Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseenterprise@gmail.com.
By Sarah E. Coleman
A dedicated horsewoman who deeply loves her horses, Deanna Craychee carries pieces of her horses with her whenever she competes her mare Tisiphone. Though the duo’s path has not always been smooth, Deanna credits Julie Congleton of Heronwood Farm for her success with the mare both in the show ring and at home. Read on to learn more about the best advice Deanna has received—that doesn’t apply solely to horses.
MSEDA: Where are you from and what brought you to Kentucky?Deanna Craychee: I am from Elgin, Illinois, and I came to the University of Kentucky for their equine program. I had always loved Kentucky from childhood vacations.
MSEDA: When did you begin riding?
DC: I started riding and showing western at age 10; I started riding English at 16 while working part-time at a hunter/jumper barn on weekends...so I’ve been competing now for 39 years!
MSEDA: What was the first horse you owned?
DC: I got my first horse Bankshot, an OTTB when I was 22. I had him for 24 years until he passed at 28. My second horse was sweet Sidney, another OTTB. I had him for 13 years; he passed at 19 years old.
MSEDA: How long have you been a MSEDA member?
DC: Three years.
MSEDA: What horses do you own?
DC: I have a 13-year-old Thoroughbred that never raced: Tisiphone.
MSEDA: In what do you compete her?
DC: I compete her in beginner novice in eventing novice and first-level dressage.
MSEDA: How did you get your mare?
DC: She was given to me by a former employer.
MSEDA: What are her favorite treats?
DC: Smarties!
MSEDA: Describe your horse in 10 words or less.
DC: Opinionated, feisty, firecracker, princess, diva, fancy, spoiled.
MSEDA: What is your goal for 2018?
DC: Have fun stay relaxed!
Photo by I've Got Your Picture
MSEDA: What is your favorite accomplishment with Tisiphone?
DC: Competing a novice event; many people told me to get a different horse because we had some difficulty early in her training.
MSEDA: Do you have any other horses?
DC: I also have a 10-year-old OTTB named Sasueno aka awesome sauce. We're still getting to know each other and forgetting the racetrack. He's a big, strong dude with a mind of his own, but he moves nicely and is tough. I got him from Nori Scheffel and Brittany Corbett at Scheffelridge Farm in Paris.
MSEDA: With whom do you ride?
DC: I ride with Julie Congleton at Heronwood Farm--she is responsible for how far Tisiphone and I have come together.
MSEDA: Where do you keep your horses?
DC: I have a 13-acre farm in Scott County.
MSEDA: Do you have any other animals?
DC: I have cats, dogs, donkeys, mini horses, chickens and a peacock.
MSEDA: Do you have any good luck rituals?
DC: For good luck I have a belt that has braids from my first two horses inlaid in the leather.
MSEDA: What was the best advice you’ve received?
DC: “You gotta be tough if you're going to be stupid.” This applies to life, not just horses.
