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Member Spotlight June 2009 Member Spotlight - cleveland845
Name: Raelene (Rae) Cleveland aka cleveland845
Location: Northeast Nebraska, Stanton County
What's your typical day like?
Oh man, that's a toughy. I work full time, so I change shift each week. So I guess it depends. Let's just say that I usually make time for horses every day. If I am on mornings, which is work from 6 am to 2pm, I come home of course, and depending on weather, will either do some house work on yucky days or head right back outside. I usually start with checking waters and checking all the horses. My girls and my husband of 17 yrs will make sure the feeding has been done already. I have a special needs horse who has COPD, or chronic heaves, so we check on him first, then the rest of the bunch. We are still involved with training horses and lessons so then we get ready to work those horses and for lesson kids to come. I don't actually ride anymore due to a medical condition, but both my daughters each have horses in to ride. But they make sure to get to their personal horses first. Then we just roll right on down the line.
How did you first find horses & or did they find you?
My mom will tell you I found out about horses when I was about 1 or 2 yrs old, from watching TV - lol! I've been hooked ever since. My parents were not horse people at all! I mean we were a military family, and my dad was Marine drill sergeant for 22 yrs. So it was very hard for me growing up to get to horses, but I was persistent. I hunted for the horse people, and anyone who would let me tag along, or just let me help brush, scoop out stalls or just hang around, I was there! Being a military brat made it especially hard because we moved a lot. But I was creative.
Favorite horse story?
I really have several, but my favorite would be about my 1st horse. We finally moved to Nebraska when I was 10, and a farmer down the road let me have an old paint gelding. Scout was his name. He wasn't pretty; he was sort of ugly looking back now. But he was the greatest thing in the world to me. He taught me so much. I never had any formal lessons, and I think my parents thought I would outgrow this phase . NOT! But I learned the hard way, watched and learned, and made mistakes. I started showing by going with friends from the local 4-H club that my parents reluctantly let me join. Anyway long story short, with this same ugly little paint horse, I managed to qualify for the state 4-H horse show in pleasure. I didn't get to go, but for me it was like winning the world. I will never forget that little paint, and I have been lucky to find horses like that for my girls and other young kids.
If you could change one thing within the horse industry, what would that be?
We show a lot now and I have come across all sorts of different issues, politics, abuse, etc. But I can't change the world in one day. I am still a fan of the kid that works hard with the horse they have. I don't care if it's a $200 horse or a $10,000.00 horse. But I would like to change some of the rules. Get rid of the bling! Let's get back to movement and talent. Talking about both the rider and horse. Let's all go in on horses that are clean, healthy and natural looking. No fake tails, no $300 bridles and $4000.00 saddles. It would really show you who is doing the work.
Other than horses, what else do you enjoy doing for fun?
Is there really any other kind of fun?? We go to movies; I love to read and spending time with friends and family. We love basketball, so we try to go to as many games as we can during the season.
Is there a special significance to your avatar?
My avatar is of what else? My girls. They are the best thing in my life, along with my husband. They make life fun! My oldest daughter will be a senior in high school next year, and then will go off to college. That will be hard for me. As we have always done nearly everything together.
Anything else we should know about you?
I'm a pretty simple person. I always say the little things in life give me the most happiness. I like being home and getting things done here. I hate shopping! But will drive miles to go look at a horse or go shopping for tack. I am a 4-H leader and just love it! I'm pretty blunt, and have a tendency to stick my foot in my mouth on more than one occasion. But I think we all have done that. I love talking horses and love this website! I have met so many super people on here and look forward to meeting many more.
Comments
Rae
Keep the dream alive.
Bliss and blessings to you and yours.
Rae
Thank you for being my friend
Marge
Hugzz,Marge
Rae
What a great profile. It was so good to see you highlighted. Great to see your family as well.
Blessings,
Jay
H & H Horse
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