It was then that Norvell's husband, Jim, contacted Decker-Curry about purchasing the company.
As it turned out, Decker-Curry, whose children ride at the stables, was looking for property to start her own business.
Decker-Curry admits that she wasn't looking for a 10-acre site, but wanted something small.
But, within a week, Decker-Curry, her husband and three children were operating the stables.
"We were really thankful she came in," instructor Janet Turgetto said. "Cathe dealt with a lot of stuff. Running the company is not the easiest task."
Turgetto said Decker-Curry was committed to keeping the stables a family-friendly operation.
"The first thing we did when Cathe died was on the following Saturday we had a service for her," Decker-Curry said.
Despite having to cope with the loss, Decker-Curry had to quickly adjust to the change. She credits staffers and clients for their patience and assistance.
At the previous location, the stables boarded 60 horses and about 50 clients. There were two barns and 14 corrals to house the horses.
During the change over, Decker-Curry said they lost some clients. They now have about 50 horses boarded there.
"This has been tough," she said.
But the transition has allowed them to develop a younger cliental base.
(Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/Staff Photographer)
And getting involved in riding doesn't mean you have to be a horse owner, Decker-Curry said.
"If you like it, you can lease a horse," she said.
At Lucky 7, student riders meet with Turgetto anywhere from once a week to several times per week.
Aside from lessons, riders also learn how to care for and medicate the horses. It's something that started with Norvell and will continue, Decker-Curry said.
Amanda Galindo, 12, is one of the riders at the stables who is not only riding but getting some hands-on lessons. The Rancho Cucamonga resident is helping heal a horse with a leg injury.
"It has taught me a lot about responsibility," she said. "It gives me a better understanding of them."
In an effort to carry on traditions implemented by Norvell, the company continued its participation in the annual Fourth of July Parade in Ontario.
This year's entry consisted of a converted and decorated farm trailer as well as student riders and a baby horse.
"It shows that although Cathe is no longer with us, her wishes to have a facility that is child-friendly, safe and fun continues today," Turgetto said.
They have also relied on the guidance of Jim Norvell, who visits the stables on a weekly basis.
"He always brings his chair and sits down," Turgetto said.
Another sentimental nod to Norvell was the installation of one of the barns that was relocated from the original location. In the midst of the move and Norvell's illness, the barn had never been reassembled. Last August, Decker-Curry found someone who could put it back together.
There have also been some subtle changes at the stables. Decker-Curry has brought in a mule as well as ponies for birthday parties. She also hopes to have her clients participate in more shows.
Her father, who used to be a farmer in Chino, helps out planting a garden with carrots, beets as well as cucumbers.
Despite the changes, Decker-Curry said the stables is still the same.
Norvell's "vision was to create a place where kids could go that never had a chance to ride a horse," Decker-Curry said. "We've tried to continue to do that."
Lucky 7 Stables is at 8819 Chino Ave. in Ontario.
Photo Gallery: Lucky 7 Stables
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