“She’s never gotten out of balance,” he says. “She’s really grown that way. We’ve been blessed with her.”

Making this win extra special is the fact that “Hazel” is only three years old! Earlier this year, she won Junior Western Riding and the BCF Limited 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure at the NSBA World Show in addition to L1 Western Riding at the Quarter Horse Congress.

“I love Western Riding, because it’s very technical, and there is a lot of timing involved. Timing is everything. It’s a hard event, so when you can achieve it, it feels good. There is a lot to it. In my opinion, I think it’s one of the hardest events to do.”

“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!”

“The first was with Snap Krackle Pop and then So Good To B Me, and both of those went back into the Senior Trail last night, so it was a cool experience for everything to come full circle,” Blake says.

“When a big horse can move that well, I think it gives a little something extra and is eye-catching.”

“He’s really steady and always very consistent. He’s a great loper and has a lot of self carriage. It’s easy for him. He’s big and bay; he has the whole package. He likes his job.”

“It’s tough leading, going into the finals. I did that a couple of years ago. Of course, there’s more pressure, but I tried to stay focused and give it all I had.”