I’m an equestrian with over a decade of professional experience and have been riding since the age of 5. My training services range from working with young horses to fine-tuning the upper level movements of dressage. My specialty as an instructor revolves around a primary focus on how our bodies effect the horse, and how biomechanics and the laws of physics apply to riding position and balance in the saddle.
Holding a certificate in Equine Behavior and Welfare from MSU among other educational achievements, I have a well-rounded background working with horses. My passion centers mostly around difficult and misunderstood behavior in horses and the foundational issues that cause those problems. At the age of 13, I was lucky enough to get my first horse – a 5 year old OTTB (off-track thoroughbred) named Buck, and got to work on my first “official” training project. Taking things at his pace, I had him comfortable being ridden inside, outside, on trails, bridleless, and over many different shapes and sizes of jumps over the course of a few years. As someone who strives to better myself and further my knowledge, I am always actively furthering my education with horses. One wonderful thing about training is you can never stop learning how to be better!
From 4-H to pony club, I participated in many local shows at a young age. I’ve audited and participated in countless clinics. While I was still in school, summers were spent working at a barn where I assisted in the care of over 20 horses and began teaching people of all ages, successfully helping them build the necessary toolbox for good communication with their horses.
I have created a successful training business freelancing throughout New Hampshire; Working with horses who currently compete in local shows, go fox hunting, and do dressage. I even have one horse in training who has become a successful therapy horse! My long-term goal is to be able to expand my program beyond how far I can reasonably travel, which has led me to start creating online courses and offering virtual riding lessons as I continue to focus on training locally. My philosophy involves getting underneath the surface of the strict rules your riding discipline might impose, and fixing the cracks in the foundation which sets you up for success in whatever discipline you specialize in. True harmony and partnership not only comes from good equitation, it comes from understanding your horse and working together as a team. A plan to succeed is vital. The role of supporting you through challenges and helping you achieve your riding goals is truly something I want to invest in. I don’t just strive to be your best coach – I want to be your cheerleader!
Simply Put, My goals are:
- To Improve how you communicate with your horse in every aspect – from trailer loading to lead changes.
- To create an atmosphere of confidence, happiness, understanding, and trust.
- To Help you learn ways to communicate with your horse that encourage balance, freedom of movement, and cooperation.
- Carry the feeling of teamwork between horse and rider as you advance through the levels, regardless of your discipline
- To teach you to use your aids in a manner in which your horse is willing to work together with you.
- To build confidence and independence in my students. Knowledge is power!
- To convey my knowledge in a non-judgemental way and work through issues in a way that builds awareness and further understanding between the horse and rider.