It is a true privilege to develop a relationship with a horse based on trust, compassion, consistency and helping them to understand clear expectations. Horses thrive on consistency and I strive to develop confident, willing, harmonious partnerships with all of them. The programs here are custom developed with the horse’s needs first while taking into consideration the goals of their owners. Training programs are structured to meet each horse as an individual and involve discussions of the whole horse in a holistic way that go far beyond what happens undersaddle: groundwork, lunging, long-lining, feed and supplement programs, farrier, vet and dental care, saddle fit, bridle and bit evaluations, discussions of supportive care from bodywork, chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and an assortment of assistive modalities from lasers to far infrared light to microcurrent to magnets and ceramic blankets and a host of others if needed. I have spent years studying the art of training both mind and body of both horse and riders and I have found there are times when the answers can not be found in just one place. I am fortunate not only to have a background in integrative modalities but a wealth of experienced professionals I can turn to for additional help in supporting and developing each horse to their full potential. I will work with any breed and level of horse.

As mentioned in the Training description I value a whole horse approach. We welcome rehab horses and are able to use the many modalities and deep professional network we have to help these horses. We are close to the incredible and renowned Alamo Pintado Equine Hospital as well as a host of local top veterinarians being an area steeped in historical horse farms and ranches. We co-ordinate and follow through with veterinarian prescribed programs and can also assist in trouble shooting and determining root causes of soundness and behavioral issues. We offer an assortment of assistive modalities from lasers to far infrared light to microcurrent to magnets and ceramic blankets and a host of others if needed. I am fortunate not only to have a background in integrative modalities (with course completion certificates) but a wealth of experienced professionals I can turn to for additional help in supporting each horse to heal. We are also able to put them back into work. We have many, many success stories of returning sound and happy horses back to their owners and trainers and their original barns. We also offer temporary lay up.

My passion and background is in Dressage. To me it is all about creating a harmonious partnership using the classical training scale and exercises to gymnastically build horses up through the levels. Maintaining sound, supple, happy horses is paramount. I don’t take shortcuts or use gadgets. I have studied the German Federation and grew up in a German riding school, I have studied with masters of the Cadre Noir from France and also the School of Equestrian Art from Portugal as well as several US Olympians and top level Judges-I am a lifelong learner and strive to continue to evolve as a rider, trainer, coach and judge.

Lessons are offered to all levels of riders. All that I require is an open mind and an interest in learning. I focus on rider position to develop clear and independent aids, teach sequence of aids, how to develop feel and timing and impart classical theory and application. We maintain a huge lending library of riding literature as well as many different monthly publications and DVD’s. Lessons are available in 45 minute private sessions and can be arranged in semi-privates and groups. Trailer- in lessons are welcome. I may be available for offsite lessons locally if schedule permits.

When I discovered this sport- before it was even an organized thing- I was hooked. Watching as the sport got going in Europe and riding in clinics with two of its founders early on I knew it would be something I wanted to commit to. It truly is the most fun of anything I do as it has a Dressage, Obstacle (Ease of Handling), Speed(on obstacles) and an optional Cattle Phase. Like Dressage and WD there are graduated levels of increasing difficulty. You may ride in any “tradition”-discipline- on any breed. I’ve been fortunate to compete 15 different horses of varying breeds in both Dressage and Western tack. I’ve also judged this sport in the US, Canada and Australia. The people involved in the sport are amazing. The camaraderie and sportsmanship is outstanding- truly. For more information go to https://usawe.org/

Finding WD at its’ onset was a blessing. It married my love of the Western lifestyle and working horses with my passion of Dressage. I feel it is such a wonderful opportunity for western horses who have perhaps hit their potential in various western disciplines either due to soundness concerns or just having “been there, done that” and want to explore how Dressage theory and basics can help them. It also gives them levels to build on and goals. It’s been exciting to see all of the different breeds take to it and the truly nice people involved.

We believe in a slow and steady progression and education. We offer ground training and in hand work for horses not yet mature enough to start undersaddle. For those that are we offer a comprehensive experience including lunging, longlining, starting under saddle, introduction to obstacles, trails and cattle if desired.

When it’s time for your treasured friend to enjoy their golden years or perhaps their career has ended early we have several living situations for them to enjoy. Besides the stunning views they can live in small groups of geldings or mares in large dry lot pastures with oak trees and shelters. Or you may choose oversized private stalls with daily grass turnouts or sand day pens. All care includes daily fly spray, masks in fly season, top quality hay and senior feed, customized feed programs if not in groups, rainsheets in inclement weather or the option of being brought into stalls (If space available) and pastures cleaned daily. We arrange hoof trimming and routine vet visits as needed.

Sales horses are welcome. We also have imported select Iberian horses with the purpose of developing them for sale or will assist you to find a horse domestically or internationally that meets your criteria. We strive to carefully match horse and rider. Both sellers and buyers undergo “vetting” as well as the horses.

I am available to travel for clinics. I teach in all three disciplines with a strong Dressage emphasis. I often will teach a clinic in conjunction with Judging a show. Locally, depending on distance, I require a half day minimum. I work with clinic organizers to develop schedules which can include power point presentations, videos, lectures on theory, rules, from Judge’s point of view or can customize topic to participant needs.