About me
My journey began in natural horsemanship, which included participating in the Extreme Mustang Makeover in 2015. I then fell in love with classical dressage, and gained valuable experience managing Jorge Gabriel’s farm, Casa Lusitana. During my 8 years there, I acquired my three USDF medals by training a diverse set of horses. I finished my gold medal in partnership with my nearly-blind stallion, who had no show experience before we entered the ring together. In 2023 I began my own dedicated dressage program focusing on biomechanics. In starting my program I have enjoyed training horses through the levels, as well as developing both young and quirky horses in need of retraining. In 2024 I began showcasing my self-started young horse Panache CL, who was awarded USLA five-year-old horse of the year as well as GMHA champion of the day at third level. I look forward to competing with him again in the 2025 season! Read more about my experience and training below.
ACHIEVEMENTS
USDF Gold Medal
Upon Forest's arrival from Brazil in 2019, I discovered that my new stallion had significant cataracts causing a lack of confidence under saddle. Despite his vision challenges, lack of basic training and no show experience, Forest and I created a lasting bond that helped him blossom in the show ring, taking him down the center line for his first time ever at PSG. He progressed quickly in his new career, and I was able to earn my USDF gold medal with him in only a few years. Today, Forest is a trusted schoolmaster, recently helping an adult amateur and a young rider finish their bronze medals in two consecutive weekends — and he won every class! Learn more about Forest in the USLA article below.
Mustang Makeover
Each year, the Bureau of Land Management and the Mustang Heritage Foundation team up to host the Extreme Mustang Makeover, which helps adopt out mustangs rounded up due to a shortage of grazing land. In 2015 I competed in the challenge, where I was assigned mustang mare Rocío, who had been in a holding pen since 2010. During the following 120 days, I worked with the previously unhandled Rocío on groundwork, dressage, and jumping including lateral work and bridle-less riding. Starting her training myself was an extremely rewarding experience, and helped encourage my love for starting horses! Click below to find a video of my experience.
TRAINING
Kathy Connelly
I am honored to have trained extensively with renowned and highly respected international dressage rider, trainer, coach, clinician, author, and judge Kathy Connelly during my career. Her many accolades include riding for the U.S. at the World Cup, coaching at the World Equestrian Games, and coaching the Canadian Individual Silver Medal winner at the Pan American Games. We are lucky to frequently host her clinics at Sheriffmuir Farm, where horses of all ages and abilities are able to learn from her wide expertise.
Casa Lusitana
During my time at Casa Lusitana with Jorge Gabriel I had the privilege of working with amazingly gifted Lusitanos, as well as excellent trainers and riders. While at Casa, I imported Favonius da Raposa, affectionately known as "Forest," from Brazil. With the help of Jorge and the Casa team, I earned my USDF gold medal despite Forest's significant cataracts. I am so grateful for my time at Casa Lusitana, and the talented horses I worked with and brought along there!
WRITING & MORE