Hoppy and I met in 1992 at Keeneland Race track and were married
in 1997.
Hoppy grew up around the race horses, training for owners and
himself. He is now one of the outriders at Turfway Park. I grew up
showing Saddlebred horses. Then started galloping Thoroughbreds for some
people down the road from my Mom and Dad (that is how I got to
Keeneland).
As for the mules, a friend of mine went to look at a horse to make
into a pony horse for the track. She called and told me that he had
a mule that he was looking to give to someone. I had always wanted a
mule. I don't why because I had never been around one. I think its
was just inside me. Hop and I went the very next day in an ice storm
and about 18 degrees. We brought the little mule home that is now
Willie. That was February of 1998. Willie was one wild son of a gun.
He hated me in every way. I often look back and think how far he
has come and all the trust he now has in us. I thank my friend for
telling me about Willie. Hoppy cusses her.
I would like to say how much help Hop is at the shows. Not only
driving us to the shows and tacking but holding for the long hours
outside the ring. The most important is the pep talk he gives me
when I think I am in over my head. |
