Page 97 - Wayne County

guide for learning how to ride a fve-gaited horse, and was her riding companion as she continued to advance and show on the Georgia, Florida, and Carolina Circuits.

To become as skilled an equestrian as possible, Patricia moved on to her next horse, Mar Beth Jewell, who came with a story all her own. Having been burned in a fre, she was high strung, and easily spooked, teaching Patricia lessons in communicating with her horse - to understand each animal’s unique traits and personality.

“I had an agreement with Daddy which was partly responsible for my academic performance - I had an ulterior motive.” Patricia had to keep her grades at 90 or above to keep going to the stables daily. Graduating Glynn Academy with honors, she began exploring college options, but in the 1960’s there were no college equestrian teams, let alone a degree. Patricia decided upon the University of Georgia, and Mar Beth Jewel would go with her, boarding at a stable just four miles out of town.

“Now this was the 1960’s,” recalled Patricia, “girls didn’t wear shorts or pants; we had a strict dress code

Not satisfed to merely give lessons and train young horses, Patricia also started an after school program. Children complete their homework, and then learn all aspects of caring for and riding horses. She explained, “I went to Sea Island Stables after school every day, and I want the children in Jesup to have the same experience.”