Morgan on Belle at Delle Valle Lake

I remember my first summer with Morgan being so fun.  She was so alive with energy and enthusiasm - and she still is!

We went on a few trail rides together that summer but we also spent endless hours in the area.  Hours and hours of practice and learning and explaining - we used to talk for hours at a time and lose track of time in the barns (we still do that also).

Morgan stood out to me for lots of reasons, but mainly because she is so talented with everything she does.  Being so young and full of life, Morgan is a fast learner and is always willing to put in the work and strives to do a good job.

Morgan started showing in youth and now shows in the amateur division, and does so honestly.  Morgan trades her work at the barn for show privileges and unlimited ride time on our horses and is not afraid to help with the chores as well.

How luck we are to have Morgan still, all these years later and we are still having a blast working together!

Morgan & Surprise
during a lesson

Morgan on Smoke in one of our favorites,
 the costume class, 

It all began with me, at 5 years old bugging my father for riding lessons.  They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and that did seem to be the case.

How I came into Missouri Fox Trotters was actually by accident.  Our neighbor, Debbi Levillie, had Missouri Fox Trotters and she happened to be who my father inquired to about riding lessons because she lived next door and knew our family.

Debbi stated that she did not really do lessons, but she couldn't resist me (haha) and that is truly where it all began.

This picture is of my dad and I, from my second horse show, at age 7.  I was riding 'Foxy Rhythm's Golden Sensation', who was bred and owned by Debbi Levillie.


My first horse show was at a little outdoor arena that was in Fremont, California on a sorrel mare named 'Jewel'.  The arena is no longer there and has since been built over by a Fry's Electronics store.


I still have the plaque that I won and am holding in this photo, and the ribbon, which was presented to me by the Tri-Valley Fox Trotter Association.