My grandfather gave me a pony when I was 4. At a racetrack near home, I discovered the wonder of bigger, faster horses. The track's owner gave me a job. I would get up at 4 AM, walk to the track, clean stalls, exercise horses, cool them down, and walk back home to get ready for school. During high school, I continued working at the track, breaking colts, racing them, and doing everything necessary to condition a racing horse. Summers were heaven. I was able to race horses I had helped train.

After graduation, I went to live with a fine couple who raced horses and had the meanest, most ornery mare I ever encountered. Her disposition and speed matched those of any stallion I ever rode. She loved to win, and we raced anywhere a woman jockey was allowed to race.

My winning record gave me a reputation. Horse racing publications wrote flattering things about me and goaded Johnny Longden, the champion jockey of the day, to challenge me to a match race. He accepted, thinking he would show that a woman could not beat a man. I won, and he was so disgusted he refused to weigh in after the match.

I loved feeling a powerful horse racing down the stretch, with wind, dirt, and mud in my face. It was especially rewarding when I won. I believe that having a goal, striving for it, and achieving it is how we all should live. Hard work, with respect, discipline, and cleanliness for body, mind, and soul is my recipe for being a winner.

After I quit racing, I continued my life style of getting up early, working till sundown, getting proper nutrition, and getting to bed early.

I am 86 and live with my Jack Russell terrier. We get up early, have breakfast, and at daybreak we take our walk. We get to see neighbors out and about. I celebrate each day with the joy of having a devoted son and 3 grandchildren. I have been truly blessed.