I'm Cherri Cronen.  Yes, just like the fruit, and yes, I've heard all the jokes already, but thanks.

My first pony, at 5, ran off with me, launching me into a life-long love of horses.  Wonderful grade horses followed, starring in my personal horse dramas.  I participated in saddle club horse show circuits, 4-H, and always trail riding.

College for a nursing degree, then marriage and two lively sons put my riding career on hold, although I've always owned an Appaloosa or two.  When our boys were old enough, they started showing horses in 4-H.  I decided to get back to showing, and began raising Appaloosas.

Two horse-related accidents later, (crushed femur, concussion, broken back, brain bleed), the neurosurgeon told me that one more concussion would turn me into a "blithering idiot," and if I was his wife I'd avoid horses totally.  So I said, "good thing I'm not married to a short, arrogant, neurosurgeon” and kept my horses.  However, I did sell my 17-hand show horse.  I also bought and trained three quiet trail geldings, and begin camping and trail riding, ALWAYS in a helmet, with my husband.  We're having a blast, and no rising at 3 am to get into the ring, lunging, spurs, jog bra, prolonged grooming, sequins, polyester pants.