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When you hear the name A Sudden Holiday, it carries more than a pedigree — it carries a story that has come full circle for this great stallion and those that love him.
The 2011 sorrel overo stallion, double registered (AQHA/APHA), is sired by RL Best of Sudden and out of Shes On Holiday (On Holiday) — a bloodline blending classic western pleasure with modern athleticism. Hank has long been admired for his presence, his kind expression, kid-friendly demeanor, and the class he brings to both the show pen and breeding barn.
Now, after several years, Hank now rejoins Mallory Moore, the original owners that bought Hank as a yearling from his breeders Stanley & Susan Scott.
“When I got the chance to bring him home again,” Mallory shares, “it felt like everything had come full circle. Hank has always had a special place in my heart. Seeing him walk off that trailer again — it was emotional, surreal, and exactly how it was meant to be.”
The Beginning: Hank Through Mallory’s Eyes
Mallory’s Western Pleasure career began at just 13 under the guidance of Josh and Trish Robertson. Those early years were filled with lessons from Josh, and countless hours of guidance from Dale and Melinda Livingston, Patti and Jerry Robertson, Susan and Stanley Scott, all who were champions of the Barpasser and heritage pleasure lines. It was through Josh’s professional and familial connections with these influential trainers and breeders that Mallory first discovered Hank as a futurity and stallion prospect.
“We ended up buying him through the Reichert yearling sale in 2012,” Mallory recalls. “He was always special. Josh had his eye on him from the time he was a weanling. AQHA wasn’t keen on cropouts back then, and his white spot likely helped us purchase him for less than his potential suggested. From the beginning, we believed in him — so much so that my dad, Reeves, helped secure him as one of the inaugural Western Pleasure Super Sires in 2013.”
Even in those early days, Hank’s character was apparent. Calm, kind, and affectionate, he showed the kind of demeanor typically reserved for seasoned geldings. Mallory fondly remembers spending long “hurry up and wait” moments between classes at the 2012 Reichert Celebration simply grooming and loving on him.
“He still loves a good grooming session and nose kisses today,” she smiles. “Those early moments shaped how I saw him — not just as a future stallion, but as a truly special equine companion.”
Branson’s Chapter: A Stallion and a Friend
Hank’s journey next led him to Branson & Tyler of Buckalew Show Horses, who acquired the stallion in May of 2022. Their time with Hank proved transformative, both for their program and for the stallion’s legacy.
Branson & Tyler had admired Hank for years, noting his early advertisements to the public and thinking, “What great breeding — I want to breed to him sometime.” However, Hank seemed to disappear from the public eye, and they lost track of him. In the spring of 2022, a friend reached out, asking if they had mares she could breed to a stallion she had purchased. When she mentioned Hank’s name, they immediately recognized him.
“I admitted how jealous I was that she got him. A few months later, she reached out again to let me know she had to sell him and asked if I would be interested. I immediately knew I was, but I wanted to do my due diligence since this would be the first stallion we’d ever own,” Branson recalls.
After completing thorough research and confirming that Hank met his stallion criteria, Branson and Tyler went to visit him. The stallion’s stunning appearance and sweet personality sealed the decision.
“I immediately fell in love with his sweet personality, and he was absolutely stunning to look at, so we pulled the trigger,” Branson says.
One curiosity remained: what was the story behind Hank’s extra splashy chrome? A colour marker that had not yet been identified, perhaps? Branson contacted Etalon Diagnostics, who spent six months investigating and ultimately discovered a new marker, officially named “Holiday White” (W35) in honour of A Sudden Holiday ‘Hank’.
“It was an exciting bonus. Hank literally ticked every box, and this discovery confirmed he was truly unique,” Branson notes.
Though Hank had a limited progeny record at the time, his versatility quickly became apparent. Branson & Tyler found that Hank sired consistently, producing foals that were talented, good-minded, and adaptable.
Standing a stallion of Hank’s calibre was a learning experience. Branson & Tyler were initially nervous, having never stood a stallion before. Hank’s training and temperament made the process straightforward. Unlike many stallions, he lived harmoniously in the show barn with mares and foals, making grooming and collection effortless.
“We never used a mare to tease him. It was as simple as taking him out of his stall, grooming him, and once we brought out his Fuzzy halter, he knew it was time,” Branson recalls.
Hank’s impact on Buckalew Show Horse's program was significant. He elevated the program’s profile, demonstrated the strength of his dam line, and crossed successfully on both Quarter Horse and coloured mares, producing high-end, competitive foals. Showing Hank’s offspring opened doors to new arenas and created irreplaceable opportunities and friendships.
Also, his personality left a lasting impression on Branson’s family. Observant, affectionate, and full of character, he quickly formed a special bond with Branson & Tyler's daughter, Taelor.
“He has the funniest, most observant personality. He always stuck his head out of his stall to watch what was happening and loved attention. My daughter Taelor had a special bond with him, and he knew she’d sneak treats. Those daily little moments — the morning nickers, the petting, the treats — are what I’ll miss most,” Branson says.
Hank’s Legacy: A Stallion and His Champions
Among Hank’s early offspring, Impulsive Holiday, or ‘Damon’ as he’s fondly known, a 2022 double registered (AQHA/APHA) Gelding, trained by Anthony Leier, quickly became a standout. When Damon was born, Branson reached out to Anthony Leier and Brandon Severin with his goals, and thankfully – they were wholly on-board and wanted to help make it a reality for Branson & Tyler. Between the four of them – Damon’s success at the APHA and NSBA World Shows played a key role in establishing Hank as a 23X World and Reserve World Champion sire.
Building on Damon’s success, Hank’s other notable offspring have continued to showcase their talent and versatility in the show ring, each leaving their respective marks on their sire’s legacy.
One such offspring is On Holiday Time, a 2024 Mare out of Fancy N Blue Jeans (by All Time Fancy out of Honey N Blue Jeans), who has earned 3X Reserve World Champion titles, proving not only the strength of Hank’s bloodline but also his ability to produce exceptional competitors across various disciplines.
Another standout is Away On Holiday, a 2024 Gelding out of Way Hot (by Way Zippin Sensation and out of Barlinksimasasitoo). With an impressive record of 3X World Champion, 3X Reserve World Champion, and NSBA Bronze World Champion, he continues to demonstrate the consistent success of Hank’s offspring in the competitive show world.
Rounding out this exceptional group is Hez On Holiday, a 2023 Sorrel Quarter Horse Stallion out of Slow Machine (by A Good Machine out of Radical Reba). He has earned 4X World Champion, 4X Reserve World Champion titles, further cementing Hank’s legacy as a sire of versatile and successful show horses.
Hank’s remarkable legacy as a sire of champions is evident in the continued success of his offspring. His impact on the western pleasure world and beyond is undeniable, and his story continues to unfold with each new generation.
The Decision to Bring Hank Back
After stepping away from showing and breeding for nearly a decade due to her military service and career in finance, Mallory began returning to the horse industry. She continued breeding a few horses each year and decided to try the Longe Line as a way to get back into showing. At her first show with Anthony Leier, she noticed a banner featuring Hank at the stalls.
“At the show, Branson mentioned to Anthony and his business manager, Brandon, that he might consider sending Hank to stand somewhere this September,” Mallory explains. “When Brandon heard about it, he immediately reached out to me and suggested I call Branson directly. That’s when I realized this could be my opportunity to bring him back.”
Mallory approached Branson and made it clear that if they ever decided to sell Hank, she would like to be notified and have the opportunity to purchase him. The rest, as they say, is history. For Mallory, the decision was immediate. She had supported Branson & Tyler's efforts in showing and breeding Hank’s offspring, and with two foals expected in the spring, the timing was ideal.
“I never imagined I’d have the chance to own him again, but once the opportunity presented itself, there was no question about what I would do,” she says.
Branson had been in regular contact with Mallory and her mom and business partner, Diane for several years, following Hank’s growing legacy with pride and excitement. He shared in the joy of seeing Hank’s offspring succeed and supported their embryo transfer programs. During the Paint World Show, Mallory and Diane discussed the excitement for the foals they had in recips, which Branson recognized as a moment when the possibility of returning Hank to Mallory could become real. After the NSBA World Show, Mallory formally expressed interest in purchasing Hank if Branson & Tyler ever decided to sell. At that time, Branson’s other business commitments would have made dedicating himself to another breeding season more challenging, making the timing of the sale ideal. He saw it as a perfect match — Hank would continue to be cared for with excellence and his legacy would remain strong.
“Everything fell into place perfectly,” Branson says. “I knew Mallory would provide Hank with every opportunity to succeed and continue the work we had started.”
“It was like being a little girl with her best friend again,” Mallory recalls. “He’s so special to me, and I’m grateful that this part of his life will continue with care and consistency.”
Reflecting on the opportunity to bring him back into her breeding program, Mallory adds:
“It doesn’t feel real. Hank was my dream horse. My parents made it happen for me. Unfortunately, when they filed for divorce, we sold most of the horses we owned. I thought that my breeding to him was the coolest full-circle scenario that could come out of this… boy, was I wrong! I am so impressed with how Branson has managed him and really made a name for him these past three years, and I’m grateful to have the chance to continue his legacy. Even more so with Branson and Tyler’s support and friendship. This has been such an easy transition, and I’m excited to have their involvement and counsel continue when it comes to Hank!”
Thanks to mutual respect and shared devotion to Hank, the transition was smooth. Mallory is now focused on continuing his legacy as a breeding stallion, while Branson & Tyler can move forward confident that Hank is in capable hands. For Branson, watching Hank reunite with Mallory was bittersweet — he will miss the daily interactions, the nickers, and the small joys of his presence, but he feels immense satisfaction knowing Hank was returning to a home that would nurture him and his future offspring.
The Future Plans
Now back at Tres Playas Quarter Horses, Hank is set to enjoy a life of continuity, peace, and careful management.
“Hank really just got to ‘be a horse’ during the years that Buckalew Show Horses owned him, and we’ll ensure he continues to do the same,” Mallory says.
He’ll have prime stall space — “corner office real estate” next to her favorite 20-year-old broodmare — giving him a companion to flirt and talk with during the off-season. With several changes of hands before Branson acquired him, the focus now is on giving Hank stability and comfort as he approaches 15, making sure his remaining years are happy, healthy, and successful as a breeding stallion.
Mallory has clear plans for Hank’s influence on both western and hunter lines. She is especially excited about foals arriving next year, including two full siblings from her Huntin For Chocolate mare out of a Petite Lord daughter — the dam of Go With Grace, her Longe Liner who recently earned two Premier wins and an APHA Intermediate Championship under Anthony Leier’s guidance, and now close to her under-saddle career with Kristine Bowker. Mallory is also seeking Machine Made and Good Machine mares to capture the RLBOS x MM “magic cross,” as well as some true Hunter-type mares.
“Hank is so free in his shoulders, has a great wither, and throws so much size. I think he could be a good, or even great, sire of Hunter Under Saddle horses,” she says.
Hank has already proven to be a dynamic producer. Yearlings from his early breeding seasons have shown talent in both Western and Hunter Longe Line classes, while inheriting his trademark good nature. Mallory aims to find the optimal crosses on the Quarter Horse side, building on the foundation Branson established with breeders and prospects in the Paint and Double spaces.
“My goal is to develop a few strong show and broodmare prospects over the next several years to ensure Hank’s legacy continues for generations,” she says, “all while enjoying the process of campaigning his get along the way.”
For the 2026 season, Hank will stand at The Breeding Barn with Kim Dean, with cooled and frozen semen available domestically, shipped to Canada, and eventually Europe by 2027. The relationship with Kim also brings something special to the mix, as she originally sold Hank’s grand-dam, Shesa Hot Cookie to Susan and Stanley for their breeding program. He will also continue participating in Stallion Incentive Programs, so breeders can reap the full benefits of their support.
“I want Hank babies to have the opportunities I never had with him as a young horse,” Mallory shares. “I want them thriving in the show pen, enjoying life, and carrying forward the traits that make him so special: his mind, his movement, and his heart.”
Reflecting on having him back in her program, Mallory adds:
“I’m just thrilled to have him back. Owning a stallion you sold early in life once again brings a connection with breeders and the industry to a whole new level. I can’t wait to see the foals from Branson and Tyler’s first season under saddle — it’s going to be an exciting next chapter for all of us.”
Back Home, Forward Bound: Hank’s Next Chapter
For Mallory, Branson, & Tyler, Hank has been more than a stallion; he has been a companion, a teacher, and a shared joy. His personality — gentle, attentive, and affectionate — has left lasting impressions on everyone who has had the privilege to work with him.
“Hank has always been ‘the one that got away’ for me,” Mallory says. “Now that he’s back, I feel like a little girl with her best friend again. He’s so special, and I’m grateful this part of his life will continue to be full of love and adoration.”
For Branson, it was a mixture of pride and bittersweet reflection – knowing Hank had returned to a home that would continue his legacy. The foundation he helped lay for Hank’s breeding career would be nurtured and built upon, and that's come to fruition.
“I know he’s going to a home that will continue his legacy — and that’s all I could ever ask for.”
Hank’s journey — from a promising yearling in 2012, to a champion sire under Branson, and finally back to the hands of the person who first believed in him — is a story of passion, patience, and the enduring bond between a horse and the people who love him. Now, back where his story began, Hank faces the future with stability, purpose, and promise. With careful management, a loving environment, and the excitement of upcoming foals and show prospects, his legacy is poised to continue shaping champions — both in the show ring and in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.