Iris McCullough and Hannah
by Suzin Daly, 2002

Iris McCullough got hooked on horses when she was 8 years old. She remembers exactly when it happened; on her 8th birthday. Iris's mother paid a neighbor for a month's worth of riding lessons as a birthday present. That dream fulfilling birthday gift has lasted and enriched her life from that day right up to today. Like many young girls Iris was willing to do whatever she could to ride. At 12, Iris found a stable near her school that leased riding horses. Determined to be involved with horses she worked out an agreement with the owners so she could ride. In exchange for her time in the saddle she cleaned stalls, fed and was one of their trail guides. Iris did this every weekend for two years. Since many young girls eventually lose interest, Iris's parents felt it was just a matter of time before Iris would out grow this horse phase. Instead her passion for being around horses and riding was so strong she was willing to walk the two miles to get to her weekend job.

There was a lapse where Iris did not have the opportunity to be involved with horses on a regular basis. College, marriage and raising four children were her main focus for that time, but horses never left her heart. As soon as she was able she was back seeking equestrian opportunity.

In 1990 Iris was in a position to get involved with horses again on a more regular basis. Iris decided to take lessons and started at Triton Farms where the focus was on hunters. Iris studied under owner and trainer Ellen Welles. Iris took lessons with Mrs. Welles for six months. Then Iris met Debra McCormick who was a Hunter trainer that was closer to her home and she continued her education in hunters with Debra. When Debra started to get involved with Combined Training she introduced Iris to dressage and gave her a taste of cross-country jumping. Iris felt right at home with the studies of dressage and enjoyed the cross-country. Being more attracted to dressage, Iris met and started training with Michelle Frazier. Around the same time a wonderful opportunity presented itself. Barbara Sedwitz, breeder of elite Hanoverians, asked Iris if she could work with some of her young horses. This gave Iris a chance to use her dressage skill with some talented young horses.

In 1993 Iris got her first horse, Shadow. It was an exciting time. Iris, with Michelle's guidance, trained and competed him in combined training and he excelled. In 1995 Shadow became lame and needed to be retired. It was a very disappointing but Iris was determined to ride and continue her education.

In 1996 Iris researched trainers and decided to train with Suzin Daly. After initially riding horses that were available at Halifax Farm, Iris soon again wished for a horse of her own. Limited in funds, but very determined, Iris found an aged Hanoverian Mare schoolmaster, Donnare. Donnare was trained to Third Level. Iris and Donnare became partners in May 1997. It took a few months to get Donnare back in shape from her broodmare status. It was well worth the work. She was an awesome mover with tremendous presence. Iris competed Training Level winning most of her competitions with scores well above 60%. Donnare was ready to move up to First Level when in December of 1997 she coliced and was rushed to NC Veterinary Hospital. Donnare had a tumor in her intestines and passed away in the early morning. Both Iris and Suzin where devastated at the loss of such a wonderful mare as Donnare.

Like many equestrians, Iris has found that progress does not often advance in a straight line, success is far from guaranteed and when it does come, can be frustratingly fickle. Still, Iris remains a very strong and determined woman. In 1999 Iris decided she was not giving up her dream, love and desire. She found a Pinto Dutch filly cross, by Hall of Fame. Hannah was 2 ½ years old when Iris brought her to Halifax Farm to stay. Hannah has the heft and movement of a Warmblood and the pinto coloring of an Indian pony from the Great Plains. Iris started Hannah's groundwork right away and at three started her under saddle. Hannah has a wonderful temperament, and is an impressive mover. Iris took her to a dressage schooling show in 2001 to test the waters and was rewarded with scores in the 60's.

So the dream continues. Iris continues to train at Halifax Farm and Hannah is learning more and moving better each day. With a young horse with good bloodlines, movement and temperament, the future is filled with possibilities. Keep your eyes out for Iris and Hannah this summer of 2002 and beyond.