My Early Years
    I have spent my entire 39 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 some competition trail trials.I love all
    animals,a lot of which I share my home with.I also enjoy traveling and
    meeting new people,horses,and critters.
About Me