Like a Rhinestone Cowgirl: Stacy Westfall is a Local Hero!

Stacy Glidden grew up in China, Maine and went to Erskine Academy, where she told a teacher in class that she wanted to train horses when she grew up.  Some chuckled...the teacher did not.  He encouraged her to follow her dream.  She's never forgotten that encouragement....and look where it's gotten her....into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame!

Next month, she and 3 others will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Fort Worth Texas.

Her mom Sherri, manager of The China Dine-ah, instilled a love for horses in her at an early age and as the years went by, Stacy became more and more passionate about making her love, her life's work.

After attending the University of Findlay in Ohio, where she majored in equestrian studies,  she met and married Jesse Westfall.  Actually, the two met in 1994 and married in 1997.  Together, they and their three sons live in Ohio, where they run a horse training facility.

Over the years, Stacy has won many awards and broken lots of new ground with horses.  Check out the two videos below, the lower one from her appearance on Ellen.  The first video is at a 2006 riding event (which she won).  Her beloved dad had just passed away days prior to the event and she dedicated the bareback, bridleless ride to him.  Simply amazing.  Grab a tissue.

We're proud of you Stacy!!