Roberta was born and raised in Dalhart. As long as she can remember she has been involved with horses.  She has shown and competed in all areas of western horsemanship.  While living in Corpus Christi Texas in 1990, she was one of the leaders for a Hippotherapy class that summer. She became a LVN in 1995 and started competing again as a barrel racer. In 2005 Roberta became sick with West Nile.  The virus permanently damaged nerve(s) in her legs and it left her in a wheelchair.  It has taken several years and much determination and therapy to progress out of the wheel chair to a walking cane.  After many, many months Roberta was finally able to get back on her horse for the first time.  It was such a joyful and yet sad experience.  She was so happy to be back in the saddle yet she also knew that riding would not be the same and she cried.  When she was approached to assist in a riding program for the handicap she was thrilled.  Not only would it be beneficial for her physically but she was excited about being able to help.  Roberta has much knowledge and experience to share and OAT looks forward to what she will be able to bring to the program. Roberta is very respectful of the horse and safety is always a priority.  Roberta would like to get her NARHA Instructor certification and her long term goal is to become a master instructor.  She would like to encourage more adults to participate in the handicap program.  It is just as beneficial for the adults to relearn balance, control, and self esteem as it is for the youth.