Tina is from a ranching family out of Penrose, Colorado that originated in West Texas.  Before she entered the world she had already taken her first ride. Her mother Sharlie had been raised on horseback and Tina’s great-grandmother, Dolly Newsome, was well known in the Colorado horse world for her natural ability with horses.

Tina got her first horse at the age of 6, a Shetland pony named Gypsy.  She was exactly what a Shetland is, stubborn, ornery, and hell bent to rub their rider off.  But Tina was not to be detoured as that began her dream of a life built around horses.  As with most folks she got sidetracked with job and family. Tina also began riding motorcycles back in the late 80’s. About 5 years ago the dream of a life with horses was re-awakened and her journey back into the horse world began. 

She bought a pick-up, a couple of acres and a couple of un-broken horses.  Since she couldn’t justify leaving the security of a good paying job with all the benefits, her goal was to create a “Little piece of Texas” where she was at.  She did such a good job that it came time to take a leap of faith and get back to Texas a little ahead of schedule. 

Last year she bought “The Smilin’ T Ranch” and has stayed steady at building her dream, a life that revolves around the magnificent creatures we call horses.  She lived in a 24’ travel trailer through the worst winter recorded in Texas history.  She has built a cabin with all the comforts. 

Her experience includes volunteering at a local stable for a summer to learn the business of horse boarding.  She is a level 1 graduate of the Parelli program and has one clinic left to prepare to test out as a level 2 student.  She has taken clinics in cutting, trail riding, and de-spooking horses.  This year she bred her foundation quarter horse, Bailey, to Razz O Taz, a grandson of the infamous Peptoboonsmal.  Her interests include breeding, matching the right horse with the right person, colt starting, reining and ranch horse versatility. 

Having come from a working ranch family, Tina is dedicated to preserving the American legend known as the foundation quarter horse.  “There is nothing to compare to watching the skill of a good quarter horse working cattle.  It touches my heart like nothing else can.” 

Tina, much like her horses, has what we in the horse world call heart, not to mention grit.  This single gal has never let anything get in the way of following her dream.  Her dedication to horses and to helping others learn about and enjoy them is evident in her smile and her enthusiasm.