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Becki Edward Hot Dig It Take Aim at Congress Gold
Some stories in the horse industry take shape over time: line by line, stride by stride. For Becki Edward and her standout partner Hot Dig It, the story is still unfolding—but the next chapter is one that Edward hopes will land them squarely in the winner’s circle at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress.
A multiple Congress and NSBA World Champion, Hot Dig It—known as “Stretch”—has already proven his talent. But for Edward, one goal is pushing them forward this fall: to win the Congress in the Select Working Hunter Under Saddle. It’s a mission powered by teamwork, collaboration, and her love for a very special horse who just keeps saying “yes.”
Love at First Stride
Edward’s partnership with Stretch began with a midnight phone call during the 2022 Congress. Trainer Farley McLendon called
Edward with urgency: “Meet me at 7 a.m. in the overhang.” That early-morning meeting would change everything.
The moment she saw Stretch trot, Edward was hooked. “He just had so much flow and step,” she recalls. “That trot drew me in immediately.” Sired by Extremely Hot Chips and out of an Indian Artifacts mare, Stretch had the pedigree—but it was his presence and fun personality that sealed the deal.
“He’s a huge trotter, but he’s so smooth at the canter—it’s like riding a cloud,” Edward says. “He tries so hard to please. His ears are usually forward, and he just floats.”
Despite his elegance, Stretch isn’t without personality. “He’s a funny guy,” she laughs. “He loves attention, loves his treats, loves to be pampered. But he’ll also let you know when he’s feeling grumpy. He’s got opinions—and we love him for it.”
From Futurity Star to Fence Horse
From the beginning, the long-term plan was clear: develop Stretch in the hunter under saddle futurity classes and then transition him into the fence work with a shot at Super Horse honors. In the meantime, he and Edward clicked in the hunter under saddle classes, quickly racking up major wins—including Edward’s 2023 World Show win in the Three-Year-Old NonPro Hunter Under Saddle and a Bronze title in the 2024 NSBA Amateur Working Hunter Under Saddle.
“Stretch mostly transitioned from being a futurity horse to a fence horse,” Edward explains. “It just makes sense to let him shine in the Working Hunter Under Saddle after such a successful under saddle career.”
Her goal of winning the Congress in the Non-Pro Working Hunter Under Saddle isn’t just about the trophy—it’s about demonstrating what the pair has built together. To do that in one of AQHA’s newer, evolving classes in the AQHA lineup is especially meaningful for Edward.
“The pace is different. The style is different,” McLendon says. “But at the end of the day, both the Hunter Under Saddle and Working Hunter Under Saddle require the same things: broke, obedient, expressive movers with clean movement. In Working Hunter Under Saddle, you just add elevation and a hand gallop.”
What makes it exciting for competitors, she says, is the opportunity to show off that balance of correctness and style. “It rewards beautiful movement and true versatility—and that’s what Stretch was made for.”
The Trainer’s Take: McLendon & Painter
“Becki is confident, soft, and focused—she’s very much ‘eye on the prize,’” says McLendon. “Stretch is the same way. They’re smooth and fun to watch. They really stand out.”
She remembers the very moment Stretch entered her program. “When we bought him as a two-year-old, we literally said during
his PPE, ‘This one’s a Super Horse.’ We mapped out the plan: futurities first, then fences. Watching it play out now gives me chills.”
More than talent, it’s Edward’s attitude that earns McLendon’s highest praise. “She makes my job easy. She never makes excuses, she’s sweet, she rides beautifully—and she understands the highs and lows of the sport. Ryan, Lance, and I all love her.”
From Ryan Painter’s Perspective, “Stretch has a big personality— you never have to guess what he’s thinking,” Painter says. “If he’s fresh, he’ll play. If he’s hungry, he’ll annoy you. If he’s tired, he’ll groan. That kind of non-verbal communication is what makes him an exceptional show horse—you always know where he’s at.”
Showing Stretch in the open over-fence classes for the past year has allowed Painter to develop a strong respect for the horse’s natural instincts—and the class that highlights them.
“The Working Hunter Under Saddle includes the foundational skills needed for over-fence horses. You need a long stride to make distances without rushing, and you need a soft, sweeping step that makes it comfortable for the rider. Stretch checks every box.”
As for the year ahead? Painter shares, “I’m excited to finish his junior year in open over-fence events. Thanks to Becki’s trust and patience, Stretch is being set up to enter the non-pro fence classes next year with confidence and polish.”
For Edward, showing horses isn’t just about points or prizes— it’s about gratitude, joy, and doing what you love with people who believe in you. “Trophies are always great,” she says, “but just being able to do this in any capacity is fulfilling for me. Horses are my passion—whether I’m showing at Congress or trail riding in the mountains.”
Her mom, Darla, has been a lifelong mentor and supporter, and Amanda Potts has been another steady presence throughout her journey. “Amanda’s not just a friend—she’s been a mentor who’s
supported my horse goals from the beginning.”
Two horses helped launch Edward’s show career. Im Always Sleepy and Extremely Custom. “They taught me so much,” she says. “And they gave me the confidence to believe I belonged here.”
To other Select competitors or adult amateurs with big goals, Edward offers this:“Go for it. I’m so glad I did. Self-doubt can kill dreams— but with a strong support system, anything is possible. I never in a million years thought I’d be where I am today.”
When she’s not at a horse show, Edward finds balance and happiness trail riding in the mountains, visiting her sisters, and spending time with her nieces and nephews. “I am the favorite aunt,” she says with a smile. “And I love every second of it.
Looking Ahead to Congress
As she sets her sights on the Non-Pro Working Hunter Under Saddle title at Congress, Edward isn’t just riding for a prize—she’s riding for the journey and challenge of being part of something bigger with a horse that was destined to shine in every arena he enters.
Article Written by: Elizabeth Arnold
