My Background with Horses
I started riding when I was five years old on my painted pony named Chaquita and quickly developed a passion for horses while trail riding through fields and the backwoods. I often rode bareback which enabled me to develop an independent seat. I trained and participated in the Arabian show circuit with Van Der Meer Farm, in Massachusetts, as a teenager. I loved soaring over jumps and attended a clinic with Greg Best.
I began dabbling in dressage with Paula Paglia, Paula Paglia Dressage, located in Scottsdale, AZ. I continue to train with Paula. My love and passion for horses has enabled me to keep my close connection to them, even if it meant freezing cold temperatures while driving horse drawn sleighs.
My relationship with horses fully integrates them into my therapeutic career for the benefit of horse and rider. My course of study includes training with Sabrina Kahoutek in Mary Schreibers Equissage Program, which has enabled me to become a certified equine massage therapist. I have also trained in Brad Cameron's colt starting workshop to refine my colt starting skills. In addition, I continue to study Warwick Schillers foundation work that emphasizes connecting with your horse first. I have also studied positive reinforcement training using food rewards through Mustang Maddie’s online classroom. I have audited clinics with Susanne Von Dietz, physiotherapist and riding instructor who has competed at the top level of international dressage competition. It is of utmost importance to me in working with horses to develop trust and leadership through the use of respect, patience, and consistency.