Identity Crisis

Let me first introduce myself by saying that I am the other half of the "Lucy and Ethel Show;" Cheryl. Although, I am not quite sure if I am Lucy or Ethel. If it were the "Fred and Ricky " show, I could positively tell you that I am Fred and Katie is Ricky. Not that I am a fat, old, balding white man, although I am as white as a coconut. OK and I am a little paunchy and kind of old, but I certainly am not bald, yet! Katie on the other hand is a fiery, Latin, high beige, hoochie mama. She thinks she can sing, but I am not sure she can play the trumpet as well as Ricky!

As I am sure you will discover all too soon that we all have many nicknames for each other depending on the situation at hand. I am most commonly known as Squirrel and Pony Rider. As a group we are known as the CADDO HOOCHIES. There are many others that will be brought to light I am sure whether I like it or not! Best not to wear your emotions on your sleeves with this bunch, they are relentless.

I have been riding Dressage since the Dinosaurs crossed Pangaea. In fact, I was the first Neanderthal to passage a Woolly Mammoth into the new world.

I started riding horses when I was 8 years old in Colorado. I was HELL BENT FOR LEATHER back in those days. If I was riding a horse, it was fast and furious. My first horse was a fat paint pony. In fact, her name was Paint Pony! (Hey! Keep it Simple Stupid). Every weekend I could be found at the Sand Drifters Rodeo going full speed ahead. I hated a saddle, but to rodeo, I had to have one. I would ride that pony in the dark to the arena bareback and my Dad would throw the saddle on right before it was my turn to run! Those were the best of times! Little did I know then, that 35 years later, I would still love everything horsey. It was in my blood.

Later in life, I started riding English. I rode A Circuit Arabians for quite a few years and then through several twists and turns I ended up in a Dressage barn. How the heck did that happen? Gag a maggot! And what is the big deal about a 20 meter circle? Shouldn't that be done at a gallop?

I met my first Dressage trainer there; her name was Treasure. She was a been there done that kind of gal. Jumpers, Endurance, Cross Country. She was in her 60's at the time and still going strong. She was amazing to me and a great inspiration, so I let my guard down and took a few lessons and the rest is history!!!