Sali grew up riding horses in St. Croix, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Summers were spent in New England as a working student for different trainers or as a “catch rider” for different stables on the horse show circuit. She rode western reining horses, gaited horses, as well as hunters. During college she drove Morgan horses and exercised trotters/pacers in New Hampshire, “stick and balled” polo ponies in Aiken, and “breezed” racehorses in Ocala. It is a wonder she graduated from college at all! O.K., it was a 5-year plan and it involved numerous colleges, but in the end she found her focus. During this time she progressed through the ranks of the U.S. Pony Club with a focus on eventing or combined training…a sport that was as versatile as she was. All this without ever owning her own horse.

Upon graduation from the University of Florida she was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and headed to flight school. After primary training in Pensacola, she went to advance jet training in Kingsville, Texas…home of the famous King Ranch where she would unwind by working cattle. Sali always managed to pick up a prospect at her various duty stations only to sell them when she couldn't convince the government it was a legitimate "household good" for the next military assignment.

As a National Examiner and clinician for the U.S. Pony Club, she travels around the country conducting clinic and administering tests to upper level candidates. Her passion is teaching, helping people make a connection with horses, and rescuing horses from an unkind fate. In addition to her herd, she has three awesome sons and is married to her best friend, a retired Navy SEAL, who prefers boats to horses.