Beauty and the Beautiful Beast Quiz

Answer: Lady Godiva

Yes, Lady Godiva was a real person, and much has been written about her and her generous husband, Leofric, for their support and help to many houses of worship.
She lived during the mid-eleventh century. The Old English version of her name was Godifir, or Godgifu ("gift of God"). A twelfth century writer, Roger of Wendover, was one of the first to write about her for her generosity to churches.
But did her legendary ride really happen? A resounding maybe. Most believe it was to make her husband reduce the tax burden he had imposed on his peasant tenants. Some believe it was to reduce the tax on horses. There are many versions of this legend, which is true of any legend from so long ago, but there is usually a kernel of truth; the truth about this one may never be known.

Answer: Become the first female jockey licenced in North America

For decades women could not get a license to ride in a parimutuel horserace in North America, a very silly rule that didn't make sense. Women are good riders and weigh much less and are shorter than men, just another example of "It's a man's world". The 1960s brought many changes, and that rule was one. In 1969 Julie Crump became the first female jockey licensed to compete at a parimutuel track. (A parimutual track is where you can legally bet, and the people who bet on the winners share the money of those who bet on the losers). Julie was also the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby, in 1970.

Before women were licensed to ride, jockey Wantha Davis was an important jockey in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. Too bad she isn't given more credit, although she is in the Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

Answer: Princess Anne

Princess Anne impressed spectators at the 1971 European Eventing Championship, winning Gold. She won many medals and accolades in various competitions
and at last the honor of riding in the 1976 Olympic Games at Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Her daughter, Zara Phillips, competed in the 2012 Olympics, in London, where she helped her team win a bronze medal.
Both mother and daughter were carrying along a family interest in riding and racing horses, with the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II owning great racing stables, and loving the beautiful beasts.

Answer: Dale Evans

The "Queen of the West" was, of course, married to the "King of the Cowboys", Roy Rogers. Before he met Dale, Roy had other leading ladies in his movies, but once Dale came along, he was captured for life. After a successful career in movies and television they continued to share a happy marriage until death.
Dale was also a successful author and songwriter. Among other honors, Dale was inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1976.

Answer: Jenny Pitman

After a young life spent around horses and racing stables, Jenny Pitman got her first racing trainer's license in 1983. The very same year she was the first woman trainer to win the Grand National, with the horse, Corbiere. In 1995, she did it again! A second Grand National winner that she trained was Royal Athlete.
Among her honors for a great career and contributions to the sport, was the OBE awarded in 1996. After her retirement in 1999, she became a successful author.

Answer: Rodeo

Barrel Racing, a rodeo event for women, became a World Champion event when the GRA (Girls' Rodeo Association) was formed in 1948. This association later grew into the WPRA (Women's Professional Rodeo Association). Helen Owens was raised on a ranch in Texas.

She was riding and roping in rodeos before there were events for women and was a champion roper. She was one of the founders of the GRA, and its first president. In 1976 she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas.

Answer: Julie Krone

This very successful woman won many honors in her chosen field. She was the first woman inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. A few of her other honors were induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame and Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

She also made the cover of "Sports Illustrated" in May of 1989 and received the ESPY Award as Female Athlete of the year. She was awarded one of the Ten Toughest Athletes by "USA Today", because of her perseverance after severe injuries. In retirement she remained active in horse-related activities.

Answer: Penny Chenery Tweedy

In addition to Secretariat, Ms. Tweedy raced the 1972 winner of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, Riva Ridge, as well as many other winners. She was president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association from 1976 to 1984. Ms. Tweedy was the first woman elected to the prestigious Jockey Club. She earned many other honors, including the Eclipse Award of Merit for lifetime achievement in thoroughbred racing.

By the way, one of the other choices, Ruth Parton of Washington State, was the first woman to get her trainer's license in the United States.

Answer: Announced her pregnancy and retirement on TV

Rosie was an excellent rider. She won several big races and hundreds of others.
Her biggest wins have been The Kentucky Oaks twice (in 2012 and 2014), and
two Breeder's Cup races; the Breeder's Cup Juvenile in 2012, and the Breeder's Cup Distaff in 2014. It was after her win in the latter race that she made her big announcement - she rode the race while seven weeks pregnant, and said she wouldn't be riding for a while. She has made great strides for women in racing; in 2014, she ranked sixth in the U.S. for earnings and fifth for number of wins.

Answer: She had a heart transplant

Her heart condition was diagnosed in 2001, the same condition that had killed her father and a brother. Her training load was lightened for a few years, then her health grew worse. Finally, she received a heart transplant in 2008. She was warned aagainst returning to racing, but it was the life she loved.

She acquired a horse that had had problems, but was now slated for the big time - Mucho Macho Man (MMM). They made a good pair: both had had problems but had overcome their difficulties. When the colt was born, he appeared to be stillborn.

Despite a start like that he made a champion recovery. In 2010 he made a good showing as a two-year-old. In 2011 it was the Triple Crown, third in the Kentucky Derby, which was the best yet for a woman trainer.

In 2012 MMM was a close second in the Breeder's Cup Classic. And at last, victory for Kathy, Mucho Macho Man and all of his faithful followers (including me)! He was winner of the 2013 Breeder's Cup Classic! Of course many honors followed for Kathy and Mucho Macho Man, one of the best was for the win that earned the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Moment of the year.