Growing up, I loved horses and wanted one of my own. Unfortunately, it did not happened for me until very recently, but I was fortunate enough to always be close to horses.  My cousins, who live near Parker, Colorado had horses.  Back in those days, there were few houses and no fences around Parker.  When my family visited Colorado, I would ride for hours in the open countryside.  Closer to home, my parents best friends, Linda McQueen showed POA's.  I was always riding her horses.  Linda gave my sister and me riding Lessons.   I was even able to show some horses.  Sam Anderson (of Spotted Hills Appaloosa Farm) was a friend of Linda.  Sam allowed me to show his Appaloosas in halter classes.

Since I could not have a horse of my own,  I fell into dogs.  I have bred and shown English Cocker Spaniels (ESC s) for 32 years.  I have been very fortunate in the dog show world, putting many champion titles on my dogs as well as breeding two (half brother and sister) that earned five titles each.  English Cocker Spaniels are flushing spaniels and I love to do field work with them.   I am proud that my daughter Nicole has gone on to be a successful professional dog handler.  

I am also the grandmother of 3 boys.  Because their mother must travel a lot, I take care of the boys and they are frequently with me at Red Hat events.  So you may see me from time to time with 3 boys in tow.  

It was not until about 3 years ago I got my first horse – Misty, a Polis Arab.  It is a dream come true to have my own horse after so many years.  When she first came home, I was unbelievably excited and sacred at the same time.   Most of what I learned about riding as a child is long forgotten,  So, here I am now -- learning it all over again.  The thing is: I am not as brave as I was when I was a kid.  Who among us is?  I know my grand mother bones will break easier than they would have when I was a young girl riding the unfenced range in Colorado, and I do not have the courage I did when I was young.  Or maybe I am smarter.