His last name is synonymous with greatness in the horse industry, whether it’s in the Western Pleasure pen or in the Cutting arena.

But Brody Galyean is not letting that intimidate him. Instead, he’s motivated by it.

Brody’s father is trainer Gil Galyean, who was the first to be honored by the National Snaffle Bit Association for reaching the $1 million mark in Western Pleasure earnings.

Both Gil and Brody’s mother, Becky, are also accomplished cutting horse competitors, and as such, have a herd of cattle on their 140-acre ranch. Becky began showing Quarter Horses when she was 13-years-old, and was AQHA Youth Rookie of the Year, her first of many accomplishments on a national level with Quarter Horses. People in the horse industry recognize the Galyeans as being true horsemen, both in choosing the right horse for the job at hand, and understanding a horse’s mind to bring out the natural talent. The family usually has about 30 head of horses in their training facility in Purcell, Oklahoma.

Brody’s grandfather, Kenneth, was also a trainer, showing in Halter, Western Pleasure, Cutting and Reining. He also had the honor of being invited to judge the inaugural Quarter Horse World Show in 1974, and is in the Cutting Horse Hall of Fame.

Galyean, at age 15, has some large boots to fill with such an accomplished family of horsemen in his background. He’s been riding and showing most of his life.

He’s already had the opportunity to show such decorated show horses as HP Only Lazy and Dressed To Party in Novice Youth and 13 & Under Western Pleasure events.

But these last couple of years Brody has been teamed with Cool Poco Dot, a 2010 mare sired by LL Cool Bay and out of Poco Jina Jane, that he calls Molly.

Together they compete in Youth Western Pleasure and Non-Pro Western Pleasure futurity classes.

“I like Western Pleasure because of the challenge,” said Galyean. “You’re riding a well-broke horse on a loose rein. I’ve grown up watching my Dad ride, and I’ve been around pleasure horses my whole life, so I appreciate the training that goes into it, and the skill it takes to win consistently.”

That background helped Brody and Cool Poco Dot capture a Championship title last year in Level 2 Western Pleasure at the American Quarter Horse Association’s Youth World Show and they closed out the year with a Reserve Championship in Youth Western Pleasure 12-14 at the Quarter Horse Congress. They started this year off strong as well, with a Circuit Championship in Youth Western Pleasure at the Arizona Sun Circuit followed by a Reserve Tom Powers Championship in the Limited Non-Pro Western Pleasure. He is returning to the AQHA Youth World Show this year where he will attempt to improve his record.

“I’ve learned a lot from my parents,” Brody said. “I enjoy going to horse shows for many reasons. I like the combination of competition and comradery, plus, when you’re traveling to shows, you meet a lot of new people. I like having friends all over the country. My trainers are my dad, and his assistant trainer, Adam Mathis.”

Although a young man of few words, Galyean can let his sense of humor show. When asked what he usually does to pass the time while longing, he said, “Try not to lose the horse.”

While that may be true, he might also be listening to some country music on his I-pod. His dream vacation spot? Alaska.

“Even though I’m from Oklahoma, I really like the cold and the snow.” 

Perhaps the penchant for cold weather stems from his passion for football. When he’s not helping with the horses in for training, he loves playing football as did his father and older brother, Garrett.

Brody is a student at Purcell High School and he will graduate in 2023. After that he hopes to attend Clemson University in South Carolina.

Although school work and riding take up most of his time, Brody also enjoys basketball and hanging out with friends.