Becky Bennett started crying the moment the reserve world champion’s name was called, and she was still tearing up as she asked her daughter whether she was awake or dreaming. “If it’s a dream, it’s a really good one,” daughter Lisa said. An hour later, Becky was still calling friends to let them know of her first world championship.

Q: Congratulations. Please tell us a little bit about your horse.

Becky: He’s a 3-year-old gelding, and I’m telling you, he’s a handful. And otherwise, I’m just beyond myself.

Q: Where did you purchase him?

Becky: From Randy Jacobs. I’ve had him one year.

Q: Any special challenges with showing him?

Becky: He tries to bite you constantly, (and gets his) lead shank in his mouth.

Becky Bennett and Heza Silent Clu

Q: Tell us about your class.

Becky: Oh, my gosh, it was so exciting and when they start placing them down and they get closer and closer, the more teary-eyed I get.

Q: Is this your first world championship.

Becky: I showed last year in the yearling geldings and got reserve.

Q: So you know how to celebrate then. What do you have planned?

Becky: Just take a shower. Just to calm down. I’ve got to calm down.