Remembering RL Best Of Sudden: Leading Western Pleasure Sire

National Snaffle Bit Association extends its heartfelt condolences to Ken and Marilyn Masterson and the entire team at Masterson Farms on the loss of the legendary stallion, RL Best Of Sudden. Affectionately known as "Bo," the iconic sire was humanely euthanized following complications from surgery to remove a strangulating lipoma.

Foaled on January 7, 2002, at Roberts Quarter Horses, RL Best Of Sudden was sired by A Sudden Impulse and out of Zip N Therapy, a daughter of Therapy by Zippo Pine Bar. After a successful show career that included a victory at the original Reichert Celebration $100,000 Championship with trainer Bret Parrish, Bo was purchased by the Mastersons and began his breeding career at Masterson Farms, LLC in September 2006, under the care of Greg Wheat and Dr. Colin Anderson.

Bo’s impact on the industry is unmatched. He remains the AQHA All-Time Leading Western Pleasure Sire and All-Time Western All-Around Sire, with progeny earnings exceeding $6.39 million and more than 184,000 AQHA points. His offspring have earned 129 AQHA World and Reserve World Championships, along with 609 Superiors and 1,424 Registers of Merit. Even more impressive, these accomplishments came despite the farm closing his breeding book for three years starting in 2017 due to a stifle injury. Since 2020, Masterson Farms has continued to offer frozen semen to preserve his legacy.

RL Best Of Sudden’s influence spans generations. Among his many notable offspring are Hot Lopin Lily, 2021 NSBA Horse of the Year; Snap Krackle Pop, a two-time NSBA World Champion, two-time AQHA Super Horse and earner of $263,302 and 2,644 points; KM Suddenly So Easy, a multiple NSBA and AQHA World Champion; and KM Weknowsheshot, among many others. He also sired top producers and leading sires in their own right, including The Best Martini, Heart Stoppin, KM Hot Number and Momma Knows Best.

The economic and cultural impact Bo has had on the western performance horse industry is immeasurable. More importantly, his legacy lives on in the joy he brings to the breeders, owners and exhibitors who have the privilege of working with his offspring. With continued access to his frozen semen, RL Best Of Sudden's stor yand his influence will carry forward for years to come.