Event in which you compete: I compete in Reining, working cowhorse, and still train some Western Riding horses. I have retired from the Western Pleasure for the most part.
Hometown: My hometown is Santa Maria, CA, USA. Lived there for 21 years.
Number of years riding: I have been riding since I was 4yrs old. So I have 47 years of experience.
Career accomplishments to date: I am a five-time AQHA World Champion and a six-time AQHA Reserve World Champion in three different events. I was the 2000 AQHA Horsewoman of the Year, a two-time NRCHA Reserve World Champion, and I also won the Intermediate open and Limited open at the NRHA Futurity. These are the major ones. Of course I can’t forget my favorite – I was the Miss California Rodeo, Salinas in 1977.
How you got started in your event: I started riding when I was four. A neighbor took my sister and me for a riding lesson. My sister took just one, I never quit. I started out showing in Pleasure, Trail, and Horsemanship. When I was 21 I went to work for Steve Metcalf and acquired a taste for Western Riding, Reining, and Cowhorse. Steve, of course, eventually became my husband.
Length of time you’ve been sponsored by Ariat: Steve and I were sponsored by Ariat years ago when the company first got started, and are very pleased to have returned in 2010.
Favorite Ariat product (by name): My favorite product is Ariat’s Women’s squared toed boots. Amazing comfort and great looks!
Proudest career moment: My proudest career moment is probably being named the AQHA Horsewomen of the Year. To me it was recognition for a lifetime of accomplishments.
Tell us about your first horse: My first horse was a black Quarter Horse mare with a fiery attitude. She taught me a lot about winning and losing.
You ride because: I ride because I truly love it. Even if I weren’t competing, I would still ride.
If you weren’t a professional rider, you’d be a: When I was in school I studied to be a butcher – good salary, weekends off. Today I just don’t think about being anything other than a professional horse trainer. But you never know; the world is full of possibilities!
Favorite mentor or idol growing up: Lots of people I respected growing up on the West Coast. I think I most wanted to be Cynthia Cantleberry. She is by far one of the greatest horsewomen I have ever known. And she’s still a lady!!!!
Favorite place to travel: My favorite place to travel has yet to be discovered.
Favorite way to unwind outside of the barn: A bowl of popcorn and a Gluten-free beer. LOL!
Good luck charm: The only good luck charm I make sure I always have is determination and a positive outlook on life.
