Originally from Missoula, Montana, Shadd Parkinson grew up immersed in the western performance horse world. Early in his career, he gained experience across multiple disciplines, including halter and western pleasure, before finding his true passion in reining and reined cow horse.

Now based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Parkinson has established himself as a top-tier trainer in both reined cow horse and ranch riding.

Over more than two decades in the industry, he has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Open Bridle Championship at the 2014 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® riding Spursuasion, and the 2019 NRCHA Stakes Intermediate Open Championship riding Metal Storm. He also won the 2024 Holy Cow Performance Horses CD Survivor Open Bridle Spectacular and Super Spectacular titles aboard Tornado Watch and Whose Tuff, and also qualified for The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge.

His success extends to the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) as well, where he has claimed multiple world titles: 2020 AQHA World Champion in Senior Ranch Riding, 2018 AQHA World Champion in Junior Ranch Riding, and 2014 AQHA World Champion in Senior Working Cow Horse.

With career earnings surpassing $541,000 in NRCHA competition, Parkinson remains a formidable competitor and consistently ranks among the top 30 Open riders in the industry.