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 1989 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 youngsters....2 legged and 4!
In 2002, I started competing in A circuit Arabian shows, and what a JOY that has been! The first year in the show ring under saddle(as a THREE year old!), Chariszma, certainly made her sire, Lautrec, and the farm get NOTICED! Every class she went in, she broke a record of being the youngest horse to win the class. She tallied up 13 Championships that year between Open Shows and Arabian...TWO were Regional Arabian Championships!
I am currently re-establishing my business and excited about re-locating!
Please contact me for further information....I LOVE to talk!
Chariszma and Mary sweeping their first Regional Competition in Perry, GA 2008.
*1993 USCT Area III Rider of the Year Experience: *Foaling, Working with foals, Breeding, Stallion handling and Mare Care
Highlights:
*Several AHA Championships including Regional Titles
*Several USDF Championships and Awards
*Multiple USDF/DSHB Championships
*Feeding/Medicating/Treating (Oral, IM/IV, all leg wraps, icing, massage
*Instruction in several disciplines: Dressage, HJ, CT, Breed Circuits: Appaloosa, Arabian, QH, and Warmblood Inspections
*Conditioning for Halter and In-Hand
*Making Veterinarian, farrier and equine Dentist appointments and at times driving horses to Equine hospital as needed
*Starting/Schooling/Showing Horses (Appaloosas, Arabians, Quarter Horses, Ponies, Warmbloods...all sexes and Ages.
*Giving lessons to all ages (from 2 years old to 68)
*Prepping and Showing Horses to potential Buyers
*Evaluating horses/ponies for purchase and sale
*Tacking/Untacking horses for clients
*Grooming, Clipping, Mane Pulling
*Trained with Michael & Sharon Poulin for 19 years
*Trained with Nancy Smith, Hilda Hick, Ralph Hill, Jimmy Wofford, Jim Graham, Ian Miller, Jos Sevriens,
