What I Do Best!
Horsemanship
Horsemanship is a word so often pushed aside. It encompasses so much more than riding; From saddle fit, to finding and fixing lameness, Horsemanship is the art of working with horses. Horsemanship using the generally accepted definition however, is a way to communicate and work with your horse with regard to their natural behavior and biomechanics. I’ve worked with several “methods” of Horsemanship including Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Lyons Legacy, Buck Brannaman, and Monty Roberts. From experience in these methods, I’ve learned that pieces of each masters teachings help different horses in unique ways.
In any lesson I teach or any horse I train, Horsemanship will be the biggest component. When you learn to put the horse first, amazing things are possible! Create a light, responsive, and balanced horse, and become all of those things yourself! Why be a run-of-the-mill rider when you could be a horseman?
Classical Dressage
Dressage does not need to be a complex sport ridden in rollkur! Why overbend when you can out-perform? Learn the classic basics. Lateral work, self carriage, and hands that think before they do! My Dressage background is all based in ethical Classic Dressage. Dressage is simply the French word for ‘train’ , let’s not stray too far from knowledge.
It’s all in the details, A horse that is balanced, educated, and responsive is a horse with good ‘Dressage’ no matter the saddle they wear. I de-complicate the basics so anyone can learn how to make a horse that is balanced and well trained, even by the ‘French definition’.
Classical riding is about more than a Piaffe and Passage, For centuries, the best Horseman in the world developed a way of riding that captured and enhanced a horse’s natural movement. Before the days of fancy competitions; soldiers, royalty, and every day people learned to ride using the principles of classical training. I love being able to take a piece of history and teach it to my students while continuing to teach it myself.
Colt Starting the correct way
Go beyond light! My Colt Starting philosophy is that a foundation needs to really stress the basics. I want my bend perfect, I want my stops on the whoa, my turns on a dime, and my horse happy the entire time! Using Natural Horsemanship, traditional methods, and a whole lot of time, I can turn your youngsters into good members of society.
Colts in my program get a start that includes a lot of life experience. I teach standing tied, trailer loading, desensitizing, trail obstacles, driving, extensive groundwork, and most importantly that work can be comfortable. I have extremely high standards for a horse’s behavior in and out of the saddle. I ensure your horse is trained to the highest standards, no gimmicks, cut corners, or missing pieces.
I start slow!- In order to protect your horses joints, back, and overall well-being, I start under saddle with careful attention to growth plates. While horses can be started at 2, I will not go over what I feel is appropriate. I am always honest about what I feel will harm your horse’s future performance. I tend to be very conservative with sliding stops, fast turns, and anything similar for horses under 4. I truly believe in making you a partner for life, and I don’t want to cause you issues in the future! - I am always willing to discuss your needs and unique situations. Let’s put you and your horse’s future first!
VERSATILITY
Want a “been there,done that” horse? Hire a “been there,done that” trainer! I’ve dabbled in just about every Equine Sport! Dressage, Eventing, Endurance, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Working Equitation, Driving, Trail, and always loving what I do!
I’ve done and seen a thing or two, and I can’t be more excited to teach you and your horse while continuing to learn all I can and be the best I can be! I strive to make horses that can accomplish all they can alongside their owners that have the confidence to give it a try.
I’m committed to being a good horsewoman, If that’s in a Dressage arena or working with BLM Mustangs, I’m happy to strive for excellence!
Western Speed: Barrels, Poles, Gymkhana
Where should I set up my turn? How do I add Speed? What do I need to know before I run? These are all questions that just scratch the surface of running Barrels and Poles and clocking those new fast times! When just milliseconds separate you from winning money, everything matters. Let’s stop that timer dead in it’s tracks sooner, and sooner. While running patterns may seem simple, balance, timing, and responsiveness make all the difference in those 17 seconds!
As a Barrel Racer, I learned what makes a pattern fast; as a horsewoman I learned just how quick and concentrated a pattern could be. It’s all about putting those big long strides exactly where they should be! If you want to improve your time, or get in to Barrels, Pole Bending, and gymkhanas with your horse, I’ve got you covered!
If you need a horse started on the Barrel or Pole patterns, I set the foundation for a horse that makes great runs. All of my horses learn skills off the pattern as well, and are easy to ride and versatile. My own Barrel Horses work cows, go on trail rides, and even ride English.
Mustang Training
I’m Honored to have worked with a multitude of BLM and Reservation Mustangs; a true symbol of the untamed west and a favorite of mine! I can train the basics and beyond to these fantastic horses and teach you all about them. Mustangs with a great start turn into fantastic and versatile horses. What better trail and ranch horse than a breed shaped by the American West?
Using similar techniques to my traditional colts, I make sure every Mustang is started humanely to be safe and happy in their domestic life. Mustangs learn to be longed, brushed, lift all 4 feet, respond to the halter, and load in the trailer before going home with a basic start. However, I tend to add some fancy skills that set them up for success along the way.
Lessons
Training a horse is only half of it; The rider needs lessons too! I break down all the details. From your seat to your timing and groundwork, I can help you and your horse come to a better understanding. I do more than yell across the arena and hope you understand. I work with you and your learning style to really get to the bottom of your riding concerns.
I teach from beginner to advanced lessons, all of my lessons include crucial foundational riding and groundwork. My lesson and training packages are catered to you, meaning I’m always willing to help you after a horse leaves training or if you’d like a little ride time put on your horse.





