For Beth, horses have always been in her spirit, from the rocking horse she would bounce across the room as a child to the horses she as encountered throughout her life. As a young child this was initially limited to lessons in Western riding since her parents moved every few years. During middle school, when her father left the military and stayed in one place for several years, an old Calvary rider, “Andy” provided lessons, starting with learning how to groom and clean tack to riding bareback and eventually to the saddle, riding English, jumping and riding trails. “Andy” guided Beth in purchasing her first horse, “Top ‘O the Mornin’” a Morgan-Thoroughbred cross. “Toppy” a patient schooling horse, helped Beth move outside the arena and learn the ropes of showing and trail riding.

During her junior year in high school, a move from Tennessee to Wichita ended this relationship. Beth waited until college to find another equine friend, “Salty,” a buckskin quarter horse. During her college years, Beth and Salty enjoyed time in many fields and trails. However, owning a horse truly requires dedicated time and cash. College graduation, marriage and employment were on the forefront. Knowing this, Beth chose to find a better home for Salty where his needs for love and attention would be better met. Beth took a long break from horses to raise her children with husband, Steve.

Five years ago, Beth’s son took her for an afternoon of riding: a high school teacher had horses to ride! The teacher invited Beth and her son back to help work their horses. Beth returned, the horse bug having bitten hard! For three years, Beth worked several times a week with the owner’s young mare. Once the owner felt comfortable enough to ride, Beth found her forever equine friend, quarter horse, Princess Dally! Purchased as a two-year-old, Beth and Dally spent a tremendous amount of time on the ground developing a relationship and the skills needed before moving to the saddle as a four-year-old. Dally proved herself beautifully during the October 2008 Ride to the Rescue held at Kanopolis. As a result, as a team, Beth and Dally hope to move into Competitive Trail Riding.

This passion was passed onto Beth’s youngest son, Robbie. Robbie and Beth spend as much time as possible riding together, while husband/dad Steve helps out with the management of the barn. Out of the saddle, Beth has spent her life as an educator having worked with all ages - from young mothers to students in the public school arena and with adults as a fitness instructor. Currently, Beth works as a Data Coach and Assessment Coordinator for Wichita Public Schools.