Donna's passion is without a doubt, horseback riding.

Her illustrious riding career began at the youthful age of one year old when she was placed on top of a horse at her Uncle's farm in Connecticut.  Unfortunately, Donna was unable to find riding boots to fit her feet at the age of one and was forced to postpone serious riding until she reached the age of eight.

She attended riding camps over the next six to seven years, winning her first competition at the age of 10.  She also won four New Jersey state championships in a single year.

 

Donna has successfully competed at the prestigious  Devon Horse Show in Pennsylvania.

Donna went on to compete nationally and finished fourth in the nation.

At the age of 13, Donna finally got her first Thoroughbred off the track.  Today she owns "Jessie", pictured above, and is training "Nelly Bly" pictured to the left.

Donna rides almost everyday, usually after leaving the Fox News Studios.  She plans to start showing again in the near future and will be entering Adult Amateur and Amateur Owner Hunter classes.

 

Recently, Donna was invited to ride "The World Famous Lipizzaners" at their facility in Florida.  Needless to say, she jumped at the chance to ride these prestigious horses.

Donna and her friend Marion were treated to private instruction by the Lipizzan lead rider Redha as well as other instructors.

The touring Lipizzans were taking a short break from their rigorous schedule and were all in Florida at the time of Donna's visit.  This rare opportunity gave her the chance to ride the show's most highly trained horses.

 

 

In 2004, Donna was invited by Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Eagleburger (former Secretary of State) to be a celebrity judge at The Virginia Celebrity Freestyle Equestrian Competition.

 Her trainer, Marion Lewis, knew the Eagleburgers after purchasing some horses from them.

"When the Eagleburgers heard I was a rider they asked me to be a celebrity judge." said Donna explaining the equine connection to her participation in the Celebrity Freestyle.  "I love helping charities in any way I can whenever I can. It was a lot of fun."

"It's unfortunate that Equestrian sports don't get the TV play that other sports may get- but it's such a beautiful sport to watch." commented Donna.  "Hopefully more people will gain an interest in it- especially in this Olympic year. Like anything, the more knowledge people acquire about a sport the more interest it may generate."

 

A few more photos of Donna and her passion for horses...


Donna with Jessie

 


With friends at the Lipizzan Ranch in Florida

 


Neither snow nor rain shall keep Donna from riding!
Here she is with Nelly on a day when most people would stay indoors.

 


Donna showing Nelly a little affection.

 


On the way to the riding arena to work with Jessie .

 


When not jumping, Donna enjoys a relaxed trail ride.
Here she is on Nelly Bly, the 17.1 hh Holsteiner she is training.

 


This photo will give you an idea of the size of a 17.1 hh Holsteiner.
Donna's former experience riding in helicopters comes in very handy when
mounting Nelly Bly.  She is simply air lifted into the saddle!

Costly?  Yes, but when you have to get on top of a
17.1 hh horse, the cost involved is no consideration!

 

In June 2005, Donna was again invited by Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Eagleburger to be a celebrity judge at The Virginia Celebrity Freestyle Equestrian Competition.


This year Donna added the perfect touch to her fashion ensemble  -  the hat!  Pictured here with former Secretary of State, Lawrence Eagleburger after a long evening of judging the competition.
 


Donna was joined by her friend and riding colleague Marguerite at the competition.  After dinner together, they simply had to pose for a photo-op!
 


A major perk of being a celebrity judge at the competition is spending the rest of the weekend at the Eagleburger's farm playing with all the babies!  Donna was in heaven meandering through a field of mares and their little babies.
 


While Donna spent countless hours getting to know each and every "baby" horse, Her friends Nancy and Marguerite amuse themselves by telling each other a plethora of "Donna stories."  Soon after this picture was taken, Nancy and Marguerite went to dinner.  Upon their return to the farm, they found Donna still meandering through the field of babies.  Have we mentioned that Donna has a love for horses????
 


Donna made it a point to add this photo to her website.  She feels that this photo should be featured on a "Hallmark Card."  Given the fact that a horse feels most vulnerable when laying down, Marguerite proves that she has the ability to "whisper" and assure this little baby that she is in safe hands.