Lucile began riding around age 10 and grew up riding the wooded trails of Vermont,. She rode all through school and competed regularly in Hunt Seat Equitation. Lucile met Sally Swift when she was 14, and has continued to work closely with Sally after completing her apprenticeship. Lucile began her teaching career while attending college in Marlborough, Vermont . After graduation, Lucile went to work at a Morgan farm, training horses, teaching riding lessons and doing some competing in Western and Saddleseat. In 1971 Lucile travelled to California to work with Linda Tellington-Jones at her riding instructors school. Upon her return to Vermont in 1972, Lucile purchased the farm that has become Southmowing Stables.