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Leslie Steele. She opened so many doors and taught
me so much about life too. She never gives up and will
always fight for what she thinks is right,” Natalie begins. “This is definitely my passion and I
“She is one of the smartest ladies in our industry when
it comes to teaching and helping students understand.
have had great opportunities I never
She is very clear in her approach to riding.”
In her last junior year, Hap asked her to ride an
take for granted. I am really fortunate
equitation horse for him. Orbiteer was a sale horse,
so many people have helped me out!”
it needed to get into the ring and Bliss Heers was
not able to make the show so the ride got passed to
Natalie. With that came the introduction to Lisa and
Jim Mitchell and Plaid Ranch. At the 2007 Thermal
they asked if she could ride two jumpers for them, and
the rest is as they say “history” as she goes along.
“Hap just sort of ‘came along with that entire package’
from the beginning. He is so good about guiding you
along as you learn. Mistakes are not a problem for him;
he helps you figure them out and find a better way. He
is so dad-gum funny! He has the best wit and sense
of humor; you never know what he is going to say.
Usually just a few words, but it cracks you up!! I really
love doing the young equitation horses and giving
them a good start. Hap and Lisa are so supportive,”
she ends.
Her future is riding these horses; whatever the
opportunity may be. “This is definitely my passion. and
I have had great opportunities I never take for granted.
I am really fortunate so many people have helped me
out!” she says with quiet sincerity.
“Psychology fascinates me,” she says as she settles
into a serious part of the interview. “The way the mind
works and the way people think is just amazing. How
the mind can retain so much and yet, at the same time, it
has the ability to wipe out bad things that may happen.
How kids can block out the bad stuff and just go on
believing in the good things is beyond comprehension.
My mom owns a daycare and we have seen a lot, yet we
both still marvel at how resilient people and kids are.”
“What would a dream I have be that would surprise
people? WOW, that’s a hard one, but I know the answer!
My Grams and I dream of opening a no-kill humane
society for the stray dogs in Mexico. We have already
named it “The Itchy Foundation” after the dogs that
run the streets in Mexico with no one to take care of
them. When I was in Cabo, I found a stray dog and I
named it Itchy. He would find me for breakfast every
morning and just hang out with me all day, probably
because I fed him and patted him. Dogs in the U.S.
don’t get treated like those dogs do! Someday I will
help them out!.”
Her appreciation goes to a group of people the size
of a small town starting with her mom. “For believing
Page 89 Top Right: Natalie -Final Four 120’s
Page 90: Left to Right: Natalie & Cerafina; Natalie on
Charlie Brown; Natalie & Ofanna; Natalie on Y2K
This Page: Top to Bottom: Natalie & Spirit; Natalie &
Rob Gage; Natalie discussing course; Natalie & Capitol
Challenge
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