My Early Years
    I have spent my entire 40 years in the presence of horses.I grew up on a horse and
    I believe it had a very positive impact on my life. I am lucky enough to have a
    wonderful mother that introduced me to horses at a very  young age and always
    made it possible for me to be with them. My mom took me to all the local pony
    club  meetings and shows,she made me fantastic costumes so I could ride in
    parades and we also went on great family trail rides. From her I learned to take
    care of and  enjoy my animals.

    As I got older I took jumping and dressage lessons on a POA that just loved it and I
    had a great little Appaloosa that excelled in gymkhana games. From them I learned
    that it's important to care about what each horse likes to do and have fun with
    them as a team.I had many friends that had horses and I was very close to them
    because of our common bond. From them I learned communication skills and how
    to be a friend. Being with horses taught me important life lessons that affect me
    everyday.
    My "Formal" Training
    In 1990 I was introduced to, my mentor and friend,Deb Cooper,and a method of
    being with horses called "Natural Horsemanship".Deb had been studying with great
    horsemen like John Lyons and Pat Parelli. She completed the first Parelli Horse
    Course and later was certified by Pat as a colt starter and 3 star horse trainer.
    (You  can learn more about Deb at her website ( debcooperhorses.com )

    I started taking lessons and attending Debs' clinics where I learned tasks, games
    and techniques she had learned over the years that helped me with my own
    horses. I  got to experience her wonderful natural ability to know horses and to get
    people to push beyond their comfort zone to become better riders .During these
    years I was also able to attend a couple clinics with Pat Parelli and David Lichman
    which were very informative.

    In 1998 I was asked to come to work for her. So,I started an internship of about
    3    years starting colts, helping problem horses and starting people on the "natural
    path". My time with Deb was filled with fun and hard work . I learned horse
    psychology and how to find the reasons for and solve problems that people and
    horses can sometimes have. She also helped me to find the feel and the timing to
    become a better horseman.I have many "tools in my belt" because of her and can
    never thank her enough!!

    Since then I have been giving lessons to many different types of people and
    horses,  enjoying every minute of it.I love the feeling of getting a horse and rider
    connected in   a friendship of trust, confidence, mutual respect, comfort, and
    love.  I try to always make learning fun for the horse and the human,help problems
    that may exist and extend the communication.

    On the personal side, I enjoy being with my own horses,playing at liberty with
    them,  trail riding as well as competing in trail trials, ACTHA events and Extreme
    Cowboy Courses. I love all animals,a lot of which I share my home with.I also
    enjoy traveling and meeting new people,horses,and critters.
Who I Am...