Two Tickets

Breed: Thoroughbred

Age: February 8, 2007

Sex: Gelding

Height: 16.1hh

Specialty: Cross Country

Sonya’s special horse, Two Tickets—known at home as Benny—embodies her equine philosophy in every way. Acquired as an 11-year-old event horse with an unremarkable show jumping record, Benny’s retraining was approached with patience, clarity, and deep respect for his mind and body. Through this process, he developed into a confident and capable partner, ultimately competing successfully in all three phases in a simple snaffle, culminating in a long-format Preliminary Three-Day Event victory.

More than a competition horse, Benny became Sonya’s greatest teacher. Together they built a partnership founded on trust, curiosity, and mutual growth, each shaping the other’s understanding of dressage, confidence, biomechanics, and cross-country partnership. Their journey together inspired the philosophy that guides Sonya’s work today, and Benny’s unwavering generosity helped her earn her USDF Bronze Medal while continually reminding her that true horsemanship is measured not by ribbons, but by the quality of the relationship.

Benny also became a trusted mentor to countless horses and riders. His calm, intuitive nature made him an invaluable part of the WRE program, where he gently supported horses in learning to regulate their nervous systems in turnout and herd environments, and he offered confidence to nervous riders and horses alike on the trail.

Now retired, Benny enjoys a peaceful life in a herd, where he continues to be exactly who he has always been—a wise, kind, and deeply loved partner. Sonya credits Benny with shaping not only the horsewoman she has become, but the heart of her work, and remains profoundly grateful for every lesson they continue to share together.