June 2008 Member Spotlight - telby69

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U Rock 'n Ride has always been about you. To make it even more about you, we're starting a new monthly feature called the Member Spotlight. Each month we'll highlight a different member, which will help us to get to know each other a little bit better. This month's spotlighted member is tebly69.

Name: Terry (tebly69), Middle Generation of The Lake Arabians

Location: Emmetsburg, Iowa

Horse Life: Breeder, Rider, Mother of Teenage Horse Crazed Girls, Wife of Non-Horse Crazy Guy

What was your first experience with a horse?
I think my first horse experience is too far back to remember. I don't remember life without horses, only life without horse ownership. I've heard that my first horse was a bouncy horse-- you know the ones on a frame with springs!

Our first horse was a pony named Ginger that lived with us at my Grandparents' home during Dad's summer stint at law school.  I have pictures of all three of us girls (my two sisters and myself) on her with her front feet up on a stump. I also have a picture of my Grandpa Amos riding her holding his feet up so they wouldn't drag on the ground! It's funny though; trying to remember her, I can't remember doing anything with her from the ground. I do remember riding her and can picture what it was like to be up on her back. (I would have been three or four).

The first horse that was truly "all my own" was a birthday present for my tenth year. Penny was a three year old Quarter Horse that had never seen anything more than the inside of a show arena.  I vividly recall my first ride on her. I was squeezing with my legs to stay on. She was doing all that she could to do what I was telling her, which was to go right into the wall. She even tried to climb up it because I was still squeezing for all I was worth! The second ride I remember was across a hay field. Quickly. Very Quickly. But I didn't fall off, though I did end up in front of the saddle! At that point, I also had a very important person in my life, Carol. She taught Penny and me all about mailboxes, tractors, ditches, straight lines, gullies, garbage cans... and Carol taught me, our family, about life.

You're running a breeding operation now, The Lake Arabians. Tell us a little bit about your goals with your business. Are you breeding horses for halter, for pleasure, for both?
The Lake Arabians is a three-generation family operation. Our goal is to breed an Arabian that can excel in the halter ring and be able to compete in the performance events. We put great emphasis on breeding for a temperament that can be handled by amateurs, and young amateurs in particular.

As a breeder, ultimately I hope to do no harm. I believe the halter ring should be a place to show off breeding stock ( the horses that are to go on to produce the next generations).  A horse's life is so much longer than the flash in the halter ring. If they don't have the conformation to be good enough to carry a saddle and the brains to care for what's in the saddle, they shouldn't produce more of the same.

We love the futurities. Gold Star has been a big highlight for us each showing season. Very exciting, very family oriented, very organized (Thanks, Kelly & Russ!). The results of the first breeding auction we attended are in training now for this year's event. We'll see how they measure up. Our plans are to take those babies on to the performance events.

Anyone who has kids knows how fast they grow up. The girls wanted to get into the show ring NOW. Halter allowed them to do that the quickest. So we got to the shows and started to learn what it was all about. And when they were ready (demanded) to ride, we were able to get that done, too.

We may have an idealistic view on horses being able to do both in today's world of specialization, but we are having fun trying.

Horses are a part of your daily life 24/7. Are you exhausted?
Who is it that said, "Love what you do and you will never have to go to work?" I agree with that saying, but I do fall asleep in my chair this time of year!

If you could change one thing within the horse industry, what would that be? Okay ' you can give more than one answer.
Abuse. I've put up with pain in my life, so I don't expect horses to be able to go through life without experiencing pain. A horse should never have to experience pain for no reason.

Slaughter business. Bring it back to the USA, at least then there is some control. It serves its purpose.

Is there a special horse or horses in your life, past or present, that stand out? Tell us why.
I don't know if I can limit this to just one or two. Most horses that I have had contact with have been special in some way.
Honey - I thought I had to ride her to "prepare" her for Natalie. She was okay with me but nowhere near great. Put Tat on her and she was great. It was a sad day in Dodge when we lost her.

Running Girl - Loved Kristin as she was just beginning to walk. Mare had very little sight left. I remember the day she stood on her tippy toes and shook because the electric gate was touching her hip but Kristin was at her feet. She took that shock and didn't move so as not to hurt Kristin.

Lady - Came along at a time in my life when I needed her. I didn't know how bad for a year. I met her and a year later figured out that I was still just looking for her. I knew she was "the one" when I reached out to touch her and the energy just flowed so cleanly.

Krusade - To quote a very special guy, "There is no reason for him to be as good as he is." Just being in his presence makes me glow.

Radiant - Her haughty look of eagles, like she is above and beyond this earth.

Zenya - I feel a special connection with her.

Medina - She shows me each day how important it is to stay centered and concentrate. She trusts me to keep her safe from all monsters, and there are many monsters!

As a breeder, I think it is important to have a connection with each of our mares. I really feel that with each of them. They depend on me (us) to help them do the best job they can.

Other than horses, what other hobbies do you enjoy?
Raising my kids - oh, no, that isn't a hobby!

Quilting.

Reading.

Dogs ' a while ago I showed in conformation and obedience and dabbled in agility. I also taught obedience classes.

U Rock 'n Ride is doing something a little different in trying to grow a community of horse people from all disciplines and breeds on the web. As an internet savvy person, what impact do you think the web has on how we share information and communicate with each other?
In an age of such great technical advancement, people are meeting and staying connected to people that have common interests even if they are mega-miles apart. It has had such a huge impact on my life being able to research and learn so much with the click of a couple of buttons.

U Rock 'n Ride has become one of my favorite places to "hang out" on the internet. The people are great, the information is pertinent, and I don't worry about the "safety" of my kids when they are on the site.