Beth Case and Willy Has Potential Win Senior Hunter Under Saddle For the Second Time

By: Brittany Bevis

This is the second time that Beth Case and Willy Has Potential have been in the winner’s circle at the 2017 AQHA World Championship Show. Today, the team was named the Champions in Senior Hunter Under Saddle. However, this is the first time that owner, Shelby Ratliff, has been here in Oklahoma City to watch.

“It’s the first time I’ve been here to watch Beth win, with one of my horses, at least!” Shelby says. “I think he was perfect today. He’s Willy! He’s always great. He looked really good today.”

Shelby will get her own chance later in the week when she will show Willy in Amateur Hunter Under Saddle. They’ve been a team for the past three years after the gelding was purchased at the Quarter Horse Congress. This year at the Congress, Beth and Willy won Senior Hunter Under Saddle and Maturity Hunter Under Saddle.

Beth believes it is Willy’s consistency that makes him a favorite among the judges. “He’s wonderful. He acts perfect. He acts right every time. He doesn’t move his head and neck, and his legs are great. He doesn’t do anything wrong. That’s what I like about him anyway!”

We always joke with Shelby, asking if she plans to add any additional events to Willys’ repertoire, but she’s holding firm that she’s a one-event girl. “It’s not going to happen. Everyone can think it might, but I am not doing Equitation!” she laughs.

The Reserve Champion in the class was Elizabeth Baker with Details Of Willy. Third was Dawn Baker with Dancin N The Dirt. Fourth was Deanna Searles with She Says Aloha. Fifth was Leslie Lange with Kamanyawannadance.