|
|
 From the first moment that I can recall a memory, it was about horses. Horses, the majestic creatures that I have ruled my thoughts, my life, my education, my free time. Horses, without them, I cannot imagine what my life would have been like. They have been my life and breath from the day I can remember. The first thing I remember about my horse experience is when I was about 2 years old. Each Saturday my mom would take me to the pony rides at the park. I would happily sit on top of an old chestnut horse that patiently walked around in a circle for us excited children. My family eventually moved to Greenville, SC, where I spent most of my life. In about 1983, my dream of starting horseback riding lessons was realized. I began to ride at J & J Stables. My first two years were spent learning the basics and riding any school horse that I was put on. I finally decided to concentrate on Saddle Seat. Miss Piggy, a pinto Saddlebred pony, was the first pony that I ever showed. We competed on the local circuit and at the Spartanburg Horseman's Association monthly shows.
While with Leslie, I became one of the "Kreiger Krew," showing on the South Carolina Hunter Jumper, Progressive Show Jumping, and Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper Show Circuits. As the end of my college career came to a close in 1996, I began to focus on working with several young horses at Heel Down Stable.
To the left is Thunder, a Thoroughbred gelding that gave me the confidence to jump 3'6". Thunder had wings and would jump anything. We showed in the Novice Hunter and Equitation over Fences Divisions. He took me to my first hunter Grand Championship. The chestnut on the right is Just Maybe, aka "Ely," a Hanovarian gelding. Ely carried me in the Adult Amateur Hunter, Equitation, and Low Hunter (3') Divisions. Thunder has been sold to someone in Illinois, and Ely is retired because of an injury. I last heard he was living the good life in Tryon, NC.  Grey Sea was another horse I showed with Heel Down Stable. She was a 4 year old QH/TB mare with much potential.
Model Horses
Stories
Links Intercollegiate Horse Show Association |
I also showed in the
Juvenile 5-Gaited Division with Reserve World Champion Diamond Hill's Eleganza, my beloved Barbee.
I am still looking for Barbee if anyone knows her whereabouts. I also became involved in the ASAC
Youth Club and an officer in the CPS youth club. I recall these years as some of the most fun
on the show circuit, as well as some of my most successful.
In the fall of 1992, I entered Clemson University. It didn't take me long to become involved
with the horse community there, either! I joined the 
I was very fortunate to be able to show several nice horses at Heel Down Stable.
March 2010--I am back
riding at