With 9 National Championships, 4 National Reserve Championships, Multiple Top Tens Amateur Owner Sheryl Yochum and "Hootie" enjoy playing at the top of their game.

"His happy, social attitude actually pays off in the show ring because he has his ears up and is always looking at people, giving him a pretty look." Judges' comments frequently include "prettiest hunter I have ever seen."

At home, Cheryl takes him out on the berms wearing her sweats and sneakers and a bareback pad - an important break from arena riding. Having a happy home life is no doubt an important part of this team's success.

To win his most recent National title he had to beat out 72 horses, all of them qualified, all of them pretty and nice movers. Sheryl is the busy owner of two salons, soon to open a third, so time with Hooties is used wisely. We appreciate Sheryl giving us time out of her busy schedule for this interview.

Q. Did you learn to ride as a child or later in life?

A. I rode as a child and was involved with 4 H. After college I competed at the national level, winning two Top Tens, on horses I trained myself. My husband's family had Arabians and we all enjoyed involvement with the Arabian breed. However, after awhile I realized I had reached my limit and made the difficult decision to sell these two horses to get a better horse, because I wanted to aim for a national championship. I also wanted to train with a pro to develop myself as a rider. I researched trainers and selected Wendy Potts to help me find a horse and do the training. She found CA Ultimo who was going Country English at that time, at Royal Oaks. Priscilla brought him to Scottsdale and I was really thrilled with "Hootie" right from the start. He reminded me of NDL Pericles, with his big round movement. He had just stunning beauty and that is so important in the huge class sizes of the hunter division. The bonus was his personality - he was just such a gregarious horse, really, sticking his tongue out, nickering back when I talked to him, I really couldn't get over him. I not only had a national champion prospect but a great friend. The decision to buy him was easy. The Spanish Arabians have smooth bodies, very beautifully shaped heads and necks, and gorgeous eyes, and CA Hermoso+++/ offspring really are typical of this style. Also, they are known for having excellent minds and are a delight to train.

Right off the bat, Wendy won Canadian Nationals with him. At this time, I learned to ride the Wendy Way - I call , it "Legs of Steel." I train year round with a personal trainer, doing squats and other exercises to keep my legs strong. This is what gives a rider that pretty position, the strength to hold the legs, squeeze the horse up, keeping your toes out and the spurs off the sides, but with perfect control to use them as needed.

I would also like to thank trainer Kim Verhige who has been working with us in the last few years and has kept me and "Hootie" honest.

Q. Since you did well training your own horses - winning National Top Tens - how does an amateur know if and when to get a trainer in the picture?

A. I recommend starting on the A circuit. If you are not winning, it's either you or your horse, or both. I suggest getting professional help early, both for the training and help in picking out your next horse. In the long run, you save more money using a trainer in several ways. You avoid wasting time and money training the wrong horse and you develop your riding and showmanship skills. If you are happy with your achievements working by yourself then of course you can enjoy the fun and satisfaction of doing your own training. Trainers are very good at matching horses with riders and again this can save you time, money and frustration. A lot of people enjoy training and showing on their own and they do well. It's a personal choice. For me I knew I needed that professional level of help to get where I wanted to go.

Q. Can you describe your training regimen?

A. First, I believe in having a happy horse. Hootie enjoys a big pasture with 2 other horses and he has a 10 x 24 foot stall with lots of toys to keep him entertained. I frequently ride Hootie out on the berms around our farm . I wear sweats and sneakers and use a bareback pad to give him a break from arena riding.

When training, I start with 20 minutes on the hot walker for warming him up. During his work out, I judge his condition by how hard he is breathing and how much he sweats. In general, I would say I start getting him into condition with 10 to 15 minutes of riding for a couple of weeks; I add 5 minutes every two weeks, building body condition slowly. I do quite a bit of hand galloping to strengthen his back. I do not work him more than 30 minutes. Then he gets 20 minutes of the hot walker as his cool down. I ice his legs if I have worked him hard.

Q. Can you share your nutritional program with us?

A. I recommend Platinum Performance and have used it for years. The company provides a recommended dose specifically for Arabian show horses which I follow. For further information, visit http://www.platinumperformance.com/animal/equine/index.cfm

It's a great product, Bill Porcher uses it, lots of other trainers have discovered its benefits too. It's easy, no measuring or complicated doses.

Q. What is your favorite tack and show apparel?

A. I stick with what works and I don't make a lot of changes. My brown jacket is my "lucky" jacket, and my saddle is Crosby Centennial. It fits him well and is comfortable for me, so I don't think I can do better there.

Q. What has been the greatest thrill in your career with CA Ultimo++/?

A. There have been many great thrills. Certainly winning a National Championship is one of those moments in your life. But honestly, it is also a great thrill to make the eliminations. There are many great horses and riders in this division, it is an honor to just make the eliminations.