My mother, Sadie Rose, had me on top of her 17 hand thoroughbred named Slipper as soon as I could hold my head up. She put extra diapers on me so I had plenty of padding. I have been riding ever since. As a child I trail rode and showed Western and English. When I was 22 years old my mom invited me to join my first equestrian parade group. My mom (a school teacher) encouraged many passions in me, including a love for history and entertainment. Doing re-enactment on my horse became the best of all worlds.  I joined the Victorian Roses in 2014 and have loved every minute of it. Many of the members have been friends of mine for a long time, but it was a pleasure to meet new friends as well.
 
Turtle is an unregistered ranch-style quarter horse gelding.  He is 15.3 hands and is sorrel as a copper penny. Turtle celebrated his 30th birthday this year.  He is willing, quiet, and lovable.  One of his favorite attributes is laughing enthusiastically with his lips curled up during parades.  He has often been rewarded from the crowd with carrots for his efforts.

TC, my beloved registered quarter horse and I started our parade journey together 21 years ago. We also trail rode and worked cattle a few times. He was in the Rose Parade 3 times. He is now 33 years old and retired, but living the life he deserves after all of his hard work. He is the best all-around horse I have ever had.

When I retired TC, I started parading on an Oldenburg named Mickey. He is full of life and really handsome. He is very calm during parades and likes to trail ride. Mickey is also a big goofy love bug that likes to eat shirts.

 However, I have had to take a new journey with another horse since my mother passed away. I have inherited the beautiful Pinto Missouri Fox trotter affectionately known as, Stinky. He was what kept my mom going during her battle with cancer and heart problems. I truly believe she lived for him.

It is now my honor to continue using him the way she loved to, with the group that she cherished.