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Over the last few years I finally figured out what made me get up every morning and head straight for the barn: the horses! Not the competitions but just the horses themselves. I have been away from the sport since 2005 and that is when I finally discovered why I do what I do. The last few years have been very valuable to me for many reasons but the most important thing I have discovered is I love getting up and training horses all day everyday. It doesn’t matter to me if it is a field hunter; show hunter or a top-level eventer each and every one of them teaches me something new. I believe the most important aspect of being a professional horsewoman is making each horse a happy horse.
Starting with ground manners, all of the horses in our program are taught solid basics. No matter the level of competition, a horse and rider must have mutual respect for one another. David and Karen O’Connor introduced to me natural horsemanship. I have always lived by these rules but the O’Connors taught me the true techniques. Natural Horsemanship gives horses confidence and discipline and helps the rider learn how important body language and communication are in the relationship.
Through my journey I have learned from many amazing horsemen and women. Iona Pillion taught me how to post, jump and care for these amazing creatures. The confidence I have today is from Iona’s influences from my childhood. Bert Mutch educated me in how to ride a proper line and stride. Mara DePuy Dean gave me the core of my program. Mara really emphasized the connection from leg to hand, a vital part of the puzzle when riding any horse. She taught me you have to look the part first in order to be the part. David O’Connor gave me finesse. He helped me connect all parts of my riding and all three phases. I learned about the power of my seat from David.
I have always ridden small horses and I was lucky enough to be training with the master of riding small horses Karen O’Connor. She gave me the confidence in myself to ride these smaller horses at the upper levels. Karen would say, “don’t let them know they are small!!” Karen coached me through getting Dexter and Mack to believe in me at the three star level. Betsy Steiner gave me tactics for maximizing points in the dressage ring. Gerd Zuther is currently teaching me the classical techniques of dressage. My young horse walked into a lesson with Gerd not knowing how to canter and walked out of the lesson doing counter canter. Gerd is all about the basics.
I participated in the Developing Riders Program a few years ago and was fortunate enough to ride with Kim Severson. Since then I have gone back to Kim recently to get help. She is truly an amazing teacher. Kim has reinforced for me the importance of balance and body control. These are the horsemen and women who have been most influential on my program and me.
Each horse at Timbercreek Farm has a customized program. Programs are tailored to fit the horse’s individual needs and to help him/her maximize potential. We want to make every experience a good one to ensure the horses are working with us not against us as riders.
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2005 |
10th place American Eventing Championships Advanced Division
8th place Jersey Fresh CCI***
16th place Foxhall CCI***
1st place Poplar Place Advanced Division
5th place Poplar Place Advanced Divison
5th place Pine Top Advanced Division
Developing Riders (selected by the US Team selectors)
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2004 |
5th place Menfelt Advanced Division
3rd place Menfelt Advanced Division
4th place Morven Park Advanced Division
9th place Foxhall CCI***
5th place Chatsworth Georgia CIC***
10th place Poplar Place Advanced Division
Developing Riders (selected by the US Team selectors)
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2003 |
5th place North American Young Riders CCI**
6th place Radnor Hunt CCI**
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