In 2017, Ricky Kamins made the final bid at the Texas ASB Futurity Stallion Auction, right before bids closed. The auction, managed by friend and longtime trainer, Sandra Currier, featured 34 premier American Saddlebred Stallion stud services. Kamins hadn’t planned on bidding, but when County Treasure remained the last stallion without a single offer, he decided to take a chance.  

“I just bought it so Sandy could be 100% sold out,” Kamins said. With no open mare available, he leased Shoobop’s Sweet Talk. Though Sweet Talk herself was never shown, her dam, Reedan’s Talked About, had been a standout in the five gaited division with Currier. 

“The next thing you know, we’re raising a baby,” he recalled. “I had no expectations; it was just a fun thing to do.”  

That “baby” was RWC Collier County, better known as “Bobby,” a big chestnut gelding marked with a tiny star. Kamins was there shortly after he hit the ground, but it wasn’t until Bobby was three weeks old, that Kamis was certain he had bred something remarkable. 

“He told me he was going to be something special,” Kamins said. “I took a picture of him in the paddock, and he just had the look of eagles. He’s a beautiful animal.” 

Special, indeed. 

As Bobby entered training and stepped into his junior career, his larger-than-life personality quickly became evident. His early experiences in the Harness division included success and a few learning curves, but he steadily progressed to a standout 3 Gaited Park Horse. 

“The fun thing about raising horses is you’ll hear people say that it’s like watching paint dry,” said Kamins. “It’s not like that for me. Every so often, they’ll throw you a nugget that makes everything worth it. He’s thrown nuggets his whole life.” 

The time that Kamins and Currier devoted to Bobby proved invaluable when he captured the Reserve World’s Champion title in the ASHBA Bill Wise Three-Gaited Sweepstakes. The result was both surprising and entirely fitting for those who knew his talent. 

“My first reaction was shock, but we always knew he was gifted,” said Kamins. “I was over the moon. All horses are special, but Bobby is extraordinary because of the way he came into the world and how much he's grown. Watching him compete and seeing our whole clan rally around him was a thrill.” 

Bobby exhibits much of the desired traits of top show Saddlebreds. He carries a commanding presence, expressive attitude, and powerful movement. When he steps into the show ring, he knows exactly where he is and what’s expected from him – and rises to the occasion time after time. 

“He’s very impressed with himself,” Kamins laughed. “He has a ton of personality and is really sweet on the ground, but when you get on, you best be ready to go. His trot is extremely animated, and he has a great rocking horse canter.” 

This year, Bobby and his team traveled to the 2026 Pin Oak Charity Breed Show, where he delivered strong and consistent performances. He won the ASB Three Gaited Park Horse with Currier and went on to claim the ASB Three Gaited Park Horse Championship with Bari Michalski. The show marked a memorable moment for Kamins himself, who was inducted into the TASHA Hall of Fame in recognition of his meaningful impact on the Saddlebred community. Kamins plans for Michalski to continue showing him in the Amateur division throughout the rest of the year. There’s even talk of Bobby returning to the Harness ring with Kamins holding the lines.  

But for Kamins, claiming another World Championship title isn’t the ultimate goal. “It would be nice if it happened,” he said. “But it's more about the joy of being there than the outcome. Everyone should have a good time; that’s the bar I set, and the experience that’s most important to me.” 

Kamins' bond with Bobby extends far beyond the Saddlebred’s talent. Bobby represents a piece of Kamins’ history and the people who shaped his involvement in the sport, including Mr. Pewins, the owner of Bobby’s dam, and Kamins’ biggest supporter, his father.  

“My dad and Mr. Pewins are the reason I have Bobby,” said Kamins. “I’ve known Mr. Pewins my whole life, and my dad was always really supportive. When I watch Bobby, it reminds me of the both of them and the history that brought us here.” 

It’s a connection rooted in memory and meaning, but it’s also full of everyday joy. 

“He loves me because I am the treat guy,” Kamins laughed. “He doesn’t turn down much, but he loves carrots and peppermints.”  

Bobby gets a healthy dose of treats each time Kamins visits the barn, which can easily be up to four times a week. There isn’t a day when Kamins doesn’t think about Bobby’s wellbeing or that of the rest of his herd. 

“I am extremely hands on with them,” he said. “They don’t show the horses unless I am there, and we prioritize downtime for them in the off season.”  

For Bobby, that downtime typically consists of daily turnout, and plenty of visits from Kamins, from late November through February. Kamins believes this is something important for not only Bobby’s physical development, but his mental wellness as well. 

“It works for him because he comes back stronger every time,” Kamins said. “It’s good for their minds just to be a horse and to be let down.” 

Although Kamins is in the business of selling horses and technically everything has a price tag, it would require something exceptional for him to part with Bobby. Regardless, Bobby will always have a place with Kamins. 

“One of the things I always let people know is that when they’re done, I’ll always take them back,” he said. “My goal is for all my horses to retire sound and happy, and they always have a home with me.” 

Learn more about the American Saddlebred breed here.