Being born and raised in Los Angeles, California, does not typically lend itself to having horses in your own back yard. I however, was fortunate that my Mother caught “horse fever” when I was two years old. I got my first pony when I was seven years old and my first horse Ginger, when I was nine. I competed successfully on the “Open” and “A” Circuits in California for around 12 years as a Jr. Exhibitor in various disciplines.

In 1994, I bought Dusty, a 3-year-old Morgan gelding for competition. I thought he should be “push button” just like my mare Ginger. Well, Dusty soon proved otherwise. I soon found myself boarding Dusty out and putting him into “training” to “fix” him! Little did I know that “I” was the one that needed fixing!

In 1996, I attended my first Parelli Natural Horse*Man*Ship clinic. That started my journey into the Level 1 Partnership Program. In 1997, I passed my Level 1 with my partner Dusty. Once I got started with my Level 2 Harmony Program there was no turning back. I was having more fun with Dusty than I had ever had in the 12 years that I competed. In 1999, I passed my Level 2 with Dusty and felt as though I was on top of the world.

After much anticipation, in the summer of 2000, I signed up for a Level 3 Refinement course being taught by Pat Parelli at the International Study Center (ISC) in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. I made the journey out to Colorado and spent 3 incredible weeks under Pat’s instruction. Seeing the leaps and bounds that my horsemanship made, I went home bound and determined to pass my Level 3 as soon as possible so I could be a better partner for Dusty! In the fall of 2001, I passed my Level 3.

In January of 2003, I was given a very emotional horse that needed to find a good natural home that would understand him. As a Level 3 graduate, I felt comfortable taking on this challenging emotional horse. K.C. was a 13 year old half arab/half appaloosa! He was extremely athletic and extremely emotional at the same time. So, that lends itself to being a very interesting combination. Thanks to the Level 2 Impulsion Programs that Pat has set up for us to follow, K.C. is no longer the “run away” horse that was given to me, as a matter of fact, I can now ride him bridleless! K.C. and I are now working on our Level 3 together and I, personally, am enjoying every minute of this sensitive and athletic horse.

In May of 2003, I applied for and was accepted to the 10-week University Module at the ISC as well as the Professional's Program. My original term of 10 weeks was extended for an additional 10-week term, offering me a total of 5 consecutive months at the ISC. During this time, aside from working on my own horsemanship, I was able to focus on my teaching skills. I spent countless hours with Premier and top Parelli Professionals from all over the world. It was an incredible experience to spend my summer at the ISC.

In January of 2006, I went on a cross country adventure with my horse Dusty from California to Florida! Dusty and I went to the new 6-week courses at the Pat Parelli Center in Ocala, Florida. I attended Course I (Liberty & Horse Behavior), Course II (Fluidity I), and Course III (Fluidity II). It was a great trip and my education and savvy grew greatly.In mid- 2006, I added two new horses to my small herd.

I now have the pleasure of learning from Faith, a 10 year old Oldenburg mare, and Ellie an 8 year old Selle Francais mare. Both of these mares are teaching me a lot and making me a better natural horse person and I am looking forward to my journey with them.

In January of 2007, Dusty, Faith and I headed back East to Florida. This time I went to further my education by taking an 8 week University course. I used Faith the entire time in the University and was thrilled at the tremendous improvement we made together in such a short time. At the end of this University module I was awarded my 3-Star status as a Licensed Parelli Professional.

I hope to hear from you in the future and please don’t forget it is my goal to help horses have a better place to live by helping their humans savvy horses!