WYOMING CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION
 

MEMBER PROFILE

NAME: Elizabeth Dixon Talermo (Betsy)

BIRTHPLACE: Virginia Beach, Virginia

OCCUPATION: Owner of Jackson Hole Clothiers established in 1982

CHILDREN: Emilie Dixon Talermo is 19 years old. Pretty Emilie is her mothers pride and joy. She is attending her first year at CU in Boulder Colorado. Brilliant son Ryan is 27 years old, lives as works in Jackson as a mechanical engineer as looks forward to completing his MBA sometime in the future. Beautiful Mamma Yvonna is married to Justin Watsabaugh, lives in Bondurant, and is very busy with young sons Carter and Taylor. Justin has small construction business and Yvonna works hard selling insurance at Farm Bureau. I am honored and proud to have had a part in raising these wonderful people.

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Jackson, Wyoming

WCHA MEMBER SINCE: 2003

NCHA LIFETIME EARNINGS: $27,251.27

How many years have you been involved with horses? Horses have always been an important part of my life. Receiving my first horse for my 7th birthday growing up in Rancho Santa Fe, California got me off to a wonderful start. I rode English and competed at some low level Hunter Jumper classes. Spending those elementary years summers at my Grandmother's dude ranch in Jackson Hole, I would shift from English girl to cowgirl. Long story short...there have only been two times i didn't have a horse in my life. Horses have given many different gifts in the many different stages of life. When I had a young family and new struggling business riding was my quiet time to balance and reflect. I still find this bliss on the trail and need the balance in my life...but have become very excited and enamored with cutting horses and the thrill of competition.

How did you first become interested in cutting? With Jamie Saycocie and Jamie Cline in the neighborhood and more time on my hands, the Jamie's encouraged me to go to Steve James in Daniel, Wyoming to experience "the thrill" one spring day. I believe his name was Harry and he felt very quiet and reserved as we waited to see the cows. With wonderful encouragement from Steve and lots laughter, hooting and hollering I knew I was hooked and must learn a lot more.

What year did you start cutting? 2003

Who has most influenced you and why? Big Question!!! Mel Dahl has been "THE BOSS", always believed in me and taught me well. Being one of the best friends I am so grateful to have, was just the fluff. Steve James has always tried his best with me. Chickory Pep and Brian Anderson had lots of lessons for me. Justin Johnson never ever gave up on Hollidocs Sassy Sug and I and is voice of calm to me in the corner. Mark Bernhardt was patient and caring with me and my expanding brood. Karla Camp came in to bolster the self esteem with style and grace. And then poor Les Bates without much knowledge got me with his protégé Somebody's Smart Talk. Many miles later and lots of high level cutting we watched at PCCHA in Paseo Robles this last fall. He as well had lots of lessons for me. Lucky for him he is ten hours drive from me or I'd drive him nuts. I am committed to my studies and am grateful for all the teachers, but please don't be mistaken, I live in Jackson and live at Mel's each and every winter and visit bi-weekly all summer...happily. Thanks also to the “cheering section extraordinaire” – Muffy, Kristen & Jamie.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment in cutting? Winning my first buckle in 2007. Non-Pro Champion for Wyoming on my project child (sometimes witch) Hollidocs Sassy Sug. Starting on Mel's protégé Bob Acre Knobby as a 3 year old. Getting Chickory Pep loped down. Placing 3rd in PCCHA Gelding Futurity Stakes on new handsome boy, Somebodys Smart Talk.

Tell us about your first cutting horse. I purchased Bob Acre Knobby from Dick Mulligan with payment plan. He was young and I could have been called dumb, but we persevered and showed them all. I was so lucky to have such a mellow minded athletic dude. Must thank Terry Judd and of course Mel Dahl for their great influences here.

Tell us about your favorite cutting horse and any quirks or funny stories about it. Favorite...guess I have four. Funniest story may have not been so funny. Sassy and Betsy become famous at running off and then rearing ALL the way and taking a few steps. Oh yes, I remember sharpening up for Western Nationals at Steve James and him yelling at me to quit falling forward...me and my broken ribs got wrapped up on our way to Ogden. I just had to hang up with my bra on the horn one more time to try and get over that bad habit.

What is your favorite cutting and why? Western Nationals and PCCHA Futurity. Love the level of competition and can't imagine I am there and possibly have a chance.

What other horse disciplines have you been involved in? I have started a few horses from the bottom up. Very satisfying . Did it, over it. I even took a couple years worth of training for the mounted police. Imagine I had to fail something at the end so I wouldn't have to ride around town square following the law. Enjoyed a couple pack trips and love Thermopolis Outlaw Trail and couple years with Emilie and mother Ty.

What do most people not know about you? Not much...if you care to know I would most likely tell you...maybe even if you didn't care. Ok, my Father is a Rhode Scholar.

What other hobbies do you have? Love to travel and have been fortunate to have seen a lot of our world. Professional shopper. Water skiing. Enjoy my beautiful surrounding