Dion Dana

Dion, Thank you for being such a wonderful trainer and mentor. You not only instructed me in jumping but also in life. From the first time I met you at NWSS in 1978 when I wanted to first learn to jump to the last time I saw you and we checked out your new barn, I felt so at ease with you. I always felt I could talk to you about anything. You brought such great horses into my life and gave me a great passion for riding which will stay with me forever. You will be so missed but always loved...

What fun it has been to know you since we were 16 yrs. old. You took my daughter to become a barn brat when she was 8 yrs. old. Won her first ribbon at NWSS when she was 8yrs. I groomed and braided horses from then on. All those brats are almost little ole ladies today. You taught me about life and love of horses. Isn't it great. Lou Ordelheide.

Dion will alway be my horse-hero. I was one of the barn brats at Long View Acres before Jack Dalton built the indoor arena. Followed her to Bill Hortons place, and McConnells. Think Wooley came before Max and he knocked out my front tooth. How many of you remember the annual membership dinners at the Woolhurst Country Club? I had a Jockey Club horse too tall to get on. I still have those 50 yr old ribbons. Dion took my 3yr old Anglo Arab at West Gait and turned her into a great Gray...

I was one of your barn-brats 50 years ago. You will forever be my horse-hero. and I'm still riding.