MEMBER PROFILES
Members: To get your profile listed please send a photo and your profile to twhbeaofwa@aol.com
Kirk Schlemlein
Howdy. I was drawn into the horsey world, and specifically Walking Horses, through my wife’s love of these critters. Initially I was an enabler of the lifestyle and am now a dependent. We adore our horses and have been blessed by the wonderful experiences they have opened up for us. Whether it be trail riding, packing in the high country or showing in the ring, our Walking Horses have proven to be spirited yet steady companions. And, as goes the saying “You are you who you ride with”, we’ve been very fortunate to cultivate many friendships which have allowed us to all the more so enjoy this lifestyle. As President of the club it is my focus to specifically promote the completeness of the Walking Horse breed in the Western region, supporting one another through shows, trail riding and relevant promotions, while at the same time encouraging gaited horse breeds in the Pacific Northwest. Our stable is currently at five with a little one on the way, and we’re truly excited at what this creation will contribute in our lives and under saddle.
Cynthia Schlemlein
I have only had horses for 13 years but I am definitely sold on the Tennessee Walking Horse. I learned to ride and fell in love with this breed during many Back Country experiences on my smooth going, good natured, sure footed mare. I began showing after putting one of our fillies in training. Performing in the show ring and mountain trail riding together bring out and consequently shows off the great versatility of these amazing pleasure horses. They exhibit every characteristic a person could desire in a well rounded horse with heart, willingness, gentle temperament and a natural comfortable ground covering gait. My husband Kirk and I both enjoy riding in the mountains, competing in the show ring in both rail and versatility disciplines as well as beach riding and occasionally breeding our fabulous mares. Other life focuses include hanging out with our terrific families and attending an awesome church called Damascus Road. Life is sweet.
Rebecca Carroll & Uniquely Grand
My first opinion of walking horses was that they were for old people… I was nine, what can I say? After riding my mom’s horse Delta Dawn’s Delight for the first time, I changed my mind and have been hooked ever since! My horse show highlights include: winning 4-H Fitting & Showing at the Evergreen State Fair with my first horse Sport (an Arabian); 1996 Youth High Point rider for the WA & OR clubs; 1998 National & WA State Hi-Point Youth rider for Competitive Mounted Orienteering; 2000 Western Lite-Shod Amateur World Champion with Jasmin Magic; 2001 TWHBEA Versatility High Point Model with Ima Big Score. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to ride & show some of the best pleasure horses in the country! A 2005 graduate of Eastern Washington University, I am now an insurance agent and the Director of Marketing & Operations for an insurance agency which keeps me pretty busy. My amazing horses, Absolutely Grand (Abbey) and Uniquely Grand (Cuz), allow me to throw them in the trailer and haul them to a couple shows a year just for fun. They are a true testiment to the great nature of walking horses. My six year old neice Madison has recently started showing both Abbey & Cuz, providing entertainment and much delight. I am very thankful for the unwaivering support of my parents and horse show friends and am happy to be part of such a great club! rebac@hotmail.com
Sue Carroll & Absolutely Grand
Sue has been part of the club for many years with her daughter Rebecca. Although she rarely shows, Sue is always willing to lend a hand to get things done and has been actively involved at the shows for many years now. It’s a good thing she’s good at multi-tasking, because she’s usually helping in show office, at the gate or announcing, and keeping people fed. Sue always has a “good luck” or “nice job” for exhibitors and has shed a tear more than once when somebody wins their first class. She has put in hundreds of thousands of miles driving to lessons, horse shows, and barns over the past eighteen years – and now she’s starting it again with her granddaughter, Madison. Sue also enjoys vacationing in Yuma, AZ, knitting, and boating with her husband Dick. Currently, Sue is the secretary for the club and on the TSN Show committee.
Madison Daubert
Madison started riding with her Aunt Becca at the age of 2 and has loved horses ever since. After riding in lead line for a few years, Madi started taking riding lessons from Miss Shelli Mehaffey last year was lucky enough to ride the one and only TJ the Wonder horse for her very first rail class. Since then she has shown Absolutely Grand and Uniquely Grand and does great everytime! Madi loves going to horse shows and visiting with all her friends.
Kirk Peters and Spring Creek Ranch:
Former President of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association of Washington State. I have been in the Walking Horse industry for 27-years, but have been in the saddle for 47-years. I started riding Quarter Horses, Saddlebreds and Thoroughbreds, and found that… well you all know…there’s nothing better than the Walking Horse. I currently hold a National Horse Show Commission license, and find that every opportunity I step into the ring I am honored to be able to observe such a great animal and that I learn something new about our breed in each and every class. Other family interest: my wife, Susan Hubbard-Peters, and I both are employed with Boeing, and we have two sons. Our family enjoys skiing, mountain bike riding, trail riding, and naturally, raising quality walking horses in the Kent/Covington area.
We may be reached at peterstwhranch@aol.com or 253-639-3392.
Kevin Porter and his trusty horse Blade:
I have been riding the show circuit and the back trails of the western cascade mountains, and I am the son of Pat and Ken Porter of Issaquah. I have been riding for approximately 11-years and have had the opportunity to show many great pleasure horses here in the Northwest. My other interest are radio controlled off-road cars, repairing VW Jettas, and enjoy riding my other favorite ride; my Yamaha WR250cc dirt bike.
I can be reached at 206-948-3159, or kevinscott_p@hotmail.com
Shelli Mehaffey and Stoley:
Well the boys have their trail photo’s, so I have one that show’s the other side of this great versatile breed. Hi, my name is Shelli Mehaffey, and I am the owner of SLM Training, operating out of a great facility, the Stanwood Equestrian Center in Stanwood, WA. I’ve been involved with cutting, reining, western pleasure, and trail horses most of my life, and over the past 8 years training, showing, and enjoying this fantastic TWH breed. The more I learn about our breed the more I love them. I have been fortunate to have been introduced to the Washington Club and have enjoyed their support and notice how they really love their Walking Horses, and my dog Alfred too! Other interests: I play pool in the BCA and APA, and I love to fish. I can be reached at slmtraining@msn.com, or 425-931-2772.
Marilyn Phegley and “TJ”
My passion has always been horses and I finally ended up with a good one, thanks to SLM Training. This is my first Tennessee Walker and I’ve had so much fun showing “Deal Or No Deal” or better known as “TJ” at the Washington and Oregon walking horse shows and winning the 3 & 4 year old Trail Pleasure Reserve Champion title in 2006, Top 5 in reining, plus, the female Novice Rider award. I’ve had him on several trail rides and have done some cow sorting, too, which he really liked. He’s a real sweetheart and lots of fun to ride. Now that I’m retired, I can spend a lot more time with him. He’s the best horse I’ve ever had! I also enjoy spending time with my golden retriever and lab, working in the yard, bass & crappie fishing & playing the slots. Life is Good. reinergram@yahoo.com
Kyle Elliot
When I rode my first walking horse, I was 10 years old. What started as regular riding lessons turned into what has consumed most of my life, and been an absolute passion for the past 8 years. I’m currently a senior in high school I don’t know where I would be without this wonderful breed. For the past three years I’ve been displaying the versatility of the Tennessee Walking Horse through the Washington High School Equestrian Teams (WAHSET) program with my horse, The Indian Scout; currently we compete in Saddleseat, Jumping, Trail, Stockseat, and some gaming events. My Greatest accomplishment would have to be going to Tennessee and winning an International Championship aboard my horse A Jazz Fest under the Mill Creek Walking Horse Ranch contingency! I’m very happy to be serving as a Western International Walking Horse Association representative for the TWHBEAOFWA club! KElliott@aol.com or 253 797 6280
Marie Schimke
I love my Walkin’ Horses! I came out of the womb riding and have been showing since the sweet age of 10. Many of my most cherished moments are those spent on horseback like riding Stallion in the Rocky Mts, laughing with childhood friends on Miriha, camping with Nazarre, or finding serenity on Ms Dix. In the past I have owned, ridden, and shown Arabians and Quarter Horses, and was turned on to Tennessee Walking Horses only four years ago-am so happy I was. I have learned a lot from these great equine spirits and from all the new people I have met in this club-especially Shelli and Marilyn who never stop adding comic relief to my days (Go Lord of the Rings). I am most proud of Mr Nazarre and Ms Dixie working hard last May 2009 to win the High Point Versatility Championship in Puyallup. These two great horses teach me something new all the time, and give me peace when life is in chaos.
When not in the saddle I teach English and writing (to afford this lifestyle), spend quality time with my awesome Norwegian Lutheran family, adopt and love abused Rottweilers, play basketball, paint, and write short stories. I can be reached at schimke2002@yahoo.com.
There’s nothing like winning a blue ribbon!