What would you do differently if you were starting your career today? I would change so much. I rode and showed some bad horses over the years. I never gave up on them, thinking I could make them into something they weren’t. Now, if I don’t like a horse or click with it, I move on. Same as people; horses are not able to all do what you think they should. There are too many nice ones out there.
If you weren’t doing the work you are now, what would you be doing? I enjoy nursing, but if I could go back I would train as a doctor. When you are younger, years of school are not as appealing.
Showing in a Halter class, Shoal Lake Fair, 2012.
What were the challenges you faced in your What was the most valuable piece of advice early working years. Overcoming my fear of horses. I gained more confidence you ever received? every year that I showed. When I was starting out in showing at an AQHA show, a judge came up to me after I took a wrong lead in a class. He said, “Go home and practise that! I will see you for a second, setting that horse up for the correct lead. I will see you for a lot longer when you go by on the wrong lead.”
What was your most memorable training success? When Brian won the Manitoba 50/50 Superhorse Futurity on Jovi. I helped him with getting her to where she was at the show.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Right here in Manitoba. I love the change of seasons.
What is your favorite event location or riding arena? I love the Keystone Centre. I have always been fortunate to live close to such a lovely facility. I also love riding across the fields at home.
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
What are your guilty pleasures? Tack shops wherever I go! Visiting horse friends at shows. c
Sandy and Docs Golden Cookie. She showed him as a 2 yr-old at the Manitoba 50/50, sold him and he stood in a pasture for 4 years. She got him back about 3 months ago. Husband Brian has got him back on track and has had a good summer on him. He will be shown in the two Quarter Horse shows in Brandon this fall
We talk to people who are well-known in the industry to find out a little more about what makes them tick. Our focus? Leaders of national associations, influencers of activity, and top-class competitors. If there is anyone out there you would like to know a little bit more about, please email editor@horsecountry.ca.
issue 6-2013 | www.horsecountry.ca
I purchased a horse last year which was totally not my style of horse. I really tried to make it work but gave up and moved on. That’s not something I do. Next time I will ride the horse more than once.
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