Courage prevails for cancer victim at horse show

BY Aprile McKinnon

Amanda Latta, a Canyon Lake resident, and her friend and business partner Cheryl Croasman put on the Wine Country Labor Day Classic Horse Show held at the California Ranch Company in Temecula over the weekend.

Amanda has been facing the challenges of breast cancer, but her brave and staunch attitude would not let her cancel this show that has been sold out for months. Several other shows were forced to cancel due to a horse disease that has been sweeping horse arenas. Amanda was able to get certified so that she could personally check all the horses as they came to the show prior to their performances.

The arena was filled with riders and their horses excited to participate in the event. Amanda and her daughter Addison, who just started the 6th grade, worked hard to make this event a success. Addison ran out to redress the arena after each performance.

Amanda Latta rides her friend’s horse all dolled up in pink for breast cancer awareness in honor of Amanda at the Temecula Horse Show.

The event takes many volunteers and lots of work prior to the show. I was so happy to be one of those volunteers. My job was to announce the riders and play some fun music for them to ride to.

My favorite part of the event was when I was told that Amanda was going to ride for her friend Cheryl at the end of the Ease of Handling part of the show. Cheryl had an injury and she couldn’t ride her horse, which was beautifully decorated in Breast Cancer Awareness pink in honor of Amanda. Although I felt bad for Cheryl because she couldn’t participate, I had chills all over as I thought how wonderful it was that Amanda would have this opportunity.

Amanda was faced with a decision to make. Should she ride or not? As I have seen her do throughout her cancer journey, she decided that she would not let cancer control her, but she would take control. She’d ride.

Addison Latta, age 12, with her 8-year-old horse Milenio. Photos by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon.

Cheryl came to me and asked me to play two songs for her dear friend Amanda as she entered the ring. The songs were “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child and “Xanadu” by Olivia Newton John.

My eyes welled up as I saw her start on the horse that seemed prepared just for her. I don’t think there was a dry eye on the ranch as Amanda rode Cheryl’s horse with the passion she has always shown.

Amanda is an amazing woman who looks adversity in the eye and doesn’t back down. I admire her strength and determination to do what she wants and enjoys doing. Many Canyon Lakers know this family as they are very involved in the equestrian community here in Canyon Lake. I ask that you all send positive vibes and prayers as Amanda and her family get ready for the next step in her cancer journey.