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Masterson Farms Announces the Passing of the legendary RL Best of Sudden
In Loving Memory of RL Best of Sudden
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of one of the greatest sires the Quarter Horse industry has ever known, RL Best of Sudden. Affectionately known as “Bo,” this iconic stallion was humanely euthanized on June 1, 2025, due to complications from surgery to address a strangulating lipoma. Owned and cherished by Ken and Marilyn Masterson of Masterson Farms, LLC, Bo leaves behind a legacy that will forever define excellence in Western All-Around performance horses.
A 2002 bay stallion by A Sudden Impulse and out of the Therapy mare Zip N Therapy, RL Best of Sudden first made headlines as the champion of the Reichert 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure $100,000 Open Challenge. But it was his career as a sire that would cement his name in history.
Bo’s impact is unmatched: he is the All-Time Leading AQHA and NSBA Sire by both money earned and points awarded in Western All-Around events. His offspring continue to dominate arenas at every level, known for their trainability, athleticism, and heart.
Career Legacy and Statistics:
- Total Earnings: $5,290,640+
- Total AQHA Foals: 1,406
- Money-Earning Offspring: 607
- Average Earnings per Money-Earner: $8,716.05
- Total AQHA Points Earned: 142,970+
- Point-Earning Offspring: 657
- Average Points per Point-Earner: 218
- AQHA Superior Awards: 964
- AQHA ROM Awards: 2,300
- AQHA Champion Awards: 173
- AQHA World Champions: 23
- AQHA Reserve World Champions: 34
- World Championships: 38
- Reserve World Championships: 53
Bo’s influence stretched across generations — not only through his own offspring but through their foals as well. With an extraordinary ability to pass on talent, structure, and a kind mind, RL Best of Sudden helped shape the future of the show horse industry. His get have achieved the highest honors in AQHA and NSBA competition and brought home more than 3,200 AQHA points and over 90 World or Congress Championships and Reserve Championships.
“Thank you” hardly feels sufficient for what Bo has given to the horse world. From seasoned breeders to youth competitors showing their first horse, his legacy has touched every corner of our industry. His loss leaves an immense void in our hearts, but his name, his impact, and his legacy will endure for generations.
We extend our deepest condolences to Ken and Marilyn Masterson, their entire team at Masterson Farms, and all who loved and believed in Bo throughout his incredible life. Thank you, Bo, for giving us your best — every single time.
“The best of sudden. The best of always.”
