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I grew up in Ontario, Canada and showed as a youth at the Eastern Ontario Quarter Horse Association shows. That was the 1980’s when you showed to one judge a day and all the classes. We showed eight classes in one day with multiple tack changes.
I sold my horse in my senior year of high school, went to University and went on to become a high school Biology and Chemistry teacher. I got married, we moved to the United States in 2000 and had four children. I didn’t ride for 20 years. When the last of the kids went off to elementary school I thought it was time to dive back in. I told my husband I wanted to buy a horse to “hack around”. I then realized I was in over my head and found the help I needed with Jennifer Burton. I returned to the pen 26 years after leaving and it felt like I was 16 again. It was awesome.
Currently I show Surely Sheza Hottie in Showmanship, Western Pleasure and Horsemanship. She is a 2012 mare that Jenny showed to the AQHA Level 1 Western Pleasure High Point title in 2016 and then in 2019 we won the Level 1 East Amateur Showmanship.
I also show SLJ ImStubborn Juice in Ranch Riding. He is a 2006 palomino gelding that is really fun to ride. Last year he won the Open Golden Horse at the Palomino world show, so he knows his stuff, I’m just trying to catch up.
I also have a 3YO Hunter Under Saddle horse Cant Make This Upp that made his debut this year. He is 17.3 which could be intimidating if he wasn’t such a sweet, goofball.
I really believe that being responsible for and showing horses as a youth taught me so many life lessons that I carried forward to adulthood. I love looking around at shows and seeing kids working, riding and dealing with success, defeat, and everything in between. That’s the intangible that is the real reward.
I love the friendships, the “horse show bubble” where the rest of the world fades away and you are allowed to be in the moment without the distractions. I love watching the EWD riders connect with their horses - there is real magic happening there.
I love the break throughs you have with your horse on late night or early morning rides.
Ok, I pretty much love all of it.
For the last 20 years I have been a mom to four amazing kids who are 14, 16, 18 and 20. The last two years I have been busy with a hobby farm with pretty much every farm animal you can think of. We have horses, miniature highland cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry.
My husband is an avid golfer and we play together when time permits. I’m mostly in it for the beautiful views, lunch and Bloody Mary’s though.
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