I've been in love with horses my entire life or should I say obsessed with horses. I haven't always been able to indulge my passion but even in the horse-dry years I found time to take in a rented trail ride whenever possible. Starting several years back, as my older two children turned into teenagers, I re-entered the world of horses. I ride, train, own, and breed horses. I attend clinics and lectures given by famous horsemen like Clinton Anderson, Captain Mark Philips, and John Lyons. I take riding lessons and go on riding holidays. In other words I'm constantly learning about my craft - I think the one thing I love most about working with horses is that I am always learning. That's why I don't call myself an "expert" and hope I never get to the point I consider myself one. Every horse teaches me something new.

Multiple pictures of me with horses...
My favorite trainers...

Before he married me he never thought twice about horses - good or bad. But to avoid becoming a "horse-widower" he has wisely joined in all of the fun. He's not to crazy about riding but loves the driving part and has two driving percherons (Jeff and Jake) that pull a great big wagon.

(Driving Jeff and Jake)

Catherine (daughter # 2)
(10 months old)

1999 my youngest child (Annie) was turning 18 and I was ready to transition to the next phase of my life and quite frankly I was looking forward to it. Then I got this stomach flu that just wouldn't go away - after several weeks I finally (mostly as a laugh with co-workers) took a pregnancy test. I swear that when I saw the positive results I went blind for a few seconds, then I went home and cried for about a week. Well I got used to the idea and actually survived being pregnant and giving birth at 40. And now I have this new amazingly beautiful daughter and she's made me feel young again. I'm looking forward to raising her and she already loves to sit on the horses while they munch away at dinner.

Multiple pictures of Catherine...

Annie (daughter #1)
Annie is a natural - when I watch her ride on the flat she there is such syncronicity between her and the horse they look like one combined being. Annie was very into horses in her early teens but now that she is in her early 20s school and job have pulled her away. I think (and hope) as she gets older she'll come back to it some day.

(Annie 15 years old jumping Derby)

Christine & Brian (best friends)

Christine and me at the Equestrian Centre in Wales England	Christine jumping big on her TB Dancing Pickle	Brian (Christine's hubby) riding in Spain during their horse vacation.