Prada (Super Nova Gal)

OTTB Mare Born April 12, 2014

My Off-the-Track Thoroughbred mare was retired from racing at approximately 3–4 years old and restarted under saddle before we purchased her when she was 8. When we acquired her, she had jumped up to 2’ but was extremely nervous and lacked confidence. Rather than pushing her, I chose to step back and focus on relaxation, trust, and correct basics.

Because she is kept at our family farm with limited arena access, much of our work has focused on flatwork, groundwork, and liberty training. I incorporated desensitization and a western-based approach to help her develop confidence and calmness. Since then, she has become significantly more relaxed both on the ground and under saddle.

When I began riding her, she would spook easily, would not stand at the mounting block, was unsafe in the canter, and could not be ridden bareback. Through consistent work, she is now comfortable standing to mount, can be ridden English, western, or bareback, has improved steering and transitions, and has learned lead changes. She is a naturally flowy mover and I believe she is a strong hunter, jumper, and equitation prospect.

I am responsible for her daily flatwork, transitions, ground poles, first fences, conditioning, and overall rideability. I ride her both independently and with trainer supervision when available. Beginning in January, I plan to board her to continue her development more consistently, with goals of building muscle, balance, self-carriage, and returning to fences in a confident, correct way.

Riding Skills & Approach

I am a hardworking rider who values correct basics, consistency, and continuous learning. I focus on developing a strong flatwork foundation and using my position, balance, and body aids to support each horse’s individual needs. Through working with a variety of horses—ranging from sensitive Thoroughbreds to strong or inexperienced mounts—I have learned the importance of patience, adaptability, and clear communication. I do not consider myself finished or “expert,” but I take pride in the progress I have made and in my willingness to learn from trainers, experience, and each horse I ride. My goal as a rider is to continue improving while being safe, and thoughtful in everything I do.

Prince Olaf

20-year-old Welsh × Quarter Horse Cross

My Welsh × Quarter Horse cross is an extremely versatile horse who has played a major role in my development as a rider. When we first purchased him, he was very weak, underconditioned, and labeled as a “push ride.” He had been maintained on grass only prior to coming to us, and we gradually introduced proper nutrition and conditioning.

Under saddle, he initially found ridden work unpleasant and would rear, resist forward movement, and lacked strength and confidence. Through patient, consistent flatwork and thoughtful conditioning, I focused on building his strength, balance, and understanding of the aids.

As his fitness and confidence improved, we discovered that he loves jumping more than anything and is more of a forward, “go” ride rather than a “whoa” ride. Recognizing this allowed me to adjust my riding style and support his natural tendencies. Today, he works happily in multiple settings, including flatwork, poles, small fences up to 2’6”, trail riding, lessons, and children’s pony rides.

Working with him has strengthened my ability to develop straightness, adjustability, and soft, effective contact, while also teaching me how correct management, conditioning, and mindset can completely change a horse’s way of going. He now enjoys all of his jobs and approaches his work with confidence and enthusiasm.

Peanut The Pony

11-year-old Miniature Pony (Miniature Shetland)

When we purchased my miniature pony from an auction, he had experienced abuse and was extremely reactive. He would bite, kick, rear, and would not allow people to approach him. I worked with him through consistent groundwork, desensitization, and positive reinforcement.

Through this process, I taught him voice commands and gradually rebuilt his trust in people. Today, he is a calm, reliable pony used for young children’s birthday pony rides. He is gentle, patient, and confident with kids, and can even jump small obstacles up to approximately 2’.

Training him taught me patience, leadership, timing, and how to break training down into small, achievable steps for long-term success.