About Me

I have been in love with horses since my alphabet book: "H is for horse." I started riding when I was 9 years old and never looked back. My instructor, Christine Radosta, was very strict and knowledgeable. 
She taught me not only how to ride but how to understand horses. I became fascinated 
with horse behavior, especially with their interactions with each other. 

I began assisting Christine with horse training and at the age of 14 started my first filly which ignited a passion for young horses. I learned the importance of a proper foundation and how a poor start can effect a colt's perspective for the rest of their riding career. This filly, Margeaux, taught and continues to teach me about the importance of patience and understanding. I have had Margeaux for 10 years and she and I continue to learn from each other.  It amazes me that after all these years she is still eager to be with me and accomplish new 
tasks. 

At the age of 16 I began assistant teaching along side Christine in preparation for taking my Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (formerly known as NARHA) instructor certification exam. I have taught many different types of riders of varying age, experience, and confidence levels. I always stress safety with them because the safer a person is around a horse the more their confidence grows. I know what it is like to feel timid around horses and the struggle it can be to become more self-assured around them. I don't want any of my students to have to go through that experience. This is where understanding horse behavior comes into play - - but that's a whole 'nother subject that I can't even begin to cover here.

In 2008 Christine passed away due to colon cancer and for a time I didn't know if I still wanted to have a career with horses. My dream of owning my own equestian facility was put on hold while I pursued a business degree at Dallas Baptist University. During this time I continued to work with my own horses as well as volunteer with various therapeutic riding barns and in 2010 I passed the PATH International Instructor Certification Exam. The bond that special needs riders have with their horses is breath taking. Horses that are normally a handful for able bodied riders transform into willing partners for their special needs riders. Winston Churchill got it right when he penned the line "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man." I have heard children who have never talked in their life, tell their horse to "walk on" or "whoa". 

After graduating Dallas Baptist University in 2013, I took a 4 week course at the Parelli Campus in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. I loaded my 5 year old Warmblood gelding in the trailer and we drove from Ellis County all the way to Pagosa Springs. We learned so much in those 4 weeks. It was one of the most stressful yet rewarding experiences in my career. I hope to go back one day to take the 10 week Intensive Training Course which is a requirement for Parelli Instructor Certification. I have been a working student with 4 Star Senior
Parelli Instructor Christi Rains. If you have never heard of Pat and Linda Parelli, check out their website at http://www.parelli.com/.