Past: How did you get started down the path of becoming the horse show secretary/goddess that you are today?
This is all Paula Barr’s fault! I had always talked about riding as a child – asked for a pony and only got a stuffed one. I was talking with Paula at work one day and she said that if I really did want to ride, I should call Betsy Boone. That was 12 years ago! I started in October or November right before my 31st birthday – my mother thought I was crazy. I showed in the ASAC Horse Show that next March, in borrowed clothes. I didn’t even go pick up my ribbon in the first class because I didn’t know I was supposed to! I had never even been to a horse show before! My sister was very proud of me because I was finally doing something that I always wanted to do.
I started working at horse shows when a friend needed some help with a TWH fun show. Apparently my detailed oriented nature and skills as an accountant transfer well to being a horse show secretary. From the contacts I met there, another person asked me to work with her show in Asheville and I met more of the TWH folks. I still work the Carolina Walkers Horse Show and would do more, but the ASB show schedule conflicts with theirs. Ray Cloninger got me started working the ASB shows. He had me start with some of the smaller shows and it’s grown from there.
Driving the sleigh in Park City
Present: What is keeping you busy and involved these days?
I’m still riding at Boones Farm, but have not been able to show due to my back problems. I am working the Carolina Walkers Horse Show in early March, the ASAC Horse Show, Charlotte Charity, probably Dallas Spring and maybe some others.
I am on the ASAC board as a member of the Finance Committee and also the ASAC Armature Owner Trainers Treasurer. I’ll be happy to sell you a hot dog at the Winter Tournament!
Future: What are your horse related goals for the future?
I would love to ride a Louisville! However, I haven’t found that wealthy backer who will finance it…;) I would like to be able to get back into riding shape, back allowing! I enjoy being a horse show secretary and would not ever want to be a manager – too many headaches!
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
What someone wouldn’t know about me… I don’t know! You know me, I’m an open book!
Most people know I volunteer at the USO, work at Coke, graduated from Clemson, am sorority girl, in DAR and ski. I donate my hair to locks of love – most people know that. I love to travel and see new places. I’ve never met a stranger. Some of the USO girls and I are trying to go on a USO tour to Iraq and Afghanistan, just don’t know how we will pull it off. That’s where that wealthy backer would come in handy!
Be sure to wave and say hi to Beth if you see her at a show – but don’t interupt her work! It gets busy in the office!!
