PERFORMANCE HALTER STALLIONS

With the wave of his hat, Edward L. Becker celebrated his 2008 Select world championship with Radical Tony Tiger in performance halter stallions. Only his hopes for his stallion’s future in performance classes surpassed his excitement about this win. The Journal was able to catch up with Edward before taking his championship photo, to hear more about their winning season and his plans for Radical Tony Tiger’s future.

Q. How did you feel about your first win?

Edward: I thought it was great. It was really hard getting here and getting qualified. Thanks to my son, Leo, we got him qualified this year and it was all worth while. It was really a team effort. Leo helped me get qualified because there aren’t many amateurs showing stallions, especially performance halter stallions. But after several shows we were able to get qualified, and we’re here, and by golly – we won!

Q. Will you tell us a little about Radical Tony Tiger?

Edward: I got Radical Tony Tiger as a three-year-old. He’s just a nice horse. I’ve never bred any mares with him, and I think that’s why he’s so docile. He’s a good horse, and I have a lot of fun with him. Hopefully we’ll do some other events with him now.

Edward Becker celebrates his world championship with Radical Tony Tiger and acknowledges the crowd with a wave of his hat.

Q. What are your plans for Radical Tony Tiger’s future?

Edward: We’re going to start with western riding and then trail. And hopefully he’ll be (a future) AQHA Superhorse.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to add about your win today?

Edward: I’d like to thank my son, Leo. He’s the main guy that helped me get here, and I really appreciate him.

Fun Fact: Radical Tony Tiger had open and amateur Registers of Merit and has more than $2,600 career earnings with National Snaffle Bit Association.