Lori Butala

It was a few years back, but as I remember… I was about to turn 40 and realized I didn’t have any hobbies. Knowing my love of animals in general, my husband, Tony MonteCalvo bought me riding lessons for a Christmas present. Over a 6-month period, I went from taking lessons once a week to leasing a horse and eventually attended a 3-week riding apprenticeship with Ken McNabb in Wyoming where we rode 8 hours/day…6 days a week. It was there I met my current horse, Dunny, a Red Dun Quarter Horse. He was 5 yrs. old at the time and one of the 3 horses I rode each day. Over the next 3-week period, I learned a great deal but most of all, I was developing an unexplainable trust & bond with Dunny. I returned to WA with not only a horse...but a new addition to our family. I guess the saying—‘You’re never too old to learn something new‘ is true!

In the fall of ’06 I had the fortunate opportunity to join the High Valley Rider’s Drill team. While I had not previously been involved with a drill team or ridden at this level, I love the camaraderie of such a fun group of woman (& our drill advisor, Kurt) with a similar passion. We laugh…and sometimes cry…but we always have fun!!!