On The Cover – Debby Brehm and Cool Liike Me

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10 – November/December, 2026

By Delores Kuhlwein

Determination. That characteristic and its importance has been written about, sung about, and celebrated in every walk of life, with the horse industry as no exception. An exemplar of the trait of determination, Super Select Amateur Debby Brehm, has demonstrated tenacity since she was just a child.

At just six years old, after her father promised her a horse when she turned ten, Debby presented him with a binding contract. “I got a piece of paper, wrote up a little contract, and made him sign it,” she says. “I took that paper, folded it up, and put it in my dresser drawer. I looked at it all the time until it was tattered and torn, but I never said another word about it until my tenth birthday.”

As one might imagine, not only did she get a horse to kickstart her journey as an equestrian, but the former President and Youth Advisor of the Nebraska Quarter Horse Association carried her winning outlook with her all the way to Select AQHA competition. “What sets Debby apart from most is her attitude. She’s always looking for ways to improve, and she celebrates the smallest personal victories as much as any big win she’s had along the way,” explains trainer Katie Green.

Now after decades in the industry, says Katie, Debby is finally experiencing a pairing with her once-in-a-lifetime horse, Cool Liike Me, by Machine Made and out of KM Hot Number–and bred by Parrish Quarter Horses. Rusty and Katie Green facilitated the purchase of “Candy” from Lisa Thomaier at the 2025 NSBA World Show. She’s a mare Katie has loved since the first time she saw her, calling her “the total package,” of talent, an exceptional mentality, and superior breeding.

Click here to read the complete article
10 – November/December, 2026