Some horses are talented. Some horses are charismatic. Then there are a rare few who become legends in their own time. Super Shaq is one of those horses.

Owned and driven by Melissa Moore (Versailles, Ky.), Super Shaq’s journey to the top of the road horse world is anything but ordinary. Today, he’s a two-time Overall Roadster of the Year, awarded by professionals through the United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA), and a World’s Grand Champion. But, his story didn’t begin under bright lights and cheering crowds. 

Shaq’s Humble Beginnings

Super Shaq (Dondersteen W x Rebar Acres Farrah) is half Dutch Harness Horse, half Standardbred gelding, a cross that produces a blend of animation, athleticism, and speed. Before stepping into the show ring, “Shaq” worked in Amish country, pulling a buggy on the road.

“He was his owner’s fancy buggy horse,” Moore explained. “To think that he was out working on the road every day, pulling an Amish wagon, and now he’s here — it’s amazing.”

Like many horses transitioning from Amish life to the show world, Shaq had to adjust. Road miles and long days of work create a very different mentality than the structured routine of a show barn. When he first entered training, he had a lot of energy.

“He was a handful,” Moore recalled with a laugh. “He didn’t look like a road horse at first. He was big, powerful, and very animated.”

After a few months of training and one particularly enthusiastic class where he put their new partnership to the test, Moore began to unlock the key to his potential. 

Over time, including many more hours of bonding, Moore and Shaq developed a special partnership. When her husband purchased Shaq for her, he officially became part of their family, earning the title of her “heart horse.”

“He’ll never be sold,” Moore said proudly. 

 

Finding His Perfect Fit: Bike vs. Wagon 

In road horse competition, horses may show in three primary divisions: to bike, to wagon, or under saddle. 

• Roadster to Bike: The horse pulls a lightweight, two-wheeled vehicle similar to a racing sulky. Because it’s lighter and more minimal, the bike allows for extreme speed and animation, but requires careful balance and control. 

• Roadster to Wagon: The horse pulls a heavier, four-wheeled wagon (often with bench seating). The added weight provides stability and requires strength and power, while still demanding speed at multiple gaits. 

Moore initially showed Super Shaq in Roadster to Bike. But, his sheer size and power made him difficult to keep settled in the lighter vehicle. “He’s so big and so powerful. I just couldn’t keep him on his feet,” she explained. “So, I thought, you know what? Let’s hook him to a wagon.” 

It turned out to be a pivotal decision. 

The added weight of the wagon helped stabilize Shaq’s motion, allowing his natural brilliance to shine. The result? A horse who commands the ring with animation, presence, and unmistakable power. 

“He just became really, really good,” Moore said. “And he’s gorgeous! People love him.” 

 

A Crowd Favorite 

Love may be an understatement. 

Super Shaq has developed a loyal following within the roadster community. He feeds off the energy of the crowd, something anyone who has attended a major championship knows is part of the magic of a gaited horse competition. 

“The crowd loves him,” Moore said. “And it’s always good to have the crowd on your side.” 

The support from their peers and fans translated into major accolades. Shaq was voted Overall Road Horse of the Year by UPHA professionals for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025, a notable achievement considering he competes against both under saddle and bike divisions. 

Then came the ultimate dream: competing for the title of World’s Champion of Champion. 

Moore competes in a division largely dominated by male drivers. After being undefeated for two years, Shaq and Moore entered the 2025 Roadster to Wagon Championship with nothing to lose. 

“We really gave it our all that day,” she said. “Everything fell into place” The pair earned their second World’s Champion of Champions title on the green shavings and later added a National Champion Roadster title to their trophy cabinet at the 2025 American Dutch Harness Horse Association National Championship. 

 

The Gentle Giant 

For all his power in the ring, Super Shaq is, at heart, a teddy bear. 

“He’s always happy. Always,” Moore said. “His ears are always up. He’s alert. He’s right in your face.” 

At six feet tall, Moore is no small rider or driver, yet Shaq still towers above her, a massive presence with a soft personality. “He’s a gentle giant,” she added. 

He loves apples, carrots, grass, and peppermints. He also has a particularly endearing quirk. After accepting a treat, he sticks out his tongue, waiting patiently for it to be scratched. 

“It’s kind of his thing,” Moore laughed. 

 

A Life Transformed 

Super Shaq isn’t the first horse Moore has guided from humble beginnings to championship success. Another former Amish horse of hers, Indian Outlaw, followed a similar path and earned Road Horse of the Year honors before retiring to Moore’s own Sunrise Stables. 

His career, like Shaq’s, from hard-working Amish horse to celebrated show champion, is something she cherishes deeply. “It’s a cool story because of where [Shaq] came from and where he could have ended up,” she says. “Instead, he’s here with me.” 

So, what's next for Super Shaq? After achieving her lifelong dream of a World’s Champion of Champions title, Moore is taking a thoughtful approach to the future. “I don’t know if I’ll show as consistently with him,” she admitted. “I don’t know what more we can achieve.” 

For now, Shaq is still working daily, still enjoying his job, and still captivating fans wherever he goes. He delighted attendees at the 2025 American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association's Youth Conference upon their visit to Sunrise Stables.

“If he wants to do it, we will,” Moore said. “If he says enough is enough, we’ll just have fun out there.” 

Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Super Shaq has already secured his place in the hearts of his community. When asked who Shaq would be if he were a human celebrity, Moore didn’t hesitate: 

“Tom Cruise,” she said. “Because he’d do his own stunts.” 

Mission: Impossible? Not for Super Shaq.