Torrie Thompson/ Handler~Trainer
Torrie started her horsemanship at the age of 14 when she began working for Claude Pucket out of Prineville Oregon. Claude was an eccentric horse trainer in a wild west show with a tremendous flair for performance. With 32 head of horses to maintain he was happy to accept her into his groomers circle. Under his care and with the help of her father (a former Arabian horse breeder) Torrie learned to ride and handle horses.
Torrie currently trains out of her private barn at Little Slice Ranch. For her it is a dream come true. After years of raising her 5 children and putting her dreams on hold, She is happy to live the life she was destined for. "When I was a child I wanted horses so bad I could taste it." Said Torrie. "I collected everything horse related. The Breyer Barn and 61 head of Model horses were my most prized possession". Spending her early years in the suburbs of Salinas California, it was a near impossibility to live her dream in real life. "I remember running to the horse paddock at the community center near the rodeo grounds. My sister and friends would head for the swimming pool while I would sneak down to the equestrian center in hopes of just catching a glimpse." The idea for Dazzling Pony Parties came one year at the county fair. Seeing the inner city children light up when Dazzle came out of her stall inspired her. Torrie says "I know what it is like to have horses in your blood and not be in a position to nurture that need. That is what motivates me to do this for other children".
Torrie is a Certified Veterinary Technician with 15 years experience. She has been a member of an equestrian drill team, enjoys mountain trail competitions, exhibiting at the County Fair, trail riding, and Natural Horsemanship. She has taught her children and grandchildren the world of the horse with an emphasis on safety and respect.
Torrie currently trains out of her private barn at Little Slice Ranch. For her it is a dream come true. After years of raising her 5 children and putting her dreams on hold, She is happy to live the life she was destined for. "When I was a child I wanted horses so bad I could taste it." Said Torrie. "I collected everything horse related. The Breyer Barn and 61 head of Model horses were my most prized possession". Spending her early years in the suburbs of Salinas California, it was a near impossibility to live her dream in real life. "I remember running to the horse paddock at the community center near the rodeo grounds. My sister and friends would head for the swimming pool while I would sneak down to the equestrian center in hopes of just catching a glimpse." The idea for Dazzling Pony Parties came one year at the county fair. Seeing the inner city children light up when Dazzle came out of her stall inspired her. Torrie says "I know what it is like to have horses in your blood and not be in a position to nurture that need. That is what motivates me to do this for other children".
Torrie is a Certified Veterinary Technician with 15 years experience. She has been a member of an equestrian drill team, enjoys mountain trail competitions, exhibiting at the County Fair, trail riding, and Natural Horsemanship. She has taught her children and grandchildren the world of the horse with an emphasis on safety and respect.
