About Me
I started riding horses when I was a youngster - I was a typical little girl who loved horses. My dentist Dad and Mom supported my love, taking me to horse riding lessons every Saturday. In the fourth grade, my Mom purchased a mare for me that had survived a hurricane, for $150 - that included the saddle! Through high school I remained dedicated to riding, and my parents kept me mounted on better and better horses. I showed in 4-H, and began training horses for other people in the tenth grade. When I went to college, I had eleven horses in training, which helped to pay my way. While at Texas A&M University, I met and married Bubba Cahill. Together we trained horses and raised a family.
Today I continue to train and show Quarter Horses from my training facilities in Madisonville, Texas. I have had the privilege of coaching the U.S. Team for the Youth Quarter Horse World Cup 15 times, both in the U.S. and abroad. I have also trained and shown multiple AQHA World and Congress Champions and National High Point Champions. I also worked with Avery Ellis, who was the NCEA National Champion in 2017. In recognition of my contributions to the industry, I have been awarded the AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year, and the Most Valuable Professional. I spend my time training, working and showing with my customers, and conducting clinics around the world. I also have published many articles and given many interviews over the years on my methods and philosophy of training and showing.
My Philosophy of Riding and Training
After working with horses for 50 years, I have developed a practical and successful philosophy of how to train horses and their riders. While there are different types of riders and horses, they all have some things in common. Communication and horsemanship are two of these things. True horsemanship is when the rider and horse are able to work together. Horses come to this relationship with instincts, built-in behaviors, and personalities. It is up to their rider to take all of these into account when working with, training, and riding the horse. Knowing how best to ask the horse to do what you want is as important as the horse learning to understand what you are asking. Once you both learn this, the fun can begin!
DIY with Videos
I know I can't personally work with everyone. I'm too far away, finances are a problem, or there is not even a trainer in their area. There is no possibility of taking lessons from a professional. So I designed these videos with no secrets, no information or techniques withheld. Everything I do everyday myself and with my students is here. I am often asked "when will you have more tapes coming out?" Right now, there isn't anything more I can put on a video - because my entire program is on these tapes already. Everything is there.
Some want to show their horses, other just want to be able to ride better and have a happier horse. My intention is that you can watch these tapes over and over, practice the techniques, and get the same results as my resident students (both riders and horses). Whether you intend to show your horse or just ride for the pure pleasure of it, each of these tapes is useful in starting and advancing your horsemanship with your horse in your own backyard.
Kids and Horses
I love to work with kids, especially the little ones, and have taken many to the top of their field. Their ability to learn new ways to become one with their horse never ceases to amaze me! Of course key in all of this is safety - we can never forget that horses are huge, strong animals upon which we are placing our precious children. So a key focus in all I do with kids is safety, along with lots of fun.​
