Debbie was raised in Chicago, because they lived in the city she couldn't have a horse. The family moved to California when she was 12. Debbie's grandmother took her for lessons until she was lucky enough to find a family in Bellflower who allowed her to ride their Arabians in exchange for stall cleaning. Her mother purchased her first horse from Joe McAble for the big sum of $750. Her mom actually wanted Debbie to use the horse as an outrider at Los Alamitos so she could give her mom betting tips, but Debbie said "No way, this is an Arabian and I am going to show!" About that time, Debbie met Rick Nab and started showing in Western Pleasure.

Soon, Debbie was training on her own in Bellflower, and married with 2 beautiful daughters, Ashley and Samantha. Ashley started showing in canter classes when she was only 6 because at that time there wasn't a walk/trot division. Over the years, the girls have done their family proud, they have won multiple National Championships. Both of the girls are now grown and are in the Adult Amateur division. The family still owns Ashley's first horse who was also her first National Champion - CP Animation+. Ashley won the 1998 National Championship in Youth Halter Showmanship with Annie.

Debbie loves working with kids and now many of my youth riders are showing as adults and she has moved to the next generation, their children. Debbie still works with Rick Nab and he helps her riders as well. Debbie says of Rick "He is such an asset to the barn. He has such a kind voice and an easy way of explaining things.

Also helping Debbie with the youth hunterseat equitation riders, is Lea Horan. Lea rode with Debbie as a youth, and she also brings her expertise from showing on the open hunter/jumper circuit. When Debbie can steal her away from the open hunter circuit, Lea will come out and help with the Hunt Seat Equitation kids or start one of the horses over fences.

Debbie's philosophy - "When it comes to horses, I believe you never know everything and you should always seek help from others. When you think you do know it all, you will be beat by someone who is willing to work with others to improve themselves their horses, and riders. I am lucky to work with Gordon & Wendy Potts. Gordon has been such a help with my reiners and Wendy has improved my hunter pleasure training."

As most of you know, Debbie recently started working with Cheval Insurance Services, Inc. The relationship actually started when Debbie asked them if she would get any commission for all the people she referred to them for mortality or trainer insurance. They said you need a license. So she went out and got one. She loves doing it. Its something Debbie knows really well, THE HORSE INDUSTRY.

2010 Youth Nationals