Kathie Norman
ACTHA Monthly | July 2015 | 4
Eight years ago ACTHA member Kathie Norman of Malakoff, Texas didn’t even own a horse. As a young girl her riding and formal training was, as we say, “quite limited.” But that didn’t stop this determined woman from pursuing her dreams.
Searching for a horse, Kathie fell in love with a beautiful 7 year old gray Quarter Horse Mare by the name of Handy Dulce Bar (aka Dulce) who was currently in training for dressage. Far beyond her skill level, Kathie spent two months with the trainer learning how to ride Ducle, then took her home and set up some obstacles. As Kathie says, “I clearly had no idea what I was doing.”
Kathie joined ACTHA in 2010 at the urging of a random knock on her door from someone who has asked her if she heard about ACTHA. Deciding this was exactly what she wanted to do with Dulce Kathie’s competitive career with ACTHA began. Winning the Texas state Pleasure Division in 2013 forced Kathie to move to the open division and bought the life changing decision to retire and compete in ACTHA events full time. After a year of practice Kathie set her sights on winning the 2014- 2015 Open National Championship with her good friend of 25 years Dr. Susan Wingo aiming for the Pleasure Champion. Together this riding team traveled the southwest and achieved their goals. Quite impressive for a woman who eight years ago didn’t even own a horse.
1st Place Open National 2014-2015
Kathie Norman and Handy Dulce Bar
AQHA mare
Malakoff, Texas
NationaL Open Champion