What I learned today at the Dan Moody Museum:

In honor of National Daughter's Day, let us celebrate the life of Dan & Mildred Moody's only daughter, Nancy Paxton Moody.

Governor Moody once said that he never thought much of female lawyers - that is until his daughter became one! Throughout her life, she was a forward-thinking groundbreaker, always willing to follow her interests and pursue her goals.

Nancy was born on September 20, 1932 just after her family moved out of the governor's mansion. As a young girl, Nancy adored animals, especially horses, and spent many summers at Camp Mystic in Kerrville, going on trail rides and making forever friends.

After graduation from Austin High in 1950, she became a lifelong Longhorn, graduating from the University of Texas and then from UT Law School. Nancy even became Parliamentarian of the Texas Senate.

Combining her love of the law and for horses, she was able to support the Texas Hunter and Jumper Association, rewriting much of the rulebook and serving as president of the organization for years. Nancy continually advocated for Texas equestrians and her work elevated the sport in Texas and in the United States. During the 1980s and 1990s, she helped to finance the U.S. equestrian teams in the Olympics and attended the Summer Games at least four times.

Nancy Paxton Moody passed away January 3, 2013 due to complications from Alzheimer's, leaving a lasting legacy.