My Philosophy
Horses are much more intelligent, thoughtful, and inquisitive than we think, and they are very sensitive to our weight, leg aids, and voice. If we don’t always have this in mind, and aren’t clear in what we ask, then we risk dulling the horse or worse, confusing them. I believe in thoughtful, sophisticated, and clear communication.
Training & Teaching balance, suppleness and strength, for a solid training foundation. I continually strive to follow the tenets of classical dressage and general horsemanship techniques (similar to natural horsemanship).
The concept of lightness is relevant to all horse riding disciplines and activities…and I’ve seen it lighten up the flat, on-the-forehand western horse, calm the explosive horse, and progress the english horse farther than others thought possible.
I like to provide a solid starting base for young horses through ground work, lunging and ground driving, before I step in the stirrup. I believe strongly in teaching verbal commands for easing the transition to under saddle work and increasing the horse’s understanding.
Teaching theory, biomechanics, behavior, and clear training scales for competitive and non competitive students alike. With a special interest in unlocking and teaching intermediate riders and horses.
Most of all I enjoy bridging communication, enjoying the partnership of riding in lightness, and sharing that level of enjoyment with others…
Youthful Aspirations
From early childhood, to work on breeding farms, to helping retrain difficult horses… I’ve been blessed to have been touched by horses of all breeds and genders. My youth was filled with paints, ponies, Paso Finos, Arabians, and playing with stallions and colts. This brought me to want to work with horses for the rest of my life.
Horse Training has always just been part of the family. Western riding was a staple back then, on the family ranches; with a sister who focused on western riding, and I on English. Through it all, we always strove to work together to use the best methods for training no matter the style of saddle… She learned her trade through a formal program at Cal Poly State University, and I through formal working student programs and breeding farms.
My sister’s story is amazing… she’s worked for the great Arabian breeders; Varian Arabians, Al Marah Arabians, and now owns and breeds Tommy’s Top Gun and trains and breeds western performance horses in California you can visit her at Eberhardt Performance Horses & Training.
Early Education
My Professional work and formal education began as a groom and a show ring catch rider for a local hunter and jumper trainer in Chester, NJ, then I worked as an assistant barn manger for Michael McCarthy Dressage, and was a barn volunteer at U.S. Olympic Equestrian Team Headquarters, in Gladstone, New Jersey, under Steve Banford. The experience provided unlimited auditing access to Berthalan de Nemethy, Reiner Klimke, and Anne Kursinski, and I spent many days leading great horses to and from their riding session, including the great 1970’s Olympic competitor Sasquatch. I learned invaluable skills in barn management, horse health care, and sport horse support care.
Experience
Jumping/Eventing: Based on experience through Open Intermediate levels
Throughout the late 80’s and early 90’s I worked under Brian & Lisa Sabo, as a working student at Preliminary and Open intermediate level in 3-day eventing and dressage at Hurdledale Equestrian Center. Brian Sabo, was the Area VI young rider’s coach and Chef d’Equipe and course designer for the 1984 Olympics, and Lisa Sabo studied for years with Hilda Gurney. During this time I also trained and competed through preliminary three-day eventing with Chris Beardon of Poplar Place for years and regularly attended clinics with Jimmy Wofford(eventing), and Lilo Fore (dressage).
Dressage Experience
I am most blessed to have been a working student under Susie Solomon for two years in Sacramento California. Susie studied under the greats, at the Spanish riding School in Vienna and under Karl Milkokla and Hector Carmona Sr. and Jr., as well as western masters Ray Hunt and the Dorrance brothers.
I also spent two years as a working student to Lisa Sabo, who worked with Hilda Gurney, and have cliniced with Jeremy Beale, Steve Kannikeberg, Sue Connors, Christiane Noelting, & Lilo Fore.
Stallion Handling Methods & Young Horses..
I Began stallion handling and training for Ken Sanders Paso Finos in the early 80’s and befriended the great Don Cecilio de Caroline, and went on to work young colts and stallions for GJK Arabians, Marcus Arabians, as well as morgan and thoroughbred stallions for dressage and event riders.
I learned from trainers and handlers at Varian Arabians, home of Bay el Bey, Huckleberry Bey, Desperado.
I have also assisted in the training at Abacus Farms Friesians, helping to start many young horses including Uno and Fabian, as well as Abacus Amadeo, Abacus Faroah, and worked with the great stallions Ulrik, under the mentorship of Susie Solomon.
Worked with multiple clients and owners/friends of horses throughout California, Alaska, Washington.
Formal University Training
I also have a B.Sc. from University of California, Davis in Animal Physiology and Physiological Ecology with Veterinary coursework and Emphasis in Ecotoxicology.
While there, I completed all pre-veterinary coursework and volunteer hours in radiology, nuclear resonance, sports physiology, and large animal emergency receiving.
Additional Experience
- Barn Management
- Horse Show Judging
- Horse Show Management and Organization
- Experience organizing and judged at state championship FFA & 4-H show
- Experience in judging competitions for halter, English and western pleasure at UC Davis
- Mentored and sponsored local 4-H groups and taught riding day camps at Bottomley Farms
- Taught private jumping, eventing and dressage lessons for over 15 years.
After Hours
When not riding, I’m helping my hubby play and train our Australian Shepherd Dogs in herding and obedience! (yes, we are busy!)