December 13, 2007

Every year Conejo Recreation and Parks Department gives an award to a young athlete who stands out in their sport and achieves outstanding merits as competitors. There is nothing more valuable to our society then our young people. They are our future. To recognize and nurture our children's capabilities is a great contribution to our own legacy.

This year the award went to an equestrian, Katie Cochrane, a member of Equestrian Trails, Inc., Corral 37. ETI is celebrating it's 50th year as an organization in our community. Katie was named queen for 2007, of the entire organization throughout California. She earned the title through testing her knowledge of horsemanship and competing in the sport through shows and gymkhanas. Along with the title came many responsibilities including hours of community service, putting on play day events at the Conejo Creek Equestrian Park, competitions in high point horse shows and speed competitions. She now hold a record at the ETI arena. Katie has accomplished all of this and goes to school and has a job too.

Katie's grandparents, Tommie and George Cochrane, deserve recognition for standing behind her supporting all her endeavors. They are long standing members of our community and of ETI. The family's accomplishments are truly admired and I'm sure they will continue to build on their success.

Unlike other sports, where you put the equipment away when you done playing, with the horse, the work and responsibility never ends. It's a whole lifestyle that offers challenges everyday. Your a team with your horse in everything you do morning, noon, and night. The awards and ribbons are the frosting. Thank your, CRPD, what would life be without the frosting.