I grew up on a small cattle ranch in the peaceful hills of Castro Valley, CA. Although we had always had horses around, it was a 20 something year old flea bitten gray Arabian gelding named Mickey that my parents adopted who would become my best friend and the start of my future career with horses. I spent most of my childhood with Mickey and even though we only had a few riding years together, I spent countless nights in the barn reading to Mickey and telling him stories about my day. When I was eight years old I had decided I wanted to jump horses. Since my family knew very little about English riding they decided it was best to sign me up for lessons. I began taking lessons from three day eventing trainer, JoEllen Oslund. I showed eventers until I was thirteen. At that point my mother had purchased Stinger, a three year old APHA gelding that would take me in a whole new direction. Stinger and I began riding and showing with Jessica Mosbaugh in 2003. Jessica introduced me to the world of APHA breed shows. I went on to show western pleasure, hunter under saddle, horsemanship, halter, reining, and many more as a 17 and under youth and, later, Amateur. In 2006 I attended West Hills Community College, majoring in Agricultural business. I missed the horses daily though so I ended up joining the rodeo team. We traveled almost every weekend to various NIRA rodeos in which I competed in barrel racing and break away roping. In 2010 I reconnected with Jessica when I aquired my first yearling. This was when I discovered my passion for working with colts. In 2013 I was introduced to the world of Western Dressage and I was hooked! For the first time in years I had found an event that focused on the parternship and well being of the horse and rider. I loved this feeling and was eager to find more events that embraced these values. In 2016 received my WDAA Professional Certification from Frances Carbonnel and Cliff Swanson. I have had the privilege of riding with some great teachers/ trainers including Lyn Ringrose-Moe, Chris Ellsworth, and José Manuel Correia Lopes to name a few. All of which have helped me gain a better understanding and stronger connection to the horse. In 2015, Jessica offered me the opportunity as Assistant trainer and Barn Manager at Pacific Performance Horses. Jessica has taught me how to communicate with horses and listen to what they are trying to tell us. She has shown me how to handle each horse as an individual and create a unique program that will help that particular horse to succeed in life. One of the most important things that I have learned while riding with her is creating a plan that will suit both horse AND rider. To set the foundation for a life of fun and success no matter what direction the horse and rider choose to go.
Some of my accomplishments include: 2015 Cowboy Dressage World Finals Partnership Open High Point 2016 June Cowboy Dressage Overall Open High Point 2016 Cowboy Dressage World Soft Feel Champion 2017 February Cowboy Dressage Overall Open High Point