GoHorseShow - Masterson Farms Retires Multiple World & Congress Champion KM WeKnowShesHot

Ken and Marilyn Masterson of Masterson Farms are well known in the industry for standing RL Best Of Sudden and the newest addition to their stallion lineup, The Lopin Machine. The couple has also bred and shown some of the best horses in our industry. One of those great mares is multiple World and Congress Champion, KM WeKnowShesHot, fondly known as Mercedes.

Ken told us that they first saw Mercedes when she was foaled on March 9, 2012. At the time, he said that he was looking forward to this foaling as it would be the cross of RL Best Of Sudden and WeKnowShesSomething who is by Blazing Hot. Mercedes is third generation at the farm and Marilyn showed both her grand dam and dam to great success.

“We have many wonderful memories about Mercedes,” Ken recalls. “One of our best memories is when Marilyn wasn’t going to be able to show at the 2016 Congress because her horse was injured. Casey (Willis) called Marilyn, who was in Lexington at the time, and asked if she would like to try to show Mercedes, who she had never ridden. Marilyn came the next morning—the day before the class—to see about trying to show her. After watching her ride for just a few minutes, all of us on the ground agreed that they would be great together and that she should show. Marilyn understandably wasn’t sure and wanted to ride another time. But without her knowledge, we went ahead and entered her.”

Ken continues, “The next day, Marilyn and Mercedes were the unanimous Congress winners of the Select Amateur Western Pleasure. From there, they have gone on to win two more Congress Championships, two AQHA Select World Championships, and two NSBA World Championships. In addition, Mercedes has won multiple Congress, AQHA and NSBA World Championships in the Open classes as well as many futurity wins.”

We asked Ken what he believed was so special about her. “It’s hard to find any fault with Mercedes. Her conformation is excellent; she’s beautiful with great ring appeal. Her way of going is very consistent with the forward and correct movement that everyone looks for. She has great self-carriage with a constant level topline. It’s just hard to take your eyes away when she’s showing.”

It was a tough decision for the Mastersons to end her show career while she was still going strong, as evidenced by her win at this year’s Congress in the Select Amateur Western Pleasure. However, it was made easier by looking forward to the foals she will produce. They currently have two coming two-year-olds by Machine Made, which show great promise. “Both are started and doing very well,” according to Ken. “Also, we are, of course, excited about breeding her to The Lopin Machine.”