Where it All Started

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.