Inducted 2004
In the mid 1960’s, Ken Bridgeman made a life-changing decision. He sold his dairy herd and decided to re-invest in horses and join the PMU industry in Manitoba . After acquiring 19 horses, he bought a mare at a horse sale in foal to an Appaloosa stallion. The resulting blanket-marked colt attracted a lot of attention, and this interest by other horsemen encouraged Ken to purchase the leopard Appaloosa stallion British Chieftain’s Tonto ApHCC #2379 from Saskatchewan . This was the first in a series of Appaloosa stallions acquired for his ranch near Rapid City , Manitoba , including Oudone’s Chinook, Wyalta Yo Patch ApHCC #363, Zip’s Top Drop ApHCC #10665, and Tim’s Top Secret. Ken also purchased the mare Sister Kate ApHCC # 6490 who went on to become a top producer in Ken’s broodmare band, being the dam of Kate’s Valentine, Go Kat Go, Ima Doctor and Doc’s Little Brother. In 1984, Ken purchased the yearling colt Miracle Moon ApHCC #24393, with the intent of breeding easily trainable Appaloosas suitable for Youth, Amateur or Open competition. His success in siring such offspring as Timtress Moon, Moon’s Slicker, and Moon’s Sweet One helped Miracle Moon attain Supreme Sire status.

The Bridgeman’s KJ5 Ranch attracted buyers for registered Appaloosas from across Canada , the United States and overseas. An active member of the Appaloosa Horse Club of Manitoba, Ken served as a director and was president for 6 years. He was also a director for the Manitoba/Northwest Ontario region in 1981-1982 at the National level, and was Vice President of the ApHCC in 1982. In addition, Ken has chaired the OMB and Breed Improvement Committee, the Racing Committee, and the Youth Committee. A strong supporter of the 4-H movement, Ken made his riding arena available to 4-H Horse Club members whenever it was needed. Raising 5 children with his wife Jane, Ken now has 12 grandchildren, most of them involved with horses, and three of whom competed at the Canadian National Appaloosa Show in Brandon , Manitoba in 2004.