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SUPPORTING US! My name is Wilene (pronounced y-lean) and welcome to my blog page "New To Horses". This blog is dedicated to anyone who is new to horses, regardless of whether you are a young horse enthusiast, a parent, or anyone who has a passion for learning about these magnificent creatures. If you are new to horses in any way, shape, or form, then you've come to the right place! Please see my "work and education" section for details of my experience with horses. I began riding at the age of 8 and continued until I was 21, during which time I owned three horses. I was a full-time student at a Hunter Jumper Show Barn, where my trainers and coaches were Dacia Funkhouser Johnson, the late Bob Funkhouser, and Jerry Steinmentz. My favorite clinician was the late James Cantwell. During 1981-1984, I was a Rider for Jerry Steinmentz and the Purdue Equestrian Team. Later, in 1984, I became an Assistant Coach for the same team. After graduating, I took a 20-year break to raise my family. At the age of 40, I re-entered the Equestrian world by purchasing a horse and 10 acres of land. I became a certified riding instructor and resumed my career with horses again. In my Work and Education, you can see that from 2000 to 2015, I opened my own lesson barn with 10 lesson horses and then built a non-profit Equine Facility for Kids with 20 lesson horses. Due to a lack of funding and a struggle with health, I decided to retire and move to Indianapolis, where my two girls were living. I have been running Memaw Daycare for my grandkids for the last six years. I miss my horses and really want to return to the world of horses part-time. So, I started this blog and hope to make videos soon. I thought the blog would curb my passion enough, but my passion continues, and I hope I can come out of retirement soon to teach beginner riders. Enjoy my blog, and if you have any questions, reach out in the comments or message me. I want to add that I am searching for a local beginner who is interested in trading lessons for being my subject while I create instructional videos for my blog. The videos will focus on riding and caring for horses. I would love to start teaching you or your children.