Reader Story: In memory of a NWRA friend

Sometimes it's our fellow horse people who touch our lives as much as the horses themselves...

Submitted by Cassie Aaenson

On July 10th, our friend and fellow NWRA club member, Carol Greenhalgh lost her hard fought battle with breast cancer. July 30th would have been Carol's 58th birthday. Carol was a special person and a very active rider and volunteer within the club. With the support of her husband Mike, she and her beloved horse "Cisco" began showing with NWRA in 2005 and together they quickly became one of the top teams to beat in Beginner B and C classes. In 2007, Carol earned a special buckle for earning the most points overall in the beginner division and she missed taking home the Beginner B buckle by a half a point.

Carol was a tough lady. She was brave, strong and determined to do her best in whatever she did. She loved to quilt, had studied sign language, and was a big Harry Potter fan. Most of all, she loved horses and especially loved Reining. She had a fun sense of humor and a laugh that you could hear across a crowded room. With everything that she went through, she never lost her focus or faith. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and even those who didn't.

To honor Carol, the NWRA club has decided to dedicate this year's August 16th show at Bridle Trails as the "Carol Greenhalgh Memorial Show". It will be a "Pink" show to honor her fight against the terrible cancer that cut her life short. We hope that everyone will wear pink and come out and ride to show their support of Carol and her family. Donations will be accepted at the show to be given in Carol's name to cancer research and the fight for a cure.

Carol was a true representative of the NWRA club both as a rider and a volunteer. We will all miss her spunky personality, her wonderful smile and warm generous heart.