texas rodeo. The gelding dominated barrel racing for a decade and without a doubt is the best known and most successful barrel horse that ever lived. James once described him as “beyond great.”

AQHA Horse of the Year

1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993