Gills Bay Boy “Scamper”
Inducted 1996

By Ann Bleiker

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 (1989-1993), 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.”

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