1) Why don't you show anymore/What was it like showing in Germany?

I love to show and am extremely competitive but do not own any horses. I usually need to manage the homefront vs going to the shows. It's not the same as having one horse I can concentrate on showing but am always appreciative when Macella works out a way for me to get in the ring.

Showing in Germany is a lot of fun. There are always tons of spectators and is a town/city get together 'hot spot'. You'll never find a show, big or small without an adjoining bar!

2) What brought you to the US?

I came to the US at 17yo to go to college but outside of going back every year to train and see my parents I never moved back.

3) Who was your favorite horse when you showed and why?

Tough question; I was showing up to ten horses a weekend and have many fond memories of special horses from 'Shane' the huge Percheron sweetheart that always made Vidal smile to Magistrate the little Arab who eventually donned a cob double bridle and shocked everyone to many wins including a high score of the show. Marquis, my Hanovarian whom I owned since birth-12yo was my special companion and in 'Rocky' fashion was always highly entertaining but quite successful. Saint George the elegant and beautiful TB proved everyone wrong and excelled from training thru Grand Prix and holds a very special place in my heart. At DMS big Rupert was hands down my favorite to show; we were like peanut butter and jelly.

4) Do you still import horses?

We haven't imported in a year and are focusing more on our Baja endeavors and me working for Macella.

5) What is your role at DMS?

I'm a pinch hitter but focus on being Macella's right hand gal in the prep and maintenance of her Open horses as well as her youngsters and projects. Of course, any appropriate two or four legged candidate in need of my services!

6) How did you meet M&C?

I knew of Macella from when I had my training barn in Marin but Ken and I ended up meeting after a preliminary email in '03 connecting in a import/sales partnership. Riding my sales horses at the barn somehow morphed to me helping out a few days a week and when I blinked I found myself living on property and working full time. Ken followed a year later after selling our house on the coast.

7) How did you transition from a drsg rider to caring for horses?

When I got married in '01 I stopped my full time training/showing business and only traveled to give clinics. My work at DMS of being behind the scenes is enjoyable and a job 'after retirement'. After 25yrs of the aggressive teaching/training & owning my own business for 10 of those, I am content with a quieter out of the lime light life.

8) Where did you learn about icing?  What are you hoping to accomplish?

I started icing 20yrs ago whilst managing the care International event horses in NC. Icing reduces heat/inflammation and is used to support strength training, used a preventative therapy and to aide in healing tendon and soft tissue injuries.

9) What do you do for fun?

I took a break from running for two years but absolutely LOVE it and look forward to starting again including competing (marathons are my favorite). I cook and read to relax but any outdoor sports keeps me smiling. Medicine, psychology, animal welfare and nutrition always have my interest.

10) What is one thing you want us to know that most people will be surprised to learn?

I always thought I was 5'7" and fat! Ha Ha. Seriously, my real last name is Jastrebski and am Polish/Slovenian born in Germany...... I chose the horse business over med school and never regretted it. Medicine and psychology still hold a great interest for me and I appreciate having had the opportunity to work in both professions whilst still being able to follow my passion. My chronic/acute illness of the last six years and resulting 16 hospitalizations has given me insight and gratitude for all the good that life has to offer. We should not waste it but instead blossom and surround ourselves with positive people and energy. There is always a choice. What better place to be than at Diamond Mountain?