A Life with Horses

When reflecting on my riding career to write my biography, I couldn’t help but think of all the wonderful opportunities I’ve had with horses and the trainers who influenced me. During this reflection, I decided to start by highlighting the most important part of my riding career—the horses that made me who I am today. Every horse I’ve worked with helped shape my journey as a rider and equestrian, and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So, here’s a quick top 8:
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• Basic Doc: My favorite lesson horse, whom I loved with my whole heart.

• Jasper Creek: My first lease horse, a saint who helped me earn my wings for jumping.

• Raven’s Wing: My first horse, a shiny seal bay Thoroughbred mare bred to run, who hated being brushed but could do anything—hunters, jumpers, foxhunting, pony club, and even being my mom’s trail horse for over 20 years.

• Farley’s Flame: A horse I developed from barely broke on the flat to jumping 3’6” in hunters and equitation. This horse taught me perseverance through good and bad. I made many mistakes, yet this horse remained patient and kind, making us a strong team.

• Rohan and Tango: The first horses I bought as a professional, and they were half-brothers. Rohan (or Hansi) was pushed too hard at a sales barn, which temporarily ruined his sweet, willing personality. Helping him recover brought me immense joy. When I sold him, I bought his brother, Tango, directly from the breeder. Tango was a happy-go-lucky horse with none of his brother’s baggage. He taught me how good upbringing leads to a horse who’s ready to work.

• Doc Holliday: After years of working with off-track Thoroughbreds, I bought my own. Doc was my first gray "unicorn," retiring sound at age 6 after four years of racing. He taught me to slow down and trust my process. I was sad to sell him during my first pregnancy, but I’m proud of the foundation I laid for his successful career as an eventer and show jumper on the East Coast.

• Bonnie: My current Canadian Warmblood mare, who reminds me how much I love bringing along green horses. Bonnie is a delight to ride, and I’m enjoying watching her grow. Her love for grooming and her affectionate personality have rekindled my passion for expanding my knowledge as a horseperson to better serve her needs.

My equestrian background spans many disciplines, but one thing has remained constant throughout my career: I’ve always focused on becoming a complete horseperson. I’ve made every effort to expand my knowledge in both riding and horse care. The first farm I rode at as a child did vaulting and competitive trail riding. I transitioned from this more general experience to my personal equestrian home—hunter/jumper. As a junior rider, I participated in hunters, jumpers, and equitation across the Southeast. I rode and showed my own horses and catch rode at the farms I trained at, as well as at other local barns. I also participated in Pony Club up to the C-3 level, worked summers with a large-animal vet, and volunteered at a local therapeutic riding center.

After a severe case of burnout, I tried to give up horses for a year and attended NYU in New York City. I’m grateful for that time, as it made me realize that horses will always be part of my life, and it showed me that city living wasn’t for me. This prompted my move to the Pacific Northwest in 2000, where I’ve been happily settled ever since.

I spent three years in Olympia, WA, finishing college and working as a student for the great dressage trainer Mike Osinski. Observing and riding top-level dressage horses inspired a love for dressage in me. Feeling the magic of movements like piaffe, passage, one-tempis, and pirouettes encouraged my commitment to correct flatwork.

After college, I worked as a hunter/jumper professional in the Seattle and greater Sound area for about eight years before moving to Portland, Oregon. During my 20s, I served as head trainer at a barn that transitioned from local schooling shows to rated shows across the Pacific Northwest. My students earned championships at local and rated shows, from ponies to 3’6” equitation, hunters, and jumpers. I also worked with eventers and continued my commitment to excellent flatwork, believing it leads to better jumping performance.

Since moving to Oregon in 2010, I’ve had the privilege of working with several excellent trainers, including one who won the World Cup and competed in the London Olympics. I’ve enjoyed my time working with Jo Seifert of Lionheart Training and Kendall and Nicole Beaujois of Imagination Lane. I’ve seen riders and horses competing at the highest levels of our sport and feel confident supporting horses and riders at any level. As a trainer, I find joy in seeing small improvements that help riders reach their bigger goals. I also love bringing along green horses and would like to work with more breeders in consignment-based sales. After having children, I opted for a path with less time on the road and fewer shows, though I’ve slowly returned to competition. Fairy Tail Training aims to attend a handful of local H/J shows and a few A shows in 2025, depending on rider interest. I’m available to provide coaching or riding at shows throughout the region.

While my heart belongs to horses, my desire to share their magic led me to return to school for a degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Since 2020, I’ve worked in this field, which has greatly enhanced my skills as a trainer. My work as an OT practitioner involves helping individuals engage in meaningful activities by providing the necessary scaffolding, supports, or education. This experience translates well into my ability to tailor riding lessons for people with varying needs.

When I’m not working with horses, I love spending time with my family. We enjoy nature adventures, swimming, hiking, biking, camping, paddleboarding, mushroom hunting, and foraging. I also enjoy running, cooking, reading, and have been slowly learning piano. Traveling and exploring new places is another favorite pastime when time permits.

Business Goals:
1.  Fairy Tail Training LLC aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for both horses and humans.
2.  FTT clients, both horse and human, are the driving force behind my continuing education. FTT should be a space where trainers and students grow as equestrians, both in and out of the saddle.
3.  FTT aims to grow sustainably, honoring nature and allowing space for the slowest horses and humans in our community.