I remember begging for a horse like every little girl from a very young age. My first horse and I spent many wild races through the woods jumping whatever got in our way. And by the grace of God and Guardian Angels, never was seriously hurt during that time.
Many would be surprised to know I started out barrel racing, then Mom decided if I was going to ride, I should ride like a lady. I started taking English riding lessons and pushed myself hard to get beyond boring flat work to jumping. After a year or so doing hunters, I moved to jumpers. My passion for trails, speed, and jumping led me to 3-Day Eventing under the tutelage of Hilda Hick & USET member Jim Graham. I've been lucky enough to train with Ralph Hill, Jimmie Wolf, Ian Miller, and Jos Sevriens (Dutch 3-Day Olympic Coach). I spent 8 years eventing, which eventually led to the prestigious win of Area III USCTA Rider of the Year.
During that time I also seemed to be acquiring quite a taste and "feel" for Dressage. I trained with USET rider Nancy M. Smith for a few years then she introduced me to her coach, 3 x Olympian, Michael Poulin. I've been training with Michael since 1993 and feel very fortunate to have them help sculpt my riding style and keep pushing at me even when I've had some "time outs" from riding. Part of being in the horse world....the minor accidents.
I also spent many years on the Appaloosa show circuits showing H/J, Western Pleasure, Trail, and Showmanship. I owe ALL my grooming skills to the hundreds of "Grooming & Conditioning" classes at Open Shows too!
I always have a difficult time bragging about awards and wins, but can say
I've received numerous Regional and National Championships with the USDF and USCTA,
several Perpetual Cups & Plaques. USDF Championships.
With my Appaloosa gelding, Aztec, I qualified 4 years in a row for the Appaloosa World Championships in H/J, Western Pleasure, Showmanship, and Dressage Suitability. Something I'm pretty proud of because I started this guy myself. :) I'm also VERY proud of running my Holsteiner stallion, Lautrec, to many USDF/DSHB Championships and starting this guy under saddle too.
It's been a very busy time getting the new business up and running....a new home built...building up a student base... finding solid lesson horses....raising baby horses....showing....but as things smooth out, I often smile at how blessed I am.
One of my biggest joys is working with the kiddies....2 legged and 4!
2006/2007 have been a LOT of fun! I'm starting 4 of Lautrec's first offspring! Belle and Sara show phenominal potential U/S!
Belle is already showing over fences and what a wonderful jumper she is! So much of her sire's style athletisism!
Charisma and Evan have been extremely easy to start, and are walk and trotting very well at this early stage in their training.
We have SIX foals due in 2008, so join us via the web for a very busy foaling season!
Most of all, I feel VERY blessed in having such supportive and loving parents. They've been there through thick and thin and helped me get my dream up and running and I'm proud to be a business partner with them as well. They probably have more mileage than most show parents should between driving me to and from lessons, shows and clinics when I was starting out. They've always encouraged me in all my adventures in the horse business, even the first time I Crisco'd an event horse's legs.
Thank you Mom & Dad!
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