1.) What are some of the highlights and successful moments in the 2015 show season for you?
In the reining pen, winning the US National Championship in the Arabian Reining Horse AAOTR was certainly a highlight. But more than that was the effort my horse gave me that day. I am also incredibly proud of my Half-Arab reiner and his ability to finish in the Top Ten in both the Amateur and the Open. All through the year, both of my reiners rose to every occasion and answered every call I put forth. It’s also such a pleasure to compete against so many gracious, supportive and talented amateurs. The reining pen has its own personality and I love it!
2.) Who has been your biggest influence in the Arabian breed in getting you to where you are today?
I think it’s all a journey. Where I am today is different than it was a year ago and hopefully where it will be a year from now. The individuals that have been my friends and my competitors have probably been the most influential. I think we push each other to be better and support each other in our pursuit of improvement. I also have two amazing working western trainers with Gordon Potts and Tyson Randle.
3.) If someone were to describe you, what would they say about you?
I hope they would say that my horses and their welfare are of the utmost importance to me. That I am just as happy to witness others’ success as I am to experience my own and that the Arabian community is very close to my heart.
4.) Name one show ring quirk you have:
I’m pretty obsessive about being prepared on time for a class. If I see someone else who is in my class who is already dressed, I stress a little bit. I have dreams about not making it to my class on time. I absolutely won’t leave the show grounds before a class. It doesn’t really matter if it’s a night class and it’s 10:00 AM. I won’t leave.