It all started when I was 3 years old when my parents would drive past horse barns and I would scream. They figured I was either terrified of them or was so excited I couldn’t contain myself. They sent me to horse camp to see which one it was and lets say. . . I ‘ve been at the barn ever since. For the last 22 years my life has been shaped around horses; caring for them and riding. From 2017-2022 I was running a lesson program in a very busy lesson barn, teaching 40-50 lessons per week, coaching the IEA team, and attending shows with students. Over the last year I began freelancing to start my own business and have been traveling to ride and teach, as well as offer lessons on my school horses. I have continued to show my own personal horses as well. I’m extremely patient and encouraging in my teaching; I don’t believe anyone can learn under negative tones (I know I certainly can’t!) I teach many kids, but equally as many adults- regardless of age or skill level, riding is about having FUN! While the younger students usually have higher goals with showing and IEA, adults are usually in it for the fun aspect. My adult riders always laugh because I constantly must remind them that they are here to have fun, they aren’t going to the Olympics at this point; they need to LET themselves enjoy their time riding! I’m very into confidence building and listening to your horse to build a deeper relationship. If we don’t take the time to care for and get to know our horse, then we have no business expecting them to take care of us when we sit on their back. Even the most difficult, stubborn horses can be understood if we take the time to listen and figure them out. I primarily teach hunter/jumper/ equitation and basic dressage lies within these disciplines.
Throughout my amateur years I showed my own horse in the adult hunters and equitation, as well as showing sales horses in the adult hunters. I would catch ride an available horse when finals came, so I never was familiar with the horses I showed at finals but received ribbons at CHJA finals multiple times and ninth place at New England Finals. We received multiple year end awards, including high point adult rider. My current thoroughbred also received a USHJA Horse of the Year award for 2021.
Since getting my first thoroughbred when he was 6, I’ve taken a strong liking to restarting young thoroughbreds and developing them into hunters and jumpers. The heart of a thoroughbred is like no other, and I truly adore transforming their muscle development and understanding their brains. They end up being the most reliable mounts for advanced and beginner riders alike. Flatwork and pole work is the core to all of this and I’m very patient in finding proper programs to fit each horse individually.
My students have received many champion ribbons on the lesson horses they’ve shown and have been extremely successful in IEA as well. I’ve had many students qualify for regionals, and from there a large portion has gone to zones and even nationals. IEA is a wonderful opportunity to put a team aspect into riding. Riders feel more welcome and to feel like they are truly part of something. Afterall, barn friends are the best friends we can make.
My horses are my entire life, and I take pride in caring for other peoples’ horses the same. It’s an honor to be trusted with such vital members of our family, and I know I’m certainly picky about how mine are cared for! I currently have 2 personal show horses, my young warmblood Luxe whom truly is my baby, and my thoroughbred Lenny who has been the one who really has helped me receive recognition in my riding. I also have 2 lesson horses, a thoroughbred named Louie who is the beginner KING but also loves to teach riders the ropes of the jumper ring, and Vino, a warmblood that is teaching his riders dressage, connection, as well as jumping. They all deserve and receive the best of care as we could never do this without them!