About
I have over 45 years experience with different kind of horses. Born in Germany to German parents, I studied horses and developed my first horse at the age of 12. I love horses and believe we should enjoy them and try different disciplines. We can learn something from all of them. Horses teach us something everyday. Be open and listen to them. As the horse/rider become more proficient, they progress through the levels in dressage, jumping, trail riding or working equitation. I have school horses available to learn on for every age.
I love to watch people progress and learn to be aware of their own body and how the horse reacts to the smallest cue from the rider. Children amaze me at how fast they learn if they not fearful. Patience with horses and rider is key. Not everyone learns at the same pace.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each student gets to learn how to take care of the horse before and after riding if they choose. If student is a beginner they get to ride a beginner horse that is quiet and will take care of the rider. If rider is more experienced, they get to learn on a school horse that is trained to do higher level movements.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 45 plus experienced with all types of horses: Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Paso Fino, gaited, dressage etc. I grew up in Germany and have my German bronze medal. I continue my education on a daily basis from Shana and Thomas Ritter.
In my previous life, I was a scientist in a big corporation. I have a BS in Animal Health (wanted to become a veterinarian) and a MBA in business.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Each lesson is $60 on my horse or yours. Sometimes its 45 minutes and sometimes it 2 hours. It is an option that I recommend, if student would like to learn about horse care before and after lesson.
Horse training withing 25 mile radius of my house, is $35\ride.
How did you get started teaching?
I have been teaching horses and people for over 30 years. I have a MBA and used to be a scientist for a very large corporation. I believe my passion is to teach people and horses because it fills my heart with good emotions when I see students becoming secure with themselves and their horse. Actually learning from me?!!
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with any age from about 7 years old to 80. Students must be physically active and under 200lbs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent event that I am proud of.....I am proud of a little crazy, chestnut Paso Fino mare, that has become the best little horse. Quiet, responsive and completely opposite of when I first met her. She loves obstacles and dressage. She recieved her first 4th place at a working equitation show last November. If you knew her before I starting riding her, you would understand why I am so proud of her.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I know its difficult, but please make sure you find someone honest. Many instructors want you to buy a horse that doesn't match your abilities. Oh, you can learn with the horse!! No, you can't.... Horses can be dangerous. They do not know what is right or wrong. It is easy to teach a horse bad behavior as it is acceptable behavior. You don't want the extra cost of having your trainer train your horse also. Please, if you do buy a horse, make sure you can handle it and know basic horsemanship such as feeding, cost of basic care, basic vet. care, etc. Horses are not cheap, and there is always something they need.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Be honest with your future instructor. Please don't say you can ride when you only rode a trail horse at some ranch for an hour. Please wear closed toe shoes with a small heal and long pants when you show up for your lesson. If you are 4 ft tall and weigh 200 lbs, it will be difficult for you to get your legs open enough to ride a horse. Please be honest with yourself and your instructor. Your instructor wants you to succeed, that is why they love teaching. :)