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I was your typical horse crazy little girl fortunate enough to have a mother that was interested in riding as well. I began Hunter/Jumper lessons at a very young age and got my first pony at age 10. Quite sadly, however, "Prinny Poo" as we affectionately called her, had some underlying health issues and she died of colic only about 5 years into our relationship. I was devastated... and decided to give up horses rather than risk another broken heart. < Princess/Welsh Cob |
But... as the saying goes -- "True love never dies."
I started riding again after I graduated from Michigan State University in 1986 and decided to make up for lost time. I jumped in with both feet determined to one day be an accomplished rider and trainer. I began a rigorous 2-3 lesson per week schedule and began reading every scrap of horse related literature I could find. I even went so far as to pay trainers just to let me hang out with them for the day. One year I decided to train in Saddle Seat and got the privilege of riding some of the nicest Saddlebred show horses in the state of Michigan.
Today, I think I can finally say "I've arrived at my goal!" Although I'll never claim to have seen and done it all, I've seen and done a lot. Mostly due to the strange gravitational pull I seem to have with problem horses. If I've learned one thing out of all this, it is that the only predictable thing about a horse is that a horse is unpredictable. But regardless, I have fallen into an addiction with horses and wouldn't have it any other way. |
 Leyenda (Bizarro X x Ba Di Alondalih) -- 1998 International Andalusian Lusitano Association Show in Ft. Worth TX. Reserve National Champion 1/2 Andalusian Halter Mare & 1998 Reserve National Champion 1/2 Andalusian English Pleasure. |
To date I have been actively training horses for over 20 years and have shown in pretty much every discipline. The later part of my work has been in perfecting my abilities in the art of Dressage.
My personal training continues with Erik Herbermann whom spent many years working under the late German classical riding master, Egon von Neindorff. Erik is well known for his strict dedication to the propagation of classical ideals. His two books Dressage Formula and A Horseman's Notes (order your copies today, by clicking on the advertisements to the left) are a testament to his deep love for and knowledge of horses. I highly recommend either book for anyone serious about Dressage and, more importantly, preserving the natural movement and spirit of the horse.
I've actually had many great teachers -- both human and equine. My equine teachers were largely Arabian until recently when I discovered the Andalusian and until I married my team roper husband who has his own tiny herd of Quarter Horses.
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Oficiala (Farolero XXIII x Gemela XI) -- Purebred Andalusian. We are riding at the Erik Herbermann clinic at Winnow Classical Institute, Trenton, UT Picture taken in 2004. |
 Art in his early bull riding years. |
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He's been around horses all his life and I would have to say he's pretty much seen it all when it comes to these critters. He's my guru when I get stuck in an equine dilemma! |
I am a member of: The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) and the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association.
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I've also completed a Veterinary Assistant Course with 99% grade average from Georgia Institute. My Husband is a member of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and The United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC). In 1999, I left my advertising agency in Michigan and moved to horse country -- Utah! I now work out of my home |
office building websites and doing freelance graphic design. This particular job situation works out perfectly as I am able to schedule around my "horse" time... because, after all, that IS most important!
I also enjoy giving riding lessons and answering all of my "Horse Help" e-mail. Keep it coming folks!