Interview with Edgar Gibbs, February 7, 2008

Interview Summary

Gibbs is a third generation horseman from Shelbyville, Kentucky. His father, Oscar Gibbs, was a successful Saddlebred trainer who passed away when Edgar was 16. Gibbs worked as a groom for Crabtree Stables and spent much of his career with Saddlebreds, working for Redd Crabtree. A Vietnam veteran, he talks briefly about his military service. He shares stories of being the only white groom for the Crabtrees and reflects on the African Americans he worked with. In addition to working as a groom and assistant trainer, Gibbs has worked for tack shops, horse supply companies, and a veterinary supply company. Gibbs reflects on trainers he has known, and champion horses including Will Shriver.

Interview Keyword

African Americans Bobby Isham Bud Willimon Carl Fisher Jr. Crabtree Stables Desdemona Denmark Dudley Abbott Max Luther Oscar Gibbs Redd Crabtree Saddlebred horses

Interview LC Subject

American saddlebred horse Crabtree Farms Incorporated (Ky.) Crabtree, Charles Edward "Redd" Gibbs, Edgar, 1942- --Interviews Gibbs, Oscar Horse grooms--Interviews Military service, Voluntary--United States. Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Will Shriver (Show horse)

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections and Digital Programs, University of Kentucky Libraries.