I have loved horses since I was a small child, and started riding at the age of seven. I am extremely lucky to have grown up with two very supportive parents, who saw how horses helped nurture responsibility and character. I was able to participate in the USDF Advanced Young Rider program, in addition to riding a lot of young horses and starting them under saddle. I also spent nearly three years at Steffen Peters’ barn in San Diego, where I was able to work with both Steffen and his then-assistant, Allyson Rogers.
I continued to ride while attending Rutgers University and earning my B.A. in Philosophy. While a philosophy degree is often the topic of jokes, I actually credit my degree with much of my approach to teaching–that it should be a shared dialogue between teacher and student.
I have lived in Maryland since 2007 and have been working regularly with international FEI riders Jessica Jo “JJ” Tate, and Jeremy Steinberg for many years. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to participate in clinics with a number of excellent trainers, including Arthur Kottas, Georg Theodorescu, Charles de Kunffy, Christoph Hess, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, Allison Brock, Lars Petersen, and Scott Hassler. I am an alumna of the Harmony Sporthorse/Hassler Dressage Young Dressage Horse Trainers Symposium.
I truly enjoy the process of bringing horses and riders up through the levels. Every horse has something to teach us, and even the average horse is capable of more than you might expect with good training.
Mission Statement
I believe that dressage can make any horse a better version of themselves.
I believe in training horses in a fair and ethical way that nurtures their spirit and unique personality while gymnastically developing them to their potential. Through multi-faceted, systematic training, I seek to produce willing partners while remaining appreciative of their individual strengths, and mindful of their weaknesses.
I believe in using instruction to develop thinking riders, who understand the “why” behind the exercises. I encourage my students to watch, read and listen to good horsemen in all disciplines, to think for themselves, and to ask questions. I want them to understand when and why to use different techniques and exercises, so that they can feel confident riding on their own.
I endeavor to never stop learning, to approach each horse and student with an open mind and a willingness to think outside the box when necessary.
