When I started riding at Daystar in April of 2004, my previous experience was limited to infrequent trail rides with rental outfits.

After a summer riding our lesson mules, I began to desire my own mule. Still a novice, I asked Lori to keep an eye out for potential partners. Lori looked at a few prospects, but none quite fit the bill. This was going to be my first mule and I wasn't prepared to settle. I knew that if I waited long enough, Lori would find the perfect mule for me.

My patience soon paid off. In November of that year, Lori came across a little Appy mule named Star. She wasn't the prettiest gal, but Star and I hit it off right away.

When I first got her, the folks at the barn called her scrubby. I'll admit, she wasn't what I expected at the time, but she was so solid and calm, which was more important than looks.

Star quickly received a new moniker: "Try to Hang on, Maxine." She also received a lot of love and folks who knew her then will tell you that she looks nothing like her former self. Together, Maxine and I have spent miles on the trail and have won more than 40 ribbons and prizes, including numerous Champion and Reserve Champion titles.

In May 2009, I added a new member to the family, a newborn named “A Figment of Your Imagination.” I once swore that I’d never raise a foal, but I’ve loved every minute with Madge. Lori has been with us every step of the way, offering guidance and training. When I don’t have the tools to solve a problem, or when Madge is ready for more difficult tasks, Lori’s there to help and move Madge to the next step in her training.

Madge tags along with me and Maxine on many trail rides. Madge won her first Reserve Champion halter title in August, 2010. In November of that year, we won Reserve Champion in the in-hand two-and-under class at the NW Trail Challenge.

I never would have learned to tools to get this far on the trail or in the show ring without Lori and Daystar.