Since I introduced myself in such an eloquent and detailed way (remember, long walks on the beach and drinking wine?), I figured my next move should be to introduce the stars of the show. Four legged and furry and two legged and let’s hope not so furry alike, without them a blog would not exist.

Toujours (TJ) – 15-year-old, 17.2h, black Trakhener gelding

Essentially an angel on four legs, TJ is wins in all aspects of my heart. I bought him as a dressage flunky at the end of 2007, with the purpose of a sale horse. Shortly thereafter, I lost my heart horse unexpectedly and TJ made a permanent place in my life by being my stoic shoulder to cry on, and never complaining once that I couldn’t make it to the barn for months (borderline years, but who’s counting) without shedding a few tears.

He is a sensitive soul with a tough exterior who will try his heart to do anything I ask of him. We’ve done a little of everything over the years, high amateur-owner hunters, international derbies, trail riding, some crazy cross-country experiences, among other adventures.

Ddominicc (DC) – 8-year-old ,17.1h, gray Oldenburg gelding

When the breeder named DC with an extra D and C, I think they were just mirroring his personality, which offers a little something extra in all aspects.

DC was a long 4-year-old with only 90 days under saddle that I chased over a jump a few times before loading him up in a trailer and taking him home. He had such expression and presence that I figured I could make something out of him… someday.

He has exceeded expectations beyond any measure and has taken home tricolors starting with his very first show. This so-called expression and presence can be as much a hindrance as it is advantage as he expresses his opinion about everything, all the time, everywhere. No one ever questions how DC feels about life, I’ll just say that much.

Kora – 4-year-old Chocolate Lab

Anyone who follows me on Instagram (@corleyan) can tell you, it’s really more like Kora’s IG account. She’s pure trouble, wrapped up in a mess. A cuter little ball of fire you will not find, and I swear there are days that she’s more like a little human wrapped in a little fur coat than a dog. She has about 20 nicknames, the most appropriate being Koramonster.

Konan – 2-year-old Yellow Lab mix

A giant goof of a dog, Konan is looks like a lab who grew to the size of a bull mastiff. He is our survivor. He snuck out of the garage door in December of 2013 and was hit by a truck about a mile away from our house while Stephen tried desperately to catch him.

A skull fracture, brain swelling, internal bleeding, and a crushed pelvis were among his many injuries. After 11 days in ICU, two surgeries, and countless hours of rehab, he’s fully recovered. His entire back end was reconstructed, and although he has a hitch in his get-a-long you’d never otherwise know.

He’s the kindest dog in the world and would rather have his head petted than just about anything.

Stephen – Dear Husband (DH)

Without his unending support and faith my crazy life wouldn’t be possible. I owe all of my opportunities to the fact that when I say “jump” he says “how high.” All of that, and he’s pretty danged cute too. How lucky am I really?

So, now you know a little more about my creatures, let’s see what kind of trouble we get ourselves in to!

An amateur hunter rider from Austin, Texas, Corley rides with Matt Cyphert at his Woodhill Farm. Last year she ventured to the Florida winter circuits for the first time and wrote about the experience for the Chronicle’s Jan. 19 Winter Circuit Preview Issue, “A DIY Girl In A WEF World.”

An industry lead at a consulting firm, Corley boards on her own and meets Cyphert at shows. She’s currently showing Ddominicc, a 7-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Domiro—Aileen) who was bred in Oklahoma and Toujours. Her hobbies are traveling, reading, and “oddly enough,” she said, needlepointing. She’s supported by husband Stephen and two Labs, Kora and Konan. For 2015, her goals are “No. 1. Not making a fool of myself at WEF 2015, No. 2. Qualifying and showing at indoors (someday!).”