Sue Mulford, a cancer survivor, and her husband, Denny, share their love for horses with all they meet.
Before retiring, Sue taught elementary school for 40 years. Sue and Denny said they still invite students, the children of her students and even grandchildren of former students to visit their home and horses.
Married for 44 years, Denny and Sue said they are glad to enjoy the same hobby.
“Every year, we meet new people and have a great time. We look forward to this,” she said.
Due to her chemotherapy treatments, Sue hadn’t shown since June 2006. When January 2007 came around, Sue said she didn’t have any qualifying points for the 2007 Bayer Select World.
With Denny by her side, Sue began preparing Art I Expensive, aka “Art” and earned her way to the 2007 Bayer Select World Championship Show.
“Denny does it all,” Sue said. “He broke him; he grooms and shoes him with me cheering him on.”
Art and Sue will show in pleasure driving Sunday, September 2. Art is a 6-year-old just two points shy of his Superior in hunter under saddle.
“As long as he takes care of my wife, we’re happy,” Denny said about the gelding.
Sue hopes to be back next year with Art or a 3-year-old she is training.
“There’s a lot more pride when you feed them, take care of them, and haul them yourself,” Sue said.
Sue said she came to the 2006 Bayer Select World after her first week of chemo. She finished her last chemo treatment in March 2007. Competing five months later, Sue said she feels much more energetic.
“We made it through, and showing really helped. I give my horses a lot of credit for keeping me going,” Sue said. “Once you’re diagnosed with the ‘big C’, which you never expect to be, you just see things. You gain a different appreciation for life.”
Sue pointed to a sign hung by tack area and said, “I love the one that says ‘Running around with good friends is one of life’s greatest pleasures.”’
