Quotable

Heather Gibson felt her skin crawl with goosebumps as she read National Reined Cow Horse Association President Corey Cushing’s letter to members in the January/February issue of Reined Cow Horse News. She took his invitation to attend a premier event to heart when she read, “You and your horse are good enough, and you do belong there with us.”

PRIMO MORALES

I got chicken skin when I read Corey’s article [in the January/February issue], and it was so positive and motivating. I told my husband that my goal for the year was to show at a premier event,” said Heather Gibson, of Waimanolo, Oahu, Hawaii.

She had a mare that she originally purchased in Colorado and shipped to Hawaii to her husband’s family’s horse facility on the eastern side of the island. Prior to competing at the Western Derby, Gibson had only competed in four shows with about 20 entries in each, even barging her horse to the island of Hawaii to show in the state’s futurity.

“Through a family friend we decided to send [the horse to trainer] James Milum and he had her about 30 days before the show,” said Gibson “This is my dream come true. It hits me hard—I am so blessed to be part of reined cow horse. I have not met one person who isn’t supportive! Everyone is so kind and so supportive. No one looks at me like I ask a crazy question; they are all kind. I don’t know what the next show is that James will do, but I will be at the Eastern Derby [in Tennessee]. Just being here and showing with everyone is just amazing. ”—Heather Gibson