Native of: Norwich, Connecticut

Family: Met my husband, Jim Naumann at a sales training class in New Jersey. Married in 1980. We have a daughter, Stephanie, 29, a yoga teacher extraordinaire.

Education: Quinnipiac College, Hamden, Conecticut 1972-1974; University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, 1974 to 1977. Majored in Biology/Chemistry.

Occupation: Senior apparel and footwear buyer for Mary’s Tack & Feed, Del Mar, California, a large independently owned tack store.

First Rides: While living in Texas I would head to Galveston to ride on the beach. The stables allowed me to go alone so I’d stay out as long as I could, walking or galloping down the beach as far as I could. After watching my daughter take lessons at Far West Farms in San Diego, I started taking lessons myself. My first horse was Sweet Hobby Bars, a wonderful ex Rodeo Queen mare who took me on any trail I wanted and even in a few walk/jog classes at local shows.

First Shows: My first real show was a SCPHA, a local association that was great preparation for breed shows.

Current Show Partner: Smokin Em Over, a 2004, AQHA sorrel gelding, by Ima Smokin Zipper and out of Eye Dew Glow (by Speedy Glow). This is our ninth year showing together. I hope to qualify for the AQHA Amateur Select World Show in Showmanship.

Goals: My next goal is to qualify in Trail for 2017.

Trainer: I’ve been with Liz Place for at least 15 years, first at Sandy Arledge Quarter Horses and now at her training barn, Liz Place Performance Horses in Carmel Valley, California. For Showmanship I have been working with Jill Newcomb and Murray Griggs in San Marcos, California.

My Motivation: I must admit I’m a bit competitive so that keeps me going in every aspect of my life. I do love learning and getting better at what I do. One of my favorite Instagram posts was “I can move a 1,200 pound animal with one hand. What’s your superpower?”

Favorite Show: I love Las Vegas Silver Dollar Circuit. Some of the best horses, riders and trainers are at the show, it’s very exciting to be a part of it. And I love not having to drive to the show grounds. I can roll out of bed and be in the barn in no time. Also love that we can watch the show on the TV in the room.

Favorite Class: I love Showmanship. When done well it looks so easy and it is not easy at all. I love the precision and attention to details. I love being in sync with my horse and having him “right there with me,” following my direction. It’s the closest we can come to dancing with our horses. The outfits are pretty awesome too.

Biggest Secret: I was a singer when I was younger, singing in musicals and choir. In high school friends and I formed a folk group we named “Pulchra” which means beautiful in Latin. We performed at schools, talent shows and local events. The biggest event was the local Miss Connecticut competition. We sang to warm up the crowd and then again further into the evening.

Biggest Show Prize: Select Showmanship win at the Level 1 Championships in Las Vegas last October.

Outside Interests: I love taking my two-year-old Chihuahua “Pearl” for hikes along the local lagoons. My husband and I are avid baseball fans, cheering for the San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox. I also enjoy gardening and playing Sudoku.

Biggest Influences: My mother for telling me “You can do anything you set your mind to do.”At 93 years of age she is still going strong and reminding me of those words. Also Liz Place, for her constant positive encouragement during lessons and at shows.