As far back as Klancy Stevens – the daughter of Brian and Kristyn Stevens – can remember, she was around horses and loved it.
She began riding horses at the early age of five years old and has been riding them ever since. Klancy says that she was never afraid of horses even after being thrown. I suppose riding horses has some comparison to riding a bicycle. At some point, you will become separated from what you are riding.
Klancy’s grandfather Daniel Stewart – who is “big into horses” – has had considerable influence in her love of horses. She rode on wagon trains from Tellico Plains, Tenn. to Big Santeetlah Creek in Graham County until the Cherohala Skyway was completed. Now the horse rides in that area consist of mainly the Big Santeetlah area and other sections.
Klancy – who is a member of the Graham County 4-H Club – became interested in horse show competition events after attending one at age 13. The following year, she entered her first competition at the Western District 4-H Horse Show. Area horse shows are held in southwestern North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, and Klancy has placed in some of them.
Klancy says that Annette Ensley helped her get started in showing horses. Annette and her husband Carroll are volunteers in the Graham County 4-H Livestock Club.
Klancy’s mother – Kristyn Stevens – say Klancy has become the best horseback rider in the family.
Klancy’s current horse is “Doc”, a Rocky Mountain breed. She will be a senior at Robbinsville High School this fall and plans on becoming a veterinarian.
Marshall McClung is the historical columnist for The Graham Star. He can be reached via email, mcclungs@email.com.