Donna Cheney

Donna and me at a horse show

Some people think their hero has to be famous or heard of on the news, but my hero is just an ordinary person like you and me. She is my pony trainer, and she has taught me things I would have never done without her. Her name is Donna Cheney and she pointed me in the right direction!

Although Donna can’t ride anymore because of a knee injury, she has not given up on teaching people everything she knows. She was born in Garland, Texas on February 28, 1963 but grew up in Richmond, Texas with her sister and brother. The first time she sat on a horse she was 7 years old and had her first horse at the age of 18. Before that, she rode lesson ponies and other people’s horses because her parents did not have enough money to buy her a horse of her own. She started teaching lessons when she was a teenager and found a passion when she taught. Her biggest challenge is teaching different people and different horses. The biggest reward for her is watching people be successful and learn new things.

Donna and me at an award banquet

One of the things Donna has taught me is to keep trying and never give up. She would never put me in situation or on a pony that is not safe. She takes me to horse shows even when I am the only one who is going to that horse show. Donna has taught me that if you work hard and do your best everything will work out!

If you are ever wondering who you want your hero to be, remember, a hero does not have to be famous or heard of in the news. Just choose someone that inspires you. Donna Cheney, my pony trainer, pointed me in the right direction to become a professional pony rider and for that reason, she is my hero.