My Story
My love for horses has been lifelong, but my formal journey began at 18 when I started riding an old Arabian named Garissa. She taught me more than I ever expected—mostly in western pleasure and showmanship. That foundation sparked something in me, and a wedding gift from a friend—my very first horse, Maize—deepened that spark. With her, I continued showing in western pleasure, dabbled in jumping, and unknowingly stepped into what would become my passion: groundwork.
In the spring of 2016, I attended my first Horsemanship Clinic with Michelle Jerry—somewhat reluctantly—to support my mom. She thought it would be good for us to work on ground manners and expand our horsemanship knowledge. To be honest, I hated groundwork and I thought I knew it all. But, that first clinic changed everything. I walked away with more than tips and techniques; I walked away with a new mindset. I have now returned to that same clinician almost a dozen times.
​
Since then, I’ve transitioned from western pleasure into the world of dressage. My first dressage partner, Rhoyal Riverman (“Will”), was a patient teacher and helped me step into a whole new discipline. When Will required long-term stall rest, our bond deepened even further—formed not under saddle, but in countless quiet hours of care, trust-building, and short hand walks. That experience cemented my belief in the power of groundwork.
​
Today, I ride his close relative, Rhoyal Khrome (“Khrome”), and we’re continuing our dressage journey, working steadily up the levels. Our partnership, built from the ground up, is the result of everything I’ve learned—from Michelle Jerry, from Garissa, Maize, Will and Khrome, and from years of trial, error, and growth.
Khrome trusts me deeply, even in unfamiliar places. He whinnies when I leave the barn, and calmly follows me even when separated from his friends. Groundwork gave me that connection—and it's the foundation I now share with others through teaching. Whether on the ground or in the saddle, I believe true horsemanship begins with trust, respect, and understanding.
I’ve continued my education by regularly training with multiple respected trainers and attending clinics and shows to further develop both my horsemanship and instructional skills. I’ve been teaching riders of all ages and experience levels for many years, and it brings me joy to help people and horses understand one another better.
​
For the past four years, I’ve volunteered as a horsemanship instructor at Rising Rock Rodeo Bible Camp. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience that continues to deepen my love for teaching and mentoring young riders. Most recently, I’ve taken on the horse aspect of Taking a Ride for Tayden, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for local children fighting cancer. It’s an honor to contribute to a cause that brings hope and support to families in our community through the power of horses.
​
