Indio 1969 Crocodile 6′ jump

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a remarkable Appaloosa gelding named Crocodile captured attention on the West Coast show jumping scene. However, for his rider, the late Twinkie Nissen, some of her most significant achievements weren’t just about jumping over colorful poles.

Originally named Dorothy Watson, Nissen displayed her strong-willed personality early on when she told her father, William Harris Watson, that she wouldn’t respond to her given name. From that moment on, she embraced the nickname Twinkie, which her father had affectionately given her.

Her journey into the world of riding began in childhood at her all-girls school, where she and five other horse-loving girls shared a single horse, igniting her passion for the sport.

As she grew older, she married veterinarian William “Bill” Nissen, who became her greatest supporter and a dedicated groom as they traveled the show circuit along the West Coast.