Horses have been a passion for me starting at an early age.

Horses have taken me to places I'd probably never gone and introduced me to some of the greatest people I've ever known. Here's a look at my family and the animals who have influenced my life.

All this craziness with horses began at an early age. At 4, I began riding my wild pony, Cookie. We didn't have a saddle that fit her so I rode bareback. She "dumped" me daily. It's a tough way to learn balance and feel, but it worked.

It took me a bit to figure out how to get her bridled, but I got a little smarter and pulled the washtub on top of the cistern. From there on my parents saw me in the morning when I left to go ride with the neighbor's daughter and then again when I got home that evening.

Pete, my husband for 19 years, and I have been working together for 23 years. On the left  is one of my favorite pictures of where it all started in Douglas, Wyoming, 1983. I'm pictured with my favorite fellow and my favorite horse, Dee (Karen Clegg). Pete's my greatest supporter and has been instrumental in championing me to follow my dreams. Here's a more recent picture of Pete riding "Jack" his new horse at our Training Center in Kingfisher, Oklahoma.

Kimberly, my oldest daughter, shown at age 7, and Granny age, 25 and then some. Granny wasn't her first horse, just one of the best. This is one of my favorite pictures of Kimberly with horses. This parade picture defines Kimberly's life of adventure. She and Granny won in every parade competition they were in that summer. Granny was a great teacher, and Kimberly didn't see one flaw in that grand old mare.

Kassidy, 8 years old at the time, and my youngest daughter, riding Rawhide San Topper. Kass is now working toward her Master's degree at the University of Montana in Missoula. She's a natural when it comes to riding. I can't wait to get pictures of her and her new horse, Augustus (from Lonesome Dove), aka GUS. It will be a bit because he's only a yearling, so this will have to do for now.
 

Honey, "The Horse Training Dog". Not everyone is so privileged to have a horse training dog, but I have, at least that what she thinks her role is. Honey is Pembroke Welsh Corgi that was rescued at one year old. She had been badly abused and still has trust issues with anyone but her "mom". This picture is part of our ritual after each horse's training session. I'm thanking her for all her help and she's knows I couldn't have done it without her. Thank you Theresa for catching this special moment for us. (Photo by Theresa Toews)

Gizmo is also a Welsh Corgi, and Pete's constant companion. He's traveled to 46 continental United States with my husband Pete (below). If it has wheels and a motor he loves it, including the Gator, Tractor, pickups and yes, even . . . the riding lawn mower. He's the friendliest of the two dogs and will get your attention by yodeling a hearty "hello". (Photo by KC Montgomery)