“My heart is still racing,” she says. “I didn’t know if it would be possible. I love the horse, and I know that everybody else loves him. I don’t know… I thought maybe because I’m a female it might be a little harder for me. It takes a special horse to get there, and he was that horse.”

Jason Martin and Elis A Sleepin celebrated their win in Senior Western Riding by doing a few extra lead changes during their victory lap this evening at the AQHA World Championship Show.

“I like to say I have natural talent, but you have to put in the time and you have to have the dedication to harness that talent. Talent helps and then it’s just hours and hours of practicing and working with your horse and riding other horses to improve your skills.”

“Her lope is to die for, and her jog isn’t too shabby either. I’ve had a couple of really good horses in the past, but nothing like this. She’s special.”