I Grew up...

   I grew up on a cattle ranch/grain farm riding Quarter Horses and with working dogs, mostly Border Collie crosses and Australian Cattle Dogs.  That is were I first developed my love for a good dog, which included the hybrid cross of Border Collie and Aussies.  I was always dragging home dogs, rescuing cats, and playing outside.  Some of my favorite times were riding horseback in the rain, sitting on the hay stacks watching the sun go down, and helping my dad with the calving. 

   Our part of South Dakota is filled with open skies and space to move around in.  You can see for miles and miles, and there is nothing more beautiful to me than a starry night with a full moon.

   There is wildlife of all kinds that sometimes roam through my back yard. Living across the road from the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge gives me the great advantage of seeing the many animals and birds that make their home in the Refuge or use it as a stopping place along their journey. 

Girls and horses....

Swedish National Champion Stallion, Cydak, a horse I helped train and show in Sweden.

    I was one of those horse crazy kids that never outgrew my passion for horses.  For many years, I spent all of my time riding and training, first at home as a youngster when we were working cattle and then professionally.  I worked as the assistant trainer in a Saddlebred barn for several years, although we also trained many other breeds.  My typical day was to gallop 6 thoroughbred race horses 3 to 4 1/2 miles each (up to 24 1/2 miles at a gallop before lunch) then to ride show horses in the afternoon.  I was the primary "colt person" putting the very first rides on the youngsters, and yes, I did fall off several times a year!  My theory is that I should fall off a minimum of 3 times per year to keep in practice in how to "stop, drop and roll."  :)

   I put myself through college training horses, and also had the great pleasure of showing horses of all kinds, including driving horses.  One of the highlights for me was to go to Sweden 4 different show seasons training and showing Arabian horses, including the 1983 National Champion stallion, Cadyk.

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Show Horses and Ponies...

   I have always loved studying bloodlines to produce the best individuals I can.  I have had the great pleasure in my horse/pony training and breeding career to produce some terrific individuals, including 2 National Champion All Star American Shetland Ponies, and some really top notch Quarter Horses.  Of course, I couldn't have done it without the many friends I have made along the way, one of the best things about the horse industry!  There truly are some terrific people that I have gotten to know.  We all have one thing in common; love for a good horse.  It is that passion for our equine partners that binds us together and I am so very grateful.  We share a common passion and it has been a true joy.