Sue began training neighbors' horses as well as her own, at age 14 after her year spent with
Dr. H.L.M. van Shaik,a well known dressage trainer and instructor. On Dr. van Shaik's recommendation, Sue was accepted
into the Horsemaster's (B.H.S.A.I.) program at Porlock Vale Riding Academy in England. After graduation, she returned
to train horses, give balance seat riding lessons, and attend college. She eventually moved to Kansas where she became one
of the founders of the American Dressage Federation.
From 1993-2002 Sue and her
husband Chris owned and managed Walnut Hill Equestrian Centre, located in Rogersville, MO. Sue became a recognized
equitation instructor and produced many equitation championship riders including three World Championships garnered in 1998,1999,
and 2001.
For seven months beginning November 1998, an assistant to Tom Caisse(Kohler
Stables) was hired to teach Sue how to train a horse to drive for the Class A pleasure driving classes. Since that time, Sue
has trained many horses using this method. Dottie, the two year old Ken-Mar Winston daughter, is her latest project.
In December 2001 Sue was diagnosed with advanced COPD. Immediately most
of the horses were sold and the lesson horses were given away. Sue became CEO of the family business and Chris tried
to keep the farm going. In 2004 Sue had a total knee replacement and gall bladder surgery; it was thought she would never
train or ride again.
Sue has beaten the odds; she is now back to training
and riding the farm's horses. In 2010 she turned the general management of the corporation over to
son Lance and has devoted her retirement years to training and riding her beloved Morgan horses.
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| Southern States Regional 2011 |
Sue's first and last ride on this exceptional mare. Two weeks before Nationals, Carasu sustained a knee
injury thereby abruptly ending her stellar show career. Hopefully, after the knee fuses, Carasu will be able to be bred to
Winston.
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| Southern States Regional 2011 |
