Casey Willis and KM Suddenly So Easy Win 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure at 2015 AQHA World

By: Brittany Bevis

Capping off a very full day of classes at the 2015 AQHA World Championship Show was the highly anticipated 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure finals. Winning his first AQHA World Champion title was Casey Willis aboard KM Suddenly So Easy for owners Ken and Marilyn Masterson. Not only was this Casey’s first World show win, it’s also the first farm-bred, farm-raised, and farm-owned horse to win at the World Show on behalf of Masterson Farms.

“Penelope” is by Masterson Farm’s stallion RL Best of Sudden and out of a Good Machine/Zippos Amblin Easy mare named Easy Zippin Machine. “This is pretty special for them,” Casey says. “Ken and Marilyn bought the broodmare from Cleve Wells and Jerry Kimmel, and this was her second baby. We broke her out when I started at the farm this year. She’s been easy and will give you whatever you need, whenever you want it.”

“She’s always had that look to her, that fire. Even when she’s bad, she’s good.” Casey’s girlfriend, Blair, adds, “When we went to the farm in September, to look at the colts, we watched her lope off in the round pen. Casey said, ‘One way or another, I’m riding that horse.'”

Just a few weeks ago, Casey and Penelope placed fourth in the Equine Chronicle Masters 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Next year, Casey is looking forward to showing Penelope at all of the major futurities and possibly preparing her for Miss Marilyn to compete in 3-year-old non pro classes. But for now, Casey is simply happy to take a moment to celebrate this big milestone in his career. “You always remember [your first],” he says. “I’m beside myself right now.”

Casey also hopes his win, and third place by friend and fellow trainer Aaron Moses, will give other young up and coming trainers a bit of inspiration. “I hope they know you just have to work hard and go for it. I want to thank Ken and Marilyn for giving me the opportunity to work for them; Blair for being my eyes and ears; and my parents.”

The Reserve Champion in the class was Gil Galyean with VS Lady In Red. Placing third was Aaron Moses with Zippin A Breeze. Fourth place was Jay Starnes with It’s Best To Be Me. Fifth place was Rusty Green with Scoot Over. Sixth place was Angie Cannizzaro with Who’s Chasing Who. Seventh place was Kenny Lakins with AvailableByInvitation. Eighth place was Brett Clark with No Doubt I’m Pretty. Ninth was Brian Baker with Invite Only The Best. Tenth place was Ashley Lakins with Real Hot N Spicey.