Where do I begin?  Well, I have no documented proof but I believe I was born loving horses.  I was born and raised in Alexandria, KY. The 8th of 8 children, my parents were older when I was born so I have 6 siblings old enough to be my parents, this made it tough growing up.

I got my first pony (Dolly) when I was 6 and spent many hours just riding through the fields of our Farm and the surrounding Farms pretending I was anyone and everyone.  I can remember my Mom yelling for me when it was time to come in and many times I would be late because I would be out to far to hear her.  My older brother (7 years older) loved horses also (as did all of my siblings).  Mom was the only one not so crazy about horses so my brother was my link to the outside world.  My dad worked nights and Mom did not drive so when my brother was able to drive -- off we went.  We did a little 4-H and competed in some local saddle club events with so many different horses it is hard to remember them all.  We linked up with a local breeder of Walking horses and for a while we rode Walkers a lot and we came to love the breed.  But my favorite, that I have stayed with even now, is the Arabian.  At that time, we lived in a very rural area without many kids to play with so my pets were my best friends and my Arabian horse seemed to know me the best.  I think he would know what I wanted to do before I could think it; we were so in tune.  His memory remains in my mind and heart today just like he is still with me.

As many of my fellow RHPCers have done, I met a wonderful man (a city kid no less) whom I married.  Now we have two beautiful children.   Unfortunely we lived in the city for a while and my brother had to keep my beloved horse on his farm.  I didn't get to see him much and riding was on hold.  But not for long.  Fate moved us to Madison Indiana when our daughter was 6 years old.  There I was able to purchase some land and move my best friend with me.  He was already in his 20's at this time but still perky.  We purchased a pony for my daughter who was thrilled and I borrowed a nice calm Quarter horse for my husband -- who was not very thrilled with riding at that time.  Fortunately for our family tranquility, that did the trick -- he now rides with me everywhere on his own horse.   Our son was born while living in Indiana and the Pony became his. 

During this time we joined a small saddle club and had some monthly shows and rode in parades.  The club has since folded but we have a great group of friends we have met along the way to ride with.

When my daughter became old enough for 4-H, we gave her a spotted saddle horse to ride.  The local 4-H was pretty much a Quarter horse show.  So of course (being the wonderful mother I am) I jumped in to help.  15 years later I have now semi-retired from service.  Helping my daughter and son (who isn't really into horses) and many other children, I have found that 4-H helped me with my two greatest loves: children and horses.  It was a fun and wonderful combination and leaving has been bitter sweet.   But as life goes with rheumatoid arthritis in full swing and having to slow down a bit, I have been forced to concentrate on myself for a little bit. 

That brings us to now.  I love to trail ride.  I have never actually shown seriously but someday I hope to.  My son has 5 more years of college and then it's my turn.  Keep your fingers crossed that I can still get on by then.  I have, since my beloved Diablo retired, another Arabian, Phalcon who has been every bit the friend that Diablo was.  (I would never have believed it.)  I am now riding Star a 3/4 Arabian mare who I hope will carry me many years. 

We currently own 5 horses, my two Arabians, my daughter's retired spotted saddle horse, my husband's paint and a quarter horse mare.  Along with 3 goats, 2 dogs, 3 cats and any other strays people drop off.   

I am proud to be a member of the Red Hats and hope to be able to participate in many events.