...
My first experience in the horse show ring was at the age of 9 when I showed my family's
first Arabian and American Saddlebred horses at local shows. As "do-it-yourselves"
exhibitors, my family traveled an 8-state area with our Arabian horses.
My show ring experience soon ranged from Park Horse and English to Western, Reining and
Costume classes competing in open and amateur. I won many ribbons and several Championship
trophies as well as National Medals in Saddle Seat and Stock Seat Equitation.
Under the tutelage of Annie Cowgill, JoAn Farms in Milan, MO, I rode saddlebreds
at her summer camp and continued with private lessons to "brush up".
As a member of the Arabian Youth Judging Team, I acquired an interest
in horse show
judging and learner judged a Class A Arabian show at 18. At 23, I received a recorded license (r)
in the Arabian, Saddle Seat and Stock Seat Equitation divisions of AHSA and was granted in
1984 my registered license (R) in the Arabian division.
In 1997 I received Level One status from IAHA and relinquished my Amateur
card
to become a Professional.
My judging career has taken me from West to East coasts of the United States and Canada,
including 1992 Canadian Arabian Nationals, and as far South as
Buenos Aires, Argentina, to judge two National Spring shows.
I have judged local All-Breed shows in a 10-state area,
demonstrating
my interest in all breeds of horses.
I now wish to pass on some of my knowledge gained through the years as an exhibitor
and judge to help others understand more fully the "art" of equine competition.
...
...