Stories From the Saddle

I don’t ride anymore due to an injury, but I spend all my money on horses because it gives me a sense of comfort. My pony Lightning is one of my “therapy” horses. We practice tricks like free lunging, lying down and stepping up stairs. My horses have a healing and calming effect on me.

They say you can get a horse fit, teach it to handle any obstacles it might face on the trail, but you can’t teach it to eat or drink.

I compete in Country English Pleasure, which is Arabian saddle seat equitation. I love the sport, the thrill of riding, the competition—and I love my horse!

My job is the most stress-relieving, rewarding business out there! I train barrel and ranch horses, and also buy, sell, and take on clients and consignment horses.

Two months ago I bought my dream horse, Ted By Williams. Ted is an extremely well-bred, talented horse with a world champion title to his credit in the Racking Horse division. He was a stallion until he was five and a show horse for his whole life.

Not long ago my horse Radar was suffering from ulcers, and I was suffering from sleepless nights trying to figure out how to help him.

I rescued my horse, Twisters “Quick” Tari, from an abusive ranch four years ago. He’s been slow coming around to trusting a human again, but through patience, spending a lot of time in his world, and offering treats (pretty sure the treats are the secret!), Quick and I have bonded. He now shows his trust by choosing to come to me when I’m nearby.

My horse, Officer Collins, and I participate together in trail riding, Western pleasure competition and barrel racing. I love the connection we’ve created as we ride and work together.

I rescued Lily, a Nigerian dwarf goat, in December 2019. She’s a precious little animal! She gets so excited when I come to see her, and screams and runs to the gate when she notices I have her halter out for a hike.

My barrel horse Lucy DBL Jet Dancer and I have a great connection. The first time I rode her was amazing; I knew right away she was an incredible horse.