A Full Circle for Multiple World Champion Even More Sensational
Stephanie, Ami, and Dillon came together at the APHA World Show for a photo of a moment in time. Backdrop photos courtesy of Ruehle Photographix.
“The very first moment I beheld him, my heart was irrevocably gone.” – Jane Austen.
By Delores Kuhlwein
In 2019, Stephanie Mohindra and her family embarked on a remarkable journey when they purchased Even More Sensational, a 2013 bay overo gelding with royal bloodlines, from Simons Show Horses.
“Dillon,” by Zippos Sensation and out of Good Enchantment, began his journey with Stephanie and her daughter, Peytyn, under the guidance of Christensen Show Horses, and later with Elite Show Horses, finding wonderful success in each program. Eventually, he made his way back home to Simons Show Horses, and throughout his career, Stephanie says, he “gave us more than we ever could have dreamed.”
That dream includes Dillon’s now overall APHA lifetime 26 World titles, including 22 World Championships and 14 Reserve World Championships.
The stunning, splashy gelding recently stole the spotlight at the 2026 APHA World Championship Show by winning the All Around Masters High Point with Stephanie, along with World Champion titles for the duo in Masters Amateur Showmanship, Horsemanship, Trail, and Western Riding.
This was just a glimpse of what he accomplished with all three of his riders at this year’s show in what could be considered a Trail and Western Riding trifecta. With Peytyn, he earned World Championships in 18 & Under Trail and Western Riding, as well as a Reserve Championship in Youth Performance Halter Geldings, and Sara Simons won World Championships with him in Senior Trail and Western Riding.
Peytyn and Dillon won the high point at APHA world for three consecutive years under Elite Show Horses guidance. Photo: Ruehle Photographix courtesy of APHA.
It was as if he helped them get to the end of their journey with the ultimate show together, because giving him up to another rider to pursue her goals was already in the works. “With Peytyn heading off to college and chasing her own dreams on the track, it’s time for our family to close this chapter and let Dillon begin a new one,” reflects Stephanie. “As hard as it is, all good things must come to an end. Dillon still has so much left to give, and the Paint Horse industry is stronger when horses like him continue making memories in the show pen.”
Luckily, he already had a big fan by the name of Ami Bennett, who had seen Dillon for the first time at a Paint Show in Waco five years ago. “To me, he was the perfect representation of the ideal Paint Horse. His bold coloring, and his talent in the all around events was exactly what I love about showing Paint horses.” She told her trainer at the time, Calli Rouse, it was her dream to own him one day.
When the Bennetts relocated to Texas, Ami’s daughter, Kendall, began training with Christensen Show Horses, where Even More Sensational was already a familiar name. Eventually, Ami shared with Chad and Shane that Dillon was her dream horse. The brothers agreed he would be perfect for her if he ever became available.
Meanwhile, Ami focused on showing her halter horses under the guidance of Kelley and Adam Wainscott, but positive change was in the wind. “In March, Chad called me and told me that he and Sara had been in touch and there was a possibility to buy Dillon and I was thrilled. After just competing in halter, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to jump back into the riding, but as soon as I tried Dillon, I knew he was the one. He was everything I knew he would be five years ago.”
Sara, who notes she’s grateful to have Stephanie as a friend and client, explains, “It’s definitely a full circle moment for Dillion to be going back to Chad for client Ami Bennett. I’m so happy for Ami; I know she will love him and have tons of fun.”
Now that the APHA World Show is over, Dillon is already settling in at Christensen Show Horses. Ami says, “Chad and Shane are teaching me all the events that Dillon is already so great at. I feel there is no better way to learn an event than with a horse that is already a seasoned pro! Many have asked if Dillon will replace Kendall’s Paint Horse, One Lazy Cowboy, and I can enthusiastically say Dillon is just for me. Dillon and I will be competing in the Novice Amateur APHA all around events starting in January.”
Ami is thankful for Chad, Shane, Kelley, Adam, and Sara for making her dream coming to fruition. She shares, “Dillon is the second horse we have purchased through Sara, and she is always amazing to work with. I also appreciate the opportunity Stephanie and Peytyn have given me. Horses like Dillon are one in a million and I feel so blessed that they picked me to be his next show partner.”
Chad explains they’re excited to have such a great horse back in their barn, one that he showed when Stephanie and Peytyn were in the barn. “To have such a good horse for someone moving from Walk Trot to Novice, I really couldn’t ask for anything better,” he reveals.
Ami cinched the Masters Amateur Walk-Trot Trail 45 & Over World Title with One Lazy Cowboy in 2026, and Dillon will be her partner to “move up” to Novice Amateur.
As far as the sweet sorrow of parting, the Mohindra family will always cherish what they’ve had with Even More Sensational. “Dillon will forever hold a special place in our hearts,” Stephanie shares. “He helped accomplish dreams we never thought possible, and we’re so thankful for every trainer who was part of his incredible journey and believed in him along the way. The memories, championships, friendships, and lessons are something we’ll cherish forever. We couldn’t be more excited for Ami and her family as they begin this journey with a true unicorn.”
Just for Dillon, from the family: “Thank you, Dillon, for six unforgettable years. Now go make Ami’s dreams come true.”
Dillon definitely became part of the family!
