Tom Bass Started First Kansas City Horse Show Today Known as the American Royal

July 1, 2008

Tom Bass loved horses and created the first Kansas City horse show despite the obstacles that he face during his life.  Tom Bass was born into slavery in Mexico, Missouri in 1859.  He became one of the world’s greatest saddlebred horse trainers, showing horses to the likes of President Theodore Roosevelt and Buffalo Bill COdy.  Bass invented the “Bass bit,” which is still standard equipment at many stables today.  He is also credited with starting Kansas City’s first horse show — today known as the American Royal.  Learn more about his life at the American Royal Museum and Visitors Center.

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