Cheryl Hymas has excelled as a Peruvian Paso horse breeder, judge, and trainer in Hailey, Idaho, since 1974. Supported by more than 45 years of professional experience in the field, she has always possessed a love for horseback riding. Prior to commencing her tenure in the field of animal care, Ms. Hymas served in the education and hospitality sectors, having been the owner and manager of the Smiley Creek Lodge in Ketchum, Idaho, between 1967 and 1974. Likewise, she was a teacher at numerous schools throughout Idaho and Utah, including Boise High School and Borah High School from 1965 to 1967, Southern Junior High School in Boise, Idaho, from 1961 to 1965, and Highland High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, from 1960 to 1961.
To prepare for her career in academia, Ms. Hymas sought a formal education, first attending Boise State University where she first earned an Associate of Arts in secondary education in 1958. Following this achievement, she received a Bachelor of Arts in literacy and secondary education from Idaho State University in 1960. Throughout her career, Ms. Hymas has maintained her interest in the field of education, having notably served as a member and the president of the Idaho State Board of Education between 1978 and 1988.
Although intrigued by education, Ms. Hymas’ ultimate passion is horses, and she was afforded the opportunity to introduce Peruvian Paso horses to Idaho in the mid-1970s alongside her late husband, Forrest. She was initially inspired to enter the field by her parents, who enjoyed skiing and horseback riding and introduced Ms. Hymas to both activities at a young age. Outside of her primary efforts, Ms. Hymas has contributed articles to professional journals in her industry.
As a testament to her success, Ms. Hymas was selected for inclusion in the 22nd and 23rd editions of Who’s Who of American Women. She also won an accolade as an expert skier in the Idaho mountains, skiing every run in a two-week period. The proud mother of two daughters, Michelle and Nicole, Ms. Hymas intends to continue breeding Peruvian Paso horses in the coming years, with no intention of stopping soon, she says.