My love for all animals started at a very young age, and for as long as I can remember, I have always been drawn more toward any animals than anything else with a special place in my heart for the ones most would typically look past. I was lucky enough to have an older sister who was obsessed with horses when we were kids growing up in Berlin, Germany, and supportive parents who nurtured her love for horses by enrolling her on the local vaulting team at the only stable around during that time. During her training, my mom and I would wander around the stables captivated by the presence of the other horses. Little did I know that this fascination would later shape my life in profound ways, but it wasn't until we moved to the United States in 1998 that my own journey with horses truly began.

In those early days in Salem, Oregon, at the young age of 7 and armed with nothing but enthusiasm and determination, I started my first riding lessons even before I could speak English. I owe my gratitude to Kathie Stead, my very first, patient and empathetic riding instructor, who found ways to communicate with me without relying solely on words; and my parents who, with their limited grasp of the language, served as translators during those moments when understanding proved challenging. Nevertheless, the sheer exhilaration of being around horses fueled my spirit, and I embraced every moment. As my riding skills developed, I found myself participating in horse shows with various lesson horses. Success followed, with numerous titles and ribbons adorning my achievements for several years, and yet, upon reflection, the pressure of performance began to cloud my true identity. The external validation and accolades felt good to my ego but I felt I'd lost my connection to the horse and nature, creating an inner conflict between who I was on the inside and the belief I carried to need to succeed with my supposed talents. Although my teenage mind struggled to comprehend this at the time, the seeds of self-discovery had been sown.

During my university years, I encountered a trainer who introduced me to the world of Classical Dressage. By that time I already owned my first horse, Zena, and excelled as a star student within the program, but a sense of unease persisted. After four years under this trainer's guidance, my personal life took an unexpected turn and I took a daring leap by relocating to the Portland area on my own, where I spent the next six years navigating my equestrian and personal journeys independently. These 6 years would prove to be the most profound and important time in my development as a horsewoman, which later opened the door to resolving my inner conflicts and reconnecting with my true self. Despite the financial constraints I faced at the time, I immersed myself in books, unearthing the wisdom of the old masters of classical dressage. This period was wrought with frustration, tears, and moments of doubt as I realized that the skills I had learned thus far were insufficient for overcoming my challenges individually. Only when I shed the burden of expectations and allowed myself and my horse to be free from prescribed notions, did genuine progress begin to take shape. It was during this transformative phase that I learned to ask the right questions and truly listen to my horse.

It was also during this time that I began meeting key individuals who would shape my knowledge and future impact with horses. Janice Chipman was one of these people who took me under her wing to help me understand the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of horses through studying hoof pathology and horses’ natural movements. This understanding about the equine foot and learning how to trim my own horses and solve pathologies was paramount to understanding how the rest of the horse is connected from the ground up. Learning how to see irregularities in movement patterns, as well as physical abnormalities in the horse's posture and carriage, propelled me into the work I do today in working toward helping horses find balance and soundness in body and mind. Rediscovering my youthful ability to listen to my heart and my horses proved pivotal. Motivated by a burning desire to share my newfound knowledge, I began teaching riding lessons and workshops to earn extra income and I made a solemn commitment to myself as an instructor to provide my students with the tools to understand, think critically, and feel deeply, empowering them to navigate any scenario in partnership with their horses. 

Driven by relentless curiosity and a hunger for mentorship, I sought guidance from renowned clinicians who could help bridge the gaps in my knowledge. However, it wasn't until I fortuitously connected with Clay Wright that everything fell into place. On a whim, I reached out to him, hoping to bring his teachings to the barn I was at in Oregon City and the community of people I had now surrounding me. This encounter exceeded all expectations, as Clay's unique approach and philosophy aligned perfectly with my values and aspirations.During our very first meeting, Clay's lessons articulated and validated everything I had felt during those tumultuous six years of self-discovery. It was as if he possessed the ability to see inside my soul and uncover the intricacies of my journey by way of the horse. With remarkable clarity, he explained concepts and principles that I had intuited but struggled to articulate on my own. Each lesson with Clay became a transformative experience, adding depth and meaning to my equestrian and personal pursuits.

Under Clay's guidance, I began to unravel the layers of my own understanding and develop an even more profound connection with my horses. His teachings emphasized the importance of listening – not only to the horse but also to myself. I learned to trust my instincts and recognize the subtle messages communicated by these sensitive animals. It was through this mindful approach that true harmony and partnership blossomed between me and my equine companions.

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As my relationship with Clay deepened, his mentorship extended beyond the arena. He helped shape not only my horsemanship skills but also my character. Clay has instilled in me the significance of vulnerability, humility, and trust – qualities essential not just in the world of horses, but in every facet of life. His guidance validated my previous discoveries that being a successful equestrian is not defined by executing perfect movements or winning ribbons, but that true success lies in the willingness to try, to learn, and to grow both as a rider and as a person.

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For me, teaching has become a conduit for transformation – a way to pass on the wisdom and insights that have shaped my own journey. I endeavor to create an environment where vulnerability is celebrated, where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth, and where the bond between horse and rider thrive in an atmosphere of trust and respect bringing out and honoring the true nature within each other.

Every day, I continue to expand myself in all facets of life, knowing that the lessons I learn in the saddle transcend beyond the arena. My mission is not only to cultivate skilled riders but also to nurture individuals who embody empathy, compassion, and resilience. Through this holistic approach, I aspire to contribute positively, not just to the equestrian community, but to the world at large.

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