Deneen King Goes Back to Her Roots with World Champion How Bout A Goodride

“Take a giant leap into that which sets your soul on fire and never retire from that leap.”― Hiral Nagda.

By Delores Kuhlwein

When Deneen King took one lap around the arena on How Bout A Goodride, she knew she’d reached her comfort zone.  “He felt like an old soul when I rode him. He took me around and felt so solid and strong, yet gentle,” says Deneen, who got her start riding Hunter Jumpers as a child and teen and passed that love of horses on to her daughter, Dakota King Phelps.

Deneen explains that when she rode “Dre,” a 2020 APHA gray gelding by VS Goodride and out of Ms Silver Sensation recently at Simons Show Horses after searching for a year, not only did it take her back to her roots to be on the Hunter Under Saddle champion, but she knew she could really excel with him.  “I’ve had three knee surgeries, and it’s a lot harder for me to ride now as a mature rider, so when I realized I could ride him, I was really happy about it, and I knew I loved this horse.”

She’s not alone in her love, as Dre earned esteem with everyone in his life, not just for his talent, but also for his disposition. “He has always been an “old soul”. So kind and talented beyond his years,” says Stephanie Mohindra, who will be passing the reins to Deneen.

His trainer, Sara Simons, says Dre will always hold a special place in her heart, being out of one of her all-time favorite mares, Ms Silver Sensation.  “Her offspring have far surpassed our expectations. From the day he was born, he looked like he could be a star, so I had high hopes for him! Dre truly possesses the talent and mind to be called a great one. I’ll miss his happy attitude around the barn, but I know Deneen will love and enjoy him as much as we did.”

Deneen knew How About A Goodride was so special, his groom, Hondo, was sad to see him leave.  “At first I was hesitant, as he’s three and I’m a mature rider,” reveals Deneen. “The trainer said to talk to Hondo, who said he was an old soul and one of his favorite horses. We hit it off so well, I wanted to bring Hondo with us, too!”

She’s excited to see what they can accomplish under the guidance of her current trainer, Anthony Wilson of Wilson Show Horses in Battle Ground, Washington, on a horse that already knows how to fulfill dreams.

“Sara has done an amazing job with him, winning two APHA World Championship titles in the Two-Year-Old and Three-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle, Reserve World Champion at NSBA World, and $28,121 in the past two years,” explains Stephanie, who has owned him since he was a yearling.  “He has been a fun horse to do all the APHA Breeders Trust program classes and Gold Classes with. We brought some pretty neat hardware in a short amount of time.”

Stephanie says she’s excited to watch Deneen and Dre together. “I couldn’t have asked for a better home for Dre! He will continue to make dreams come true.”

Anthony will be showing Dre in Junior Hunter Under Saddle and in the futurities, and Deneen will show him in Amateur Walk Trot, with all three gaits as her eventual goal.  She knew it would take an exceptional horse to fill that role, since her heart horse, A Sudden Legacy, aka “Cheeks,” is now 19.  “He’s a star and he will be my shining star forever, but Dre will have his own specialness he’ll bring to me.  I’ll have two heart horses now.”

They also have their sights set on the 2024 APHA World Show, immersed in what they call their wonderful Paint western world.  “There’s such a great family aspect to the Paint industry and it’s open and welcoming to all levels of riders.  Dakota’s husband, Quinton Phelps, is riding now, leading the Novice Amateur. I love that it’s a family sport.”

Deneen says she’s thrilled to show How Bout A Goodride, especially as they look forward to the APHA World Show.  “I love going down the middle when they announce your name,” she says, lightheartedly explaining that she’ll be practicing that part, too.  “It’s real ecstasy. I’m so excited!”