Name: Karlee Benincasa
Arena Name that you set the record at: Stables at Willow Tree
City, State: Stillwater, New York
Arena Record Time: 13.592
Date: 10/05/2025
Event Name: Winter Buckle Series Race #1
Reg Name of Horse: KB Heza Magnolia Guy
Horse Barn Name: Juno
Horse’s Sex: Gelding
Sire: Be A Magnolia Runner
Dam: Frenchmans Jet Fair
Photo Credit: Picture My Heart Photography / https://www.facebook.com/PictureMyHeartPhotography
Thank you to the amazing photographers that share their wonderful photos with us!
About the Superstars!!!
Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up, and how did you get into horses?
I am 25 years old and have been riding horses ever since I could remember. My grandparents had horses while I was growing up so I always loved to be around them. By the time I was 8 I started competitively competing, and it hasn’t stopped since. I work at an Equine rehabilitation and training center for thoroughbreds, but we also get all sorts of different specialty horses in for rehab treatments. Seeing how I do get to work with all the wonderful treatments my work offers, my horses also come here for some TLC in the summer and winter.
What is your Juno’s personality like? Any quirks? What is something people may not know about him?
Juno definitely has one of the biggest personalities ever.. I always say if he was a human he would be your typical football quarterback. He’s very much a ladies man and loves all the attention he can get. A few quirks Juno has is there are times you can’t catch him in the paddock and he will think it’s a game and just keep teasing you like you’ll be able to catch him. We’re always on his time.. if he doesn’t feel like loading the trailer – you’ll be there till he wants to do it & when warming up there are times you can’t get on him and you need to lunge him to get him ready.
Did you breed and raise Juno yourself? If not, what attracted you to purchase him?
Yes, I bred one of my good horses back in 2020 when Covid was happening because she is only 14 hands and all the rodeos that were able to go on around us, she wouldn’t have been able to compete at, as the arenas were decent sized and deep. We decided to breed her because she is one of the only horses I know that has the biggest heart & try.
Tell us anything special about your arena record run – was there anything you done different that day?
It was definitely a day to remember. As I said you’re always on Juno’s time… it was one of those days where I wasn’t able to get on him to warm him up and we had to lunge him. When I was finally able to get on him he acted like he’s done this a million in one times, but I think he forgets he’s only 4..
Do you have a favorite setup?
I’m pretty simple when it comes to set ups… I don’t really have a favorite. I will buy tons and tons of bits but I mainly just use whatever the horse likes
Tell us something funny about a run you made. We never see the bloopers behind the scenes.
The first run back I made on his mom was definitely embarrassing to say the least.. she’s not easy to ride and when I took her to her favorite pen she made me remember I actually have to ride her haha we knocked all 3 barrels
What is Juno’s exercise routine like?
Juno’s exercise routine is pretty simple.. I don’t work barrels hardly ever because I was always told a broke horse will hardly ever need barrel work. He gets rode 4-5 times a week doing lots of trotting. I’m pretty lucky as I have a good friend who lets me come over and use their track so I can keep track of how many miles he goes.
What is your feeding program like, do you use any special supplements?
During competition time Juno gets 3lbs of tribute resolve grain morning and night. The supplements I like to keep him on is U7 by finish line, elevate (vitamin e) , wholesome blends omega plus , remission , lubrisyn, healthy coat & C-K Hesperidin.
What is a bit that will always be hanging in your tack room?
A bit I will always keep in my trailer is a 5 chain bit… I have used that for about 10 years now and it’s always worked great for me with any horse I’ve rode. It’s not what Juno competes in but I do like to work him in it.
Does your Juno run in shoes or barefoot?
Juno runs in regular steel shoes. He used to only use fronts but about a month ago I decided to have him shod all around.
Any big Future Plans?
I tried for the IFR in 2023 with one horse but realized it’s a lot… so I’m praying I can get him going pretty decent and be able to try again! I would also love to be able to take him to the Ruby Buckle as he is eligible for that.
If you could make a run on any horse out there, who would it be?
If I could make a run on any horse I would have to say Adios or Jarvis.. they are both a freak and a natural in the arena. I would also love to cross adios on Juno’s mom.
EquiSpace Records: Congratulations to Karlee Benincasa and her outstanding gelding, KB Heza Magnolia Guy “Juno,” on setting a new arena record at the Stables at Willow Tree with an incredible time of 13.592! Good Luck to you and we hope to see you at the International Finals Rodeo on him!
One Response
The writing is sharp and the insights are spot-on. This
website has turned into a real powerhouse of value.