Cherry and Mom: A Journey to the Championships

My name is David and I'm here to raise money for my mother to make it to the World Championship Horse Show in Louisville, KY this August.

My mom started riding in early elementary school and showed and rode all over the world as she was an army brat. My grandfather retired from the army and my mom continued to show throughout high school and then went to William Woods University to study equestrian sciences. She met my father, they got married and she continued to work on horse farms and show horses until 1988, then they thought of starting a family. When I came along , she worked full time and went to school achieving her BS in Nursing while pregnant with my brother. At that point, we were her priority so she did not ride again until 2015 and showing from 2019-present.

Currently, she owns CH (Champion) Cherry Popsicle an American Saddlebred. She shows her as a hunter where nothing but regular horse shoes and the natural motion of the horse is allowed.

Only the top twenty hunters in the ESC points go to the world Championships in Louisville, KY in August. Cherry and mom are currently in the top ten. She is currently number ONE in the nation for the high points in Hunter Country Pleasure for the breed.

The 2025 season has brought the following great start to Cherry and mom’s record.

ASAC

Grand Champion - ASB Hunter Country Pleasure

Champion - Saddle & Bridle Hunter Seat Classic

Pro-Am

Grand Champion - ASB Hunter Country Pleasure

Champion - Saddle & Bridle Hunter Seat Classic

Champion - ASB Hunter Country Pleasure

UPHA Chapter 18

Grand Champion - ASB Hunter Country Pleasure

Champion - ASB Hunter Country Pleasure

Asheville Spring Warm-up

Reserve Grand Champion - ASB Hunter Country Pleasure

Reserve Champion - ASB Hunter Country Pleasure

Asheville Saddlebred Classic

Grand Champion - ASB Hunter Country Pleasure

Champion - ASB Hunter Country Pleasure

Mom is a full-time Emergency RN with more than three decades of experience. While working in the ED, she is stressed quite often, she says that when she climbs on Cherry everything fades away and it is just the two of them together. She has said many times that Cherry is her mental health release when dealing with life and death situations at work.

My father proudly supports her at all the shows making sure she is show ring ready and videoing them in the ring. He is the co-owner of Cherry too!

My mother continues to show me to never stop following your passion and let nothing stop you. Up to this point in our lives we have managed to get by, but now I am asking for your help.

Anything helps and thank you for the consideration.