Masterson Farms is primarily known for their legendary stallion, RL Best Of Sudden, but this past week, the ladies of the farm have taken the spotlight from the boys at the NSBA World Show. Resident Trainer Blair Townsend won the prestigious NSBA Open Maturity with KM Suddenly So Easy with three firsts. Better known as Penelope, this mare has won major events in the past, but with Casey Willis in the stirrups. This year, Blair took over the reins, and this team has been on fire.
“I was a little nervous about showing her this year because I wanted to continue her success in the show arena,” Blair told us after her win in Tulsa. KM Suddenly So Easy has many big wins under her belt including the 2016 AQHA World Champion in the Two-Year-Old Western Pleasure. “She was so good in the Maturity and it was so fun to show with the big-time trainers that I’ve looked up to for years like Rusty Green, Gil Galyean and Jay Starnes, but it was even more fun to beat them,” Blair says and laughs.
Ken Masterson says he always has faith in Blair and her talent. “We’re very proud of her and never surprised when she does well. She’s very talented and no one works harder. This win was well-deserved and we’re extremely pleased for her.”
Townsend said she first showed Penelope in Arizona earlier this year and that they “just clicked” so they decided to go with it. “She has great self-carriage and lays her head and neck down perfectly. She’s also very cool looking with the roan hairs mixed in with her coat, and when she turns it on, she is exceptional.”
Townsend credits her boyfriend, Casey Willis for helping prepare Penelope. “He trained her, so he knows all her buttons,” Blair shares. “Casey has been a huge help on the ground watching her and giving me some tips.”
Marilyn Masterson and KM WeKnowShesHot (Mercedes) have also been racking up the awards in Tulsa. This team won the BCF Championship in the Intermediate Non-Pro Maturity Western Pleasure as well as prevailed in the Select Western Pleasure.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with Mercedes and how she showed. This mare is so special to us all and she demonstrated again yesterday just why that’s the case. I couldn’t be more proud of her and our team at the farm,” Ken Masterson says.
Casey adds, “Marilyn had excellent trips in her classes. She’s a fierce competitor and it’s great to see both her and Blair win because they are passionate about what they do.”
Our hats off to the Masterson ladies and we wish them the best of luck the rest of the show.
Photos © Courtsey Promotions
