My passion for animals was sparked when: I began riding horses at the age 7 and never stopped. Right now, I train with Olympian Karl Slezak, who’s on the Canadian team. I also work at his barn, Spruce Stable South, and they’ve made the biggest difference in my career.

I was inspired to start showing cattle when: My  friend convinced me to sign up for the senior chapter steer competition last year. I ended up showing at the Lake County Fair, doing both show and sale, and I absolutely loved it. After that, I contacted a family friend in the cattle industry, and he helped me find a steer from his own herd. That’s how my brother and I got Cash and Jack, our steers we are showing this year.

My love for agriculture: I’ve always been a huge believer in agriculture and how important it is. I think a lot of youth don’t appreciate it enough. There’s so much work that goes into taking care of these animals—keeping their pastures nice, making sure they have hay, keeping them clean. It’s a big industry that I wish more people understood and appreciated.

Working with animals has helped me: Develop a strong work ethic. No one cares if you didn’t sleep or didn’t eat—you have to take care of the animals first. I’ve learned that you just have to keep working hard. My involvement in showing and working at my family friend’s ranch has had a huge impact on my life.

In the future: I want to go into commercial real estate, but I also want to be an equine chiropractor. It’s something I’ve been interested in since I was 8 or 9.

For fun: I like working with trucks and helping my parents with their storage facility. I also work at my boss’s facility, helping feed horses and maintain the property. When I do have time, I like hanging out with friends and grabbing a bite to eat.

My favorite restaurant is: Mi Tierra in Mascotte. It’s a little taco stand. I always get five lengua (tongue) tacos.

Photos: Cindy Peterson