Success takes a village, and Danielle McCray’s story of returning to the saddle is one crafted from colorful connections throughout the Paint Horse community.
After a 2018 horse accident left Danielle with broken bones and other severe injuries, the horsewoman from Staunton, Virginia, was unsure if she’d return to riding. After healing, though, the itch returned—but Danielle was understandably more cautious in stepping back into the stirrups. Trainer Tera Fauver arranged an opportunity for Danielle to free-lease Asset By Deluxe, a 2007 palomino tobiano gelding owned by David and Carol Lands of Gloucester, Virginia.
“I still sometimes can’t believe two people that barely knew me would so graciously allow me to free lease their horse,” Danielle said about David and Carol. “I will forever be thankful for them and their graciousness. Tera and ‘Snowman’ gave me my confidence back.”
A New Chapter
When her lease drew to a close, Danielle knew it was time to search for a Paint partner of her own. Her heart was set on a young horse, and with Tera’s expert guidance in late 2019, Danielle purchased Tell Me A New Story, a 2018 bay tobiano mare by Whata Vested Asset and out of In Stores Only. The team mostly competes in ranch events.
“She is the most wonderful partner I could ever ask for,” Danielle said about “Marylyn.” “She’s quirky. She wants attention on her terms. But anything I ask her to do, she does.”
Danielle and Marylyn have been competing at the Eastern Nationals since 2020. They’ve brought home a slew of titles over the years, including championships in tobiano color, ranch horse conformation, ranch riding and ranch rail pleasure. Last year, Danielle purchased another youngster: Dun It For The Snacks, a 2025 red dun tobiano mare by The Snack Machine and out of Hot N Silk Stockings. She showed both at the 2026 Eastern National Show in Wilmington, Ohio.
“My paint girls are my entire life. I wake up thinking about them, spend my entire day thinking about them, and fall asleep dreaming up what we will do tomorrow,” Danielle said. “Paint Horses gave me my confidence back. The first APHA show I went to, it was like walking into a big family gathering. I had no idea who anyone was, but you’d have never known that with how friendly everyone was. I was thrilled when I won my first class, and the other exhibitors cheered along with me. It was amazing! It has been like that at every APHA show. I’ve gotten to know these people over the years, they are some of the most lovely folks you’ll ever meet. APHA made me truly love showing!”
Top photo by Ruehle Photographix; inside photo by Amy Olson
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.