Like many young girls I had always loved horses but never entertained the idea that one day I might be able to have one of my own.. When I married ,my husband had no interest in horses so once again I would admire them from afar with no hopes of owning one. When I turned 40 things started to change in my life. I was suddenly divorced, receiving my MBA from Michigan State and starting a new career. I went and visited the manager I had in my prior job and gave him some information about going back to school to obtain his Masters degree. He was very interested but told me he would have to give up his riding lessons. I told him I would take his place and all of a sudden my relationship with horses began.

I took lessons at Full Circle Farm for a couple of months but that did not satisfy my desire to ride so I leased a horse for about 6 months. This was a real education about horses because I had never really been up close and personal before. I had to learn everything right along with all of the beginners. I loved it though and would spend hours grooming, riding and just talking to the others boarders. Then one day when I came for my lesson I was told that a beautiful 5 year old TB named Winston was for sale. Despite all of my family telling me I was nuts I counted my pennies, cashed in an insurance policy and he was mine.

Full Circle had a wonderful Belgian Warmblood Stallion, Branco. I could spend hours just watching him. He was so proud and majestic. It seemed as if everyone’s dream at the farm was to own of his babies. Branco’s farm name was Boobie so we fondly called his offspring Boobie Babies. That is when I had the opportunity to purchase a Boobie Baby of my own, a 19 month old filly Razelle.

In 1992 I bought a small farm and then in 1993 I married Jim. He had the idea to fix up the farm and bring my horses home so he could see more of me. Little did he know that this would give me the opportunity to buy a few more horses and start a small Warmblood Breeding Farm, using Branco as the main Stud. I also found a Wonderful 3 yr old Holsteiner Stallion Legislator to be my main Dressage horse and add to my breeding program. It is a special feeling to be in the stall with the Mare when she is foaling and to be able to have the honor of welcoming into this world a beautiful foal. There is a special bond developed when you raise a youngster and gain their trust.

In 1998 the farm where I trained closed but because the trainer had schooled with Jim and Sharon Rowe she recommended that I move to their farm for my lessons. It has been a wonderful opportunity to have my horses and me be able to be trained by the very best. The Rowe’s deserve all of the praise they get and my horses always look forward to going there and many times don’t want to come home. I have had the opportunity to have both Legislator and Razelle trained by Sharon. It was a real thrill for me to know that Sharon had been Branco’s Trainer for years and he was one of her favorite horses. It was a special day for me when Sharon purchased Elvis from my farm. He is by Legislator and out of Razelle so Sharon was able to have one of Branco’s Grandchildren. It is so much fun to be able to watch him grow up and know that Sharon will be giving him the opportunity to reach his full potential.

I have made many close friends thru horses and they have helped to make my live fuller. I hope to be able to continue to learn to be a competent Dressage rider and know how to feel and connect with the horses that I ride. It took me a long time to realize a childhood dream but this should let everyone know it is never too late!!!