Snap It Send It Named 2020 NSBA Horse of the Year
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By Delores Kuhlwein
It’s a tongue in cheek saying that we’d all like a unicorn: a perfect, dream-fulfilling, look-to-the stars kind of horse–a horse that takes us on a magical, unbelievable journey. When Snap It Send It, a 2016 AQHA gray mare, entered Kent Ray Taylor’s life, she seemed destined to make his dreams come true. Imagine a horse so special that, despite a 2020 show season cut short due to the pandemic, she garnered enough points and futurity money to win the title of NSBA Horse of the Year. That mare is “Bailee,” a horse worthy of being crowned Kent Ray’s unicorn.
“Honestly, I can’t tell you how honored and thrilled I am that Bailee and Blake got the opportunity to compete for this,” Kent Ray says. “She’s truly the kind of animal that deserves what she has received based on her talent and sweet temperament. She’s a natural show horse!”
A New Chapter
When Kent Ray’s trainer, Blake Weis, first approached him about Bailee in 2019, buying another young horse was the last thing on his mind. He was having dinner at his La Jolla house with friends when Blake called him, announcing that he’d found the horse for them. “I said, ‘Oh, Blake, I don’t want another young horse, and I’m not in the horse buying mode today.’ Blake laughed and said, ‘Well, please let me at least send you a video.’”
When the first video came, all of 30 seconds worth, Kent Ray had his doubts. “I said, ‘Oh, no. She looks too weak, and I can’t see her doing Western Pleasure very well.’ Blake said, ‘Oh my goodness, Kent Ray, I love her for the Trail and Western Riding! She will make you an amazing all-around horse!’”
Kent Ray then asked for a longer video so he could get a better look. In March of 2019, Kent Ray purchased Bailee, who had been raised on Twin Acres Ranch by Blake and Kendra Weis. Breeder, Twylla Brown, had crossed her two-time AQHA Superhorse, Snap Krackle Pop, with AQHA stallion, VS Code Red, to produce the promising prospect.
“It has been the greatest experience ever since,” Kent Ray says. “I can’t be more thankful and thrilled with her. She’s a true unicorn!”
A Winning Combination
