Registered half-Arabian mare, Pokazzena, ANA "Pokey". For Carmen's 15th birthday in 1953, her father bought Pokey for $300 with guidance from a family friend named Papa George, an English riding master who managed stables in Hollywood for all the movie stars (Saddle and Sirloin Club). Carmen boarded Pokey in a vacant lot next to their house. The lot had a barn, tack, and dilapidated fence. Her brother repaired the fence. Carmen learned to ride English and Western from Papa George. During her riding years, she belonged to the Junior Rose Bowl Riders, Arabian Horse Association, and the Altadena Horseman's Association.

When Carmen went to college in September 1957, she brought Pokey with her. She bred Pokey to a stallion named Tahas. Pokey gave birth to her first foal, Tahazen, nicknamed "Skippy", in December 1958. In May 1959, Pokey and Skippy were pastured in Maricopa by ranch manager Don King (Gordon's friend). In February 1960, Carmen's mother and brother visited Pokey and Skippy since Carmen was in her last month of pregnancy. They paid several months of delinquent board fees! In April 1960, Carmen sold Pokey to a family in Southern California and gave her colt, Skippy, to an old friend (Bob Compton). Pokey gave birth to another foal, Tahka, in February 1961.

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