Sixty-six-year-old June Liston of Scottsdale, Arizona, has trained with Chad Evans since 2017. She owns two horses: multiple World and Congress Champion, My Vital Valentine, aka “Fluffy,” and her new junior horse, Cowboys Lie, who Chad is showing in the Junior Trail. Liston has lived a fascinating life, and we wanted to know more about her background outside of horses.
10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Me
1. I’ve been riding since I was four-years-old and showing since I was 11. My first horse was a Joe Hancock bred, black mare.
2. I was set to go to UC Davis to vet school until a friend took me flying when I was 17. I traded horses for wings and learned to fly.
3. I started flying professionally at 19 as a flight instructor and earned my degree in Aviation Administration. I worked my way up, gaining time and experience, and flew cargo, charter, corporate, air ambulance, and for a regional airline until I landed at United Airlines in 1988.
4. I met my husband at United as a 737 First Officer in 1991. We were married on the beach in St. Thomas in 1995. He’s the tall guy who can be found at the Sweet Shop at most horse shows.
5. My husband, Cory retired from United as a 747 Captain, and our 30th anniversary is in April.
6. I hold type ratings, which means I’m a qualified Captain on the Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777. I retired after over 35 wonderful years at United as a 777 Captain. I flew on my last trip to Rome with my family and favorite crew. Best. Trip. Ever.
7. I love travel! Fortunately, my job took me worldwide, and I met wonderful people wherever I went. My favorite places are New Zealand, Taiwan, and Switzerland. On a layover, I jumped off the Sky Tower in Aukland, NZ. My advice is to go to places where people don’t look like you or speak the same language as you and your life will be deeply enriched.
8. I have a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Boeing. I’ve always loved birds but had to be an adult before having a big bird.
9. I’m a strong advocate for animal rescue and have volunteered with rescues for the last 15 years. I am a proud, crazy cat lady. We have five rescue kitties, and three have special needs. Almost any breed has a rescue, even if you want a purebred pet.
10. Last year, at 66, I re-enrolled in college to get my degree and become a certified veterinary technician, and I’m enjoying the next chapter of my life.
CLICK HERE to see more of June and her horses in this month’s issue of GoMag.
