About me...
The Moment
It all started with a pony ride at a local fair when I was three. Immediately after, I asked for riding lessons. My parents said I could take a lesson when I was four and a half. Apparently, I asked every day. Finally, the day came, I never looked back.
Early years
My first pony Daisy, who was bought from a local rescue when I was in first grade, taught me a strong leg from the start. She took me through the local schooling circuit. From an early age, I loved spending my time before and after my rides to learn all aspects of barn management.
I had the privilege of riding for a sale and lease barn for several years which introduced me to the A level showing circuit. This allowed me to ride four to six times a week, and as many as six mounts each day. My time also afforded me hours of education working alongside the barn manager each week by volunteering extra time when not riding. My summers were spent learning to build hay feeders, the cycle of hay cuts, treadmill fitness for horses, turnout, feeding schedules, ground work, rehabbing, clipping, and more. It really helped me on my journey to be a well-rounded horseman. I had only known to groom for myself at that point, it helped me learn next-level care for my equine partner. I had the privilege of doing many catch rides at shows, training greens, as well as riding top award winners. It taught me early on about adjustability for each ride.
My personal goals became clearer after attending my first collegiate meet for my 10th birthday wish. Since I knew college was in my plan after high school graduation, I started researching options for riding at the college level. Growing up in a sports family, I also knew attending and graduating from a sports oriented college was important to me. In 2023, I began to concentrate on broadening my skills and knowledge in the equitation ring.
Life Out of the Barn
When not riding, I am with my friends and family, attending youth group, or volunteering. I played on recreational and competitive volleyball teams prior to traveling more for showing.
When at home in Arizona, I volunteer at a children's equine therapy program. Volunteering there gives me the chance to use my sign language which I have been studying for a few years. I also volunteer at my church in the kid's program. While in Wellington, Florida, I spend time volunteering at Danny & Ron's animal rescue booth and helping backstage for the annual fundraiser. During the summer of 2022 while training in Wilmington, Ohio, I worked with the pastor to reignite the youth group program. I enjoy spending time with my family, including my dad and mom who have been married since 2005, four dogs, and a cat. Additionally, I love to travel and read. I'm looking forward to doing mission trips with my church.
Long Term Goals
My current plan is to major in psychology while minoring in business. I would like to also get my masters to support my goals. After college, I plan to become an equestrian professional and own a farm. As a professional, my goal is to own an equine business focused on producing young ponies and horses, create a lease string of quality horses and a reputable import sales business with international partners. The long term plan includes continuing to ride and show. Additionally, I would also like to open a small private psychology practice to help kids, possibly student athletes, with the rise of mental health concerns in our country.
In the News:
Tryon Derby (scroll to bottom)
RECENT
Life as a working student
As a working student on occasion I have to walk my course alone which requires me to figure out a plan based on the horse I am riding. While not always ideal, it has taught me to think on my feet, adjust quickly, study and listen to the environment around, and learn track planning skills. I now feel totally confident and prepared to present a plan when the trainer gets to the ring. Also a lot of time is spent ring side as a working student. It gives me the chance to listen to a variety of teaching techniques from different trainers. Additionally, I get to be involved in horse sale and lease conversations between trainers. When grooming or bringing the horse to the ring, I get to interact with professional grooms and learn new skills as well.
Winter 2024/25
After spending the last two seasons in Wellington FL, I am opting to spend this next season in Ocala. As opportunities present, I hope to make monthly trips to Wellington or Thermal. I will continue as a catch rider as rides become available. My personal goals include more consistency in the 1.20m jumper ring with the goal of moving up to the 1.30m this summer. My other focus this year is on the 3 6" equitation with personal goals of qualifying for next years finals again. If given the chance to work with a junior hunter consitantly, I would love to attend Junior Hunter Finals. Additionally, I will be working with several green junior hunters, young jumpers and hope to get them show miles and reaching the trainers benchmarks for the horse's success. Academics will continue to be top priority.
Spring & Summer 2024
The late spring was spent with a sale barn in Ocala, Florida and Tryon, North Carolina. My role was to help build junior show miles for sale horses both at the home barn and in the show ring. Additionally, I helped behind the scenes with grooming and care for all the horses, including my own. I was asked by the trainer to continue on for the summer so I relocated to the New England area. My summer consisted of horse showing, preparing for finals, attending church camp, a family wedding, and a summer school class to lighten my course load come circuit.
Winter 2023/24
I had the privilege to have another show season at WEF including preseason. I was a working student for a sale and lease barn. My role allowed me to ride and show multiple mounts in all rings and helped me continue to rise up in the jumper ring. Being a working student allowed me to grow my relationship with my big eq partner. I worked directly with the head trainer on all aspects of running a sale barn. As the only full time junior, I was given the opportunity to show in all three rings throughout the circuit in Wellington in addition to my own showing with Westin.
Summer 2023
Summer 2023, I lived on a farm in Kentucky and helped with the daily responsibilities of a hunter/jumper show barn. My responsibilities included: horse care, feeding, stable management, turnout schedules, vet and farrier visits, night check, and grooming. Additionally, training green horses and ponies, riding client horses, lessoning, and show prep. I also worked with injured horses for rehabilitation. While there, I was afforded the chance to show at the Kentucky Horse Park. Several times a week I was also an exercise rider for multiple trainers off property which allowed for more saddle time and the opportunity to work with many top level trainers.
