Experience

2022- present

I started Horse ReCourse, a non-profit 501c3 horse rescue based in Mendocino County, to help horses in need. Please follow this link to the website for details.

2001 - Present

Self-Employed in northern California. Specializing in starting young horses, finding solutions for horses and riders, teaching horsemanship lessons to help people safely enjoy their time with their horses, and placing horses in quality homes.  Horses in training have included young hunter/jumper, dressage, three-day eventing, working cowhorse, cutting and reining prospects, endurance, pleasure and trail horses, and rescue projects, including mustangs, racehorses, donkeys and mules. I enjoy encouraging human and equine students of all ages, levels and disciplines of riding. Clients' numbers available upon reference request.

I continue to receive lessons in various disciplines with some of my mentors, who have included: John Saint Ryan, Audrey Goldsmith, Manolo Mendez, Klaus Shoneich, Sue Sherry, Cindy Schleuss, Gwen Stockebrand, Klaus Bergener, Mike Beck, Ed Dabney, Leslie Rosenberg,  Ollie Galligan, Art Grunig, Diana Field, Bryan Neubert, Ray Hunt, Richard Winters, and others, in an effort to continuously improve and refine my own skills.

I have also had the privilege to ride in Patagonia and Egypt, on fabulous Criollos and Arabians, with horsemen of those regions.  Remaining open to many ways to approach the Horse has broadened my world view and given me the ability to connect with many different horses and riders.

2004-2007

Horsemanship Program Director at the Highland Ranch in Mendocino County.  While accepting a limited number of horses in training, I also had the wonderful opportunity to host clinics and invite riders to this luxurious equestrian paradise.  I managed the health, training, and safety of up to 30 horses and guests. 

2000-2001

Assistant to Audrey Goldsmith and Diana Field at Skyview Farm in Sebastopol.   I have learned so much from these amazing trainers and the talented horses they have in their barn. I continue to visit Audrey at Sequel Farm in Bend, Oregon for lessons and clinics.

1996,1999

Wrangler at the N Bar Ranch.   Duties included starting young ranch horses, guiding guests through over 100,000 acres of the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico, working cattle, care of 60 head of horses, including mares and foals. Preston Bates, the owner and manager of the ranch, taught me much by example, told me a few secrets, and left me alone in the wilderness to discover what I could from the back of some wonderful horses. The N Bar is still available for a visit, follow the link above to check them out.

1996 - 1999

Self employed starting horses, helping people with "problem" horses, assisting with hunter/jumper training, teaching beginning lessons, studying Natural Horsemanship, working cattle, and working as a veterinary technician. I appreciate this varied exposure to different horses and owners doing things variable ways. I came across many memorable horses and people who taught me quite a bit.

1994 - 1996

Groom and exercise rider at Triple Rise, Mike Gallaway's hunter/jumper barn, intensive lessons and training.

1993- 1994

Starting colts, guiding trail rides.

1992 –1993

Groom at thoroughbred breeding stables in Kentucky

1988 - 1992

Groom at the Grand Prix level, continued training in dressage and jumping. Western riding experience in gymkhana and cow work.

1978 - 1988

Intensive training in dressage with Kathy Everman, and jumping with Marion Hadden, including daily lessons and monthly showing at rated shows and novice events