The Cast of Characters

Lucky Kachina Dancer: Or Kachina, an 18-month-old Paint (dun lineback tovero) filly that was rescued from slaughter. The Girl, who'd met her by chance and fell in love with her, bought her in January of 2009 for $500 - what she would have been sold for at slaughter. She's a natural athlete, incredibly intelligent and willing. Together, Kachina and her girl will train to compete in Team-Penning - a first for both of them.

The Girl: Kachina and Maverick's 24-year-old owner (and Rico's co-owner, and Gypsy's servant). She's currently a dog trainer, and learning to train horses. She's been riding horses all of her life - being literally born into it. She dreams of turning Kachina into a
top-notch competition horse. She currently lives in Oakland, California.

Zans H. Maverick: A 10-year-old chestnut Quarter Horse gelding. Maverick is The Girl's first horse, leader of the herd and something of an older brother to Kachina. When The Girl first bought him, he was skin and bones, a week away from starvation, and badly neglected; now, after four years, he's healthy and happy. Even though he can be stubborn and bratty, he's a good, reliable, smart horse with a lot of personality; there isn't a person who's met him that doesn't instantly love him. He took an immediate liking to Kachina the first time he met her. Despite his prestigious lineage (he's the grandson of both Two-Eyed Jack and Zan Parr Bar) and his natural athletic ability and talent, Maverick is extremely lazy and would much rather spend the rest of his days bossing around the other horses and munching on grass. He knows that he's the favorite son, and makes sure everyone else knows it too.


Rico (El Pequeño Pistolero): A 22-year-old bay Paso Fino gelding. Previous to joining The Girl's herd, Rico was savagely abused and forced to run illegal races. The Girl rehabilitated him, and now he follows her around like a puppy. He's completely infatuated with Gypsy and, lucky for him, the feeling is mutual.






Gypsy: A six-year-old chestnut Peruvian Paso mare. Gypsy was bought to be The Girl's grandmother's horse, but somehow became The Girl's charge. She spent most of her life on pasture, so she has very little experience being ridden. That said, she is very sweet - although a bit finicky. She absolutely loves Rico, and the two of them can often be seen grooming each other.




P: The Girl's friend. If The Girl is the captain (which she is), then P is the pilot (which he is). She often drags him places because he's good company, and because she doesn't like to drive if can avoid it. He's also a singer/songwriter; his number-one song is about Maverick. (and yes, that is an actual picture of him)



Tony & Donna: The Girl's friends, and long-time horse people. Kachina lives with them in Redwood Park, along with their rescued mare, Fancy. Donna makes beautiful handmade leather clothing and accessories (check them out at Oat Couture-USA!).



Satin's Fancy: A bay Tennessee Walking Horse mare. Fancy lived a hard life of abuse and neglect before she was rescued by Tony and Donna - the effects of which she's still recovering from. Her foal, S'Prize, was just recently weaned. Hopefully, Kachina will help ease her loneliness.





Odin: Tony and Donna's twelve-year-old German Shepherd. He's an ex-schutzen dog, although you'd never know if for all of his goofiness. He and Kachina have constant issues over who is the herder and who is the herdee. Unfortunately, because of Kachina's size, Odin more often than not ends up acting as her "fuzzy cow." He does, however, get in a few good nips now and then. Despite their disagreements, they do get along very well (most of the time), and it's not uncommon to see Odin egging Kachina into a chase. Odin's favorite job is accompanying P and The Girl to the manure pile during cleaning time.