Interview with Cindy Greene Clevenger

Partial Transcript: Could you share a little bit about yourself and your connection to the mountain horses for the record?

Segment Synopsis: Cindy Clevenger speaks about not growing up with horses but always wanting a horse as a child. She got her first saddle horse around age 40 after going to college and having a family.

Keywords: Beattyville, KY; Mountain Horses; Saddle horse

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Partial Transcript: Could you share a couple of your fondest memories with some of your horses?

Segment Synopsis: Cindy talks about everyday being a memory and not wanting to live one day without her horses. She reminisces on her memories of trail riding with her family and friends in Kentucky and the time she got caught in a thunderstorm. Cindy says she has memories of winning blue ribbons and personal victories as well.

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Subjects: Family Memories Trail riding

Partial Transcript: What are some of the qualities of the Kentucky Mountain Horses that just make them so special?

Segment Synopsis: Cindy speaks about the horses temperament and how they are intuitive of her feelings. Cindy says the mountain horses can sense feelings and body language. She also speaks about their gait and smooth ride.

Keywords: gaited horse; horse behaviors

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Partial Transcript: I know we had our first oral history and had a wonderful chance to talk about your experiences with the horses and your hopes and dreams and soon after or maybe at the time, you were pursuing the Governor's proclamation. Could you share that with us?

Segment Synopsis: In the fall of 2016, the thought came to Cindy's mind that more people needed to know about the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse. She wanted to promote the breed as much as possible in addition to things such as the association and publications that already exist. She did research in order to get recognition from the Governor to emphasize how important these horses are.

Keywords: Appalachian heritage; Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association

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Partial Transcript: What are some of your other ideas for promoting that you mentioned?

Segment Synopsis: Cindy speaks about the youth being the key for promoting these horses because families follow their kids these days. Cindy says youth ambassadors would also be another good way to promote these horses.

Keywords: City governments; Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association

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Partial Transcript: Ella said, "This is one of our best products is our horses."

Segment Synopsis: Cindy speaks about Kentucky being known for their horses and not just for tobacco and whiskey. She says people should think of horses when they think of Kentucky.

Keywords: Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse

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Partial Transcript: What would you say to the next generation of Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse enthusiasts?

Segment Synopsis: Cindy speaks about keeping the breed alive by taking care of the horses.

Keywords: Appalachian heritage; Horse breeding; Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association

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Partial Transcript: Anything else that you want to share for the record?

Segment Synopsis: Cindy speaks about the horses being wonderful. She hopes that everyone can see the beauty in them and see the part that they have played in our history.

Keywords: Appalachian heritage; Appalachian History

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Partial Transcript: Any suggestions, recommendations on how we could work together to bring more people to our shows?

Segment Synopsis: Cindy speaks about welcoming people to the shows and how much fun she has at them. She reminisces on some memories that she has. She then speaks about people riding horses at the arena who are not riders and how friendly of a competition it is.

Keywords: Horse riding; Horse show

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