I first became involved in horses in 1988 and began teaching and training dressage around 1997.
I’ve taken the 2 year Equine Science Program (English Major) as well as the 1 year CEF Western Coaching Program at the Olds College. I teach both English and Western students, but my passion is Dressage.
In the 2014 / 2015 school year, I was invited to be a substitute teacher for the Equine Science Program (English Coaching & English Horsemanship Majors) at the Olds College. I had the pleasure of teaching the dressage portion of the program for 2 semesters while the regular instructor was unavailable.
Some of the many Instructors and clinicians I’ve had the pleasure of learning from (during for my competitive career) include; Ellen Bontje (Olympic Silver Medalist), Cindy Ishoy (Olympic Bronze Medalist), Olympian David Marcus & Lindsey Stroh (Grand Prix Rider). Without a doubt, the person who has influenced me the most in competitive dressage is Jane Savoie. Jane Savoie coached at three Olympic games, was a member of the US Equestrian Team and the Reserve Rider for the Bronze medal winning Olympic Dressage team in Barcelona. Sadly, Jane Savoie died in 2021
In the past, I’ve had the great joy of riding Grand Prix dressage. I have personally trained client horses up to the Prix St. Georges level and successfully competed from 1st level up to 4th level … winning championships at each level (scores up to 73.684% at Gold Rated Dressage Shows) with horses in training.
I’ve trained many young horses. Young horses are extremely quick learners and owners are often astonished at how fast they progress. My main goal is to produce a horse that is relaxed and obedient to the aids in the saddle AND on the ground.
My students range from beginner (Western and English) to advanced. Several of my students are instructors themselves. My most advanced dressage student successfully showed at 3rd level and started schooling 4th. Some of my students are jumper orientated, who take dressage lessons to help improve their flatwork for jumping.