"Lulu" Wheeler can be seen at just about any "horsy" event in the Metro Washington area, Maryland or anywhere in Virginia. You'd notice her in any crowd with her shock of short white hair, flashy clothes, long, painted nails, and gold jewelry catching any light that happens to shine. You must understand that "Lulu" is not her real first name, it just fits her and she's stuck with it.

Lulu has spent her entire life with horses. Fortunate enough to be blessed with parents who allowed her that privilege, her roots run deep in the Virginia soil. She began riding at Woodlawn Stables at the age of seven. She spent many years riding in a variety of disciplines, even Polo, making the "Hunters" her specialty. Having been lucky enough to train with Pam Baker back when she and Jimmy Cantwell had Hillcrest Farms in Virginia Beach, Lulu enjoyed much competition success both locally (non-rated "associate") and in the rated shows, including the Washington International Horse Show as a Junior.

She attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI) as a Pre-Vet/Animal Science student, but it wasn't quite the match she wanted, so she gave up academic studies and graduated to teaching riding and passing her love of horses and expertise to others. Thus she has spent the last 30 years bringing horses and riders (mostly kids) along.

Lulu

Lulu's experience crosses many years of competition. Beginning in her early 20's, she first spent 14 years as an Instructor for Woodlawn Stables, the same place where she "cut her teeth" riding as a child. She returns every year to judge a school show for them, as well as other local shows. Woodlawn will always be dear to her heart as she has so many fond memories of good friends and good times there.

Feeling a need to expand her horizons Lulu started coaching privately at Hopkins Hollow Farm in Accokeek, Maryland about 14 years ago. There she enjoyed further success taking a Junior to the Washington International Horse Show. After seven years of successful shows with her students both in Maryland and Virginia, Lulu has finally settled in at Meadowood Farm in Lorton, VA, where she currently has 15 students. Success has not eluded the team she now coaches who ironically dubbed themselves "Lulu's Ladies".

Lulu has a variety of students whose ages range from 9 to 50. She coaches short stirrup riders, a group of Junior riders and even a few that complete in the Adult divisions. Currently, her "ladies" have ended the season with many high point horses in a number of the Associate series competitions. They just returned from Lexington, VA, where they successfully competed in the Va. Horse Show Association's Associate Finals. She prides herself on Teamwork and developing a group of confident riders who can compete in the Hunters and Equitation divisions.

Lulu's husband is very supportive of her equestrian endeavors. Though never blessed with children of their own, Lulu has none-the-less been a major part of many young girls' lives, bringing them out of shyness, into her world of confidence and discipline, with just enough zaniness to bind them for life.

Whether it's Short Stirrups, Pleasure, Children's, Equitation, or the Adults, Lulu can be seen standing in the background with a watchful eye on her "ladies." Her mission statement "Helping you find your Comfort Zone" is one by which she truly lives. Her words of wisdom are very simple as she looks forward to successfully coaching her team in 2004. Remember ladies..."Ride for the 'go', don't brace for the 'stop'."