A whirlwind in Western boots, Trudy became the first Executive Director of HwH in 1996, just three years after joining the group begun by Vickie Stuart. A certified PATH Instructor and CHA Member, she’s been a fixture in Arizona’s horse world since 1970, from 4-H programs to nationally-sanctioned barrel racing competitions.

Born in Akron, Ohio and an Arizona resident since 1965, Trudy initially wanted to be a school teacher. Life had other plans, though, and she took her love of both children and horses into the arenas of Horses with Heart. Trudy’s hands-on horsemanship education has come from legends like Pat Parelli, Monti Roberts, Ned Leigh Equine Natural training. The Murray Family Butch, Joy and  TY now living in Stephenville TX.  Adventure In Awareness Barbara Rector, now located in Tucson AZ.  Bonnie Lemaire my first Barrel Racing lesson.

Describing HwH as her “second family,” Trudy knows better than most how “the horse-rider relationship helps make dreams come true.” Sometimes it can be challenging to see past a rider’s disability and find their ability, she notes. Still, “No wheelchairs or walkers are needed when you’re on the back of a horse. My passion has been to serve the disability community and pay it forward with love and compassion. I’m so blessed!” And one more thing… “When our riders succeed in our arena, they will succeed in the arena of life.”