“This was an awesome wedding present.”

Tim Finkenbinder was at the lead of 2-year-old gelding, Non Smokin Kid, today for Marvin and Pearl Wieneke of Minnesota. This is not only the Wieneke family’s first World Championship title, they bred and raised the past three generations that lead to the gelding they call “Nacho.”

Mrs. Suzanne Kiser was overcome with emotion this morning when her home-bred yearling filly by Kid Coolsified claimed a World Championship title at the 2013 AQHA World Show. This is Kiser’s first World Champion, and, the fact that she is out of Kiser’s mare, A Nu Dawn, makes the win even more special.

There is a unique twist that relates the two winners of the Junior and Senior Pleasure Driving at the World Show this year and it all stems from a 30 year friendship between fellow drivers, Brian Holmes and Jerry Erickson.

Although it’s a frigid 28 degrees here in Oklahoma City with a chance of hail and an ice storm on the horizon, Beth Case was Look N Hott this afternoon during her win in Senior Hunter Under Saddle. Look N Hott, aka “JJ,” is a bay gelding by Hot N Blazing and out of Regal Marie.

“You can’t imagine how wonderful this horse is, for a stallion, to be around. He’s so easygoing. He works hard. He really and truly is a trainer’s delight.”

“When we got to the show, Jarrell Jackson, our trainer, said she was offered for sale. We fell in love with her immediately and made the purchase.”

“I liked everything about him, but what topped it off was his disposition. He’s something I can show. That’s what was icing on the cake.”

“Literally, I said to either Jason or Adam, who works for me, that this was like having to slay a dragon to beat Lucy. When they said [the difference was] a half point, I thought that’s what I was going to lose by.”

Erickson has had his eye on “Smokey” for the past few years and was thrilled to receive the offer to catch-drive the horse today.