Please help send condolences to Christine Hocutt-Senteney on the passing of her beloved AQHA World Champion, Bellieve Hes Blazing at the age of 28. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris and everyone who loved him. She wrote a beautiful tribute to "Blake" below.

Bellieve Hes ...Blazing
(Blazing Hot x Bell Of The Barn)
03/28/98- 06/12/26

Blake, what can I say? The last 28 years with you have been nothing short of incredible.

From prizes and points and titles to AQHA World Show globes and NSBA World Show trophies in every color, you made my wildest dreams come true. The awards, the memories made, and the friendships cultivated around the country will be forever cherished. I could never have imagined the accomplishments we would achieve together. I will forever be grateful that you kept me in the show arena after I lost Bell and didn’t want to continue with another horse. You gave me a reason to keep at it. And while there were certainly moments when you could be "challenging” (like the histrionics and Paso Fino impression you performed during Horsemanship at the Congress that one year) you definitely made me a better rider, a better competitor, and ultimately a better sport.

But your impact reached far beyond my own dreams. I am proud that you helped countless youth, amateurs, and novice riders find their own confidence in the arena. You carried many riders through their first leadline class, their first walk/trot class, their first pattern class, and to their first ribbons, trophies, buckles, and saddles. For many, you were the horse who taught them their first lead change or helped them master their first fast spin. From horse show classes and rodeo queen competitions to special events and the NCEA competition at the World Show, you carried so many people to success. No matter the occasion, you were always "Mr. Dependable." Whether someone needed a horse for a competition, a demonstration, a collegiate equestrian team application video, or even a steady partner to pony another horse, you never let anyone down.

While I will always cherish the memories we made in the show pen together, actually some of my favorites are from the last several years of your retirement, when I had the chance to simply enjoy you as a horse again—goofing off, play days at the barn, riding the Griffith Park trails with friends, pulling the roping dummy for the Rancho Roping Club, and just spending time with you as a friend, companion, and family member.

Although heartbreaking, I am grateful I was able to be there with you as you crossed the Rainbow Bridge. From the day you were born until the day I said goodbye, we spent a lifetime together—and I wouldn't trade a single moment. Fly high, "Big Butterfly." You have earned every bit of peace, comfort, and relaxation in greener pastures. Thank you for the ride of my life. I love you and will miss you, sweet friend.

The VS CODE RED AQHA English Versatility Series, this new 10-show series gains momentum with open and non-pro standings, expanded sponsor support and prestigious year-end awards.

GoHorseShow - AQHA English Versatility Series Leaderboard Showcases Top Horses Nationwide

The American Quarter Horse Association’s VS Code Red English Versatility Series continues to gain momentum in 2026, bringing together exhibitors...

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