In Her Words:

>Growing up on the Pitchfork Ranch near Guthrie, Texas taught me a lot about life, ranching and how to be a good observer. My dad, Bob Moorhouse, ran the ranch for over 30 years. I spent my whole life surrounded by a way of life that I now look back on as "perfect." There's nothing better than living in big, open country with old traditions.  I look back and never realized what a little Camelot we lived in.  Getting up before sunrise to gather a big pasture ~ that stuff doesn't happen too much anymore.  It is also something I won't probably get to do again ~ but the memories are awesome. 

>The smell of the horse sweat, the dew, the baby calves calling for their mother, how cold it gets just right after sun up.  I took it for granted for too long and didn't see the true beauty in it!  I realized I had to go to the city to make a living and use the talents God gave me, but I couldn't leave my Western roots behind.  I think this is the main reason I have stayed in the Western industry so long.

>A cowgirl is someone who is willing to get the job done at all costs. They are gritty, intelligent and can clean up and show their feminine side.  I like to call it being able to live in the best of both worlds. 

>When I look for a horse I look for one with a good mind, wide, broad chest, nice sloping butt, and one with a little attitude.  They are just like a T.O. or a Dennis Rodman ~ they are athletes with a cockiness and confident attitude that makes them winners.  Although I like a good trail ride every once in awhile, I want to ride something that can do more. 

>My horse Tex was ridden by my dad at the 1998 Texas Ranch Horse Championship. He won the world ranch horse finals and numerous events off of him.  I am not for sure if he got a demotion, but I got a promotion when Daddy turned him over to me.  I've went on to make the Texas Ranch Cutting Finals three times with Tex. He's getting older, but he still has that competitive edge.  He is an awesome looking horse.  He might also be the only horse in history to be an honorary groomsmen like he was at my wedding this past summer.

>I enjoy so many Western events. I wouldn't miss the Red Stegall gathering, the Denver Market and the Texas Ranch Roundup in Witchita Falls, Texas.  Others I enjoy are: The NFR in Vegas, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Western Heritage Classic in Abilene, Texas.

>I always had an attraction to vintage Mexican and tributes to the Old West. Petticoats, vintage silver and sugar skulls are staples in my closet, as well as turquoise.  I might like it better than diamonds, but don't tell my husband in case I change my mind! I think one of the things that draws me to a lot of the old styles are their color and boldness of design.  I have a love of heritage and I think it was one of the reasons I am so pulled towards the vintage look!

>I went to school to be a designer, and I was hired to design for Cruel Girl before I graduated. I've been designing for the Western industry ever since.  I have been involved in just about every aspect of the retail and design business from accounting, trade shows, shipping, retail, design and manufacturing. 

>The best piece of advice that I can give the younger generation coming in ~ “don't be afraid to do the unglamorous jobs!” These jobs teach you so much and make you truly appreciate and learn how businesses really work.  I try to work with a lot of the younger generation in this industry ~ it is a great one to grow up in. 

>I believe in this industry and way of life and want it to continue to grow and survive.  It will take the next generations to carry on the torch! 

>Kids today that are raised in the Western world have such an advantage over most kids.  They are taught such a respect for not only oneself, but others.  They are also taught a respect for the land and the animals that they take care of.  

>I launched a new line called Gypsy Soule with my partner Lorinda VanNewkirk. It's an affordable line with a vintage look. We've been very happy with the results.  Part of the line is Gypsy Cowgirl, which I have owned and ran since I was 18.

>When designing for a company like Vogt, Petrol, Cruel Girl, etc., you've got big shoes to fill and budgets to make. I try to connect with the company's goals and design a line that meets their brand and target customer. At the same time, you've got to make them step outside the box if you want to be a good designer.

>I always try to design for the end consumer, not myself. But you need to put a piece of who you are into the mix.

>Walls is a new opportunity for me. I was recently hired to help work on some new lines for them. I’m very excited to work for a company that has so much history in this industry. We have some very trendy, cool things in the works. Check them out this fall.

>2009 will be a year of color, ruffles, leggings, pearls and plaids.  You will see a resurgence of tartan plaids and boyfriend jeans.  And don't forget, it is the 50th birthday of the peace sign so you will see lots of 70s inspired prints, peace sign t-shirts, bright rainbow colors, leather and feathers.  You will also see a lot of 80s trends rolling back around ~ military jackets, big, bold, chunky necklaces, madonna-inspired looks (remember her white petticoat outfit with the boy-toy belt?), buffalo plaids, blazers ~ and lets hope not the shoulder pads!