The following is, in brief, a view of my background, which does not begin to include the lessons I have learned from each and every horse, horseman and the countless hours from my first ride and one of my earliest memories to the present time, a span of over 35 years.
I grew up riding many different horses, galloping on the beach and trails in New England, bareback, English or Western, as well as learning ground handling skills. Years later, since my husband and I began to raise and start our own colts, I began to seek more knowledge on how to best develop these young horses.
In 1998 we moved to Texas where I attended a Craig Cameron horsemanship clinic. I continued my studies with Craig over the course of the next year and a half which included completing a colt-starting apprenticeship with him.
I later received The Parelli Natural Horsemanship Program, Levels 1, 2, & 3.
I followed that path for the next 2 years from 2000 to 2002 which included riding with Pat Parelli for a level 3 course in Colorado for 3 weeks as well as a week-long cow working clinic with both Pat Parelli and Leon Harrel in Texas.
I have also worked as a wrangler at a prominent guest ranch in Texas, was the member of a precision drill team, and as the trainer at a Morgan Horse breeding farm for nearly 2 years after having moved to East Tennessee in 2004. This is in addition to my work as coach, trainer, and clinician since 1999.
It was in April of 2007 that I had an opportunity to ride with Leslie Desmond at the Ohio Equine Affair. I had received the book "True Horsemanship Through Feel" which she co-wrote with Bill Dorrance, many years prior to this time so I was familiar with her name and that of her mentor Bill Dorrance. I have had many opportunities to study with her since that time. Since meeting with Leslie and watching her work through feel and release I have again taken a fresh look at my approach to horsemanship. In this method I have seen first-hand very positive results in both horses and humans. A feel based approach has truly enhanced everything I have to offer to the horse.