As a horseman, I am most proud of… My commitment to doing what’s in the best interest of my clients and their horses.
As a horseman, I would most like to improve… The amount of time I spend educating my students on the small details. There seems to be a balance between being a micromanager and simply skipping teachable moments. I want to continue educating without being one extreme or the other.
A horse person I admire is… Bob Crandall. Bob is my mentor and friend, and he played a significant role in me getting my USEF “R” license.
My best piece of advice for young riders is… Find the parts of the sport you’re most passionate about because when things become challenging, you’ll need that passion to fuel you.
A very memorable judging moment was… Judging with Bob Crandall at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show in North Carolina. He liked a horse more than I did, I proceeded to tell him (in a firm tone) that I couldn’t give the horse as high a score as he wanted. For some reason, we looked at each other and laughed hysterically. It’s always fun judging with good friends.
The best part of living in Seattle is… The barn is only 30 minutes away from the city. I get to live in the city where everything is walkable, but I only have to drive half an hour to the barn.
My go-to horse show meal or snack is… A hot dog with everything on it when I’m judging. When I’m an exhibitor, I want three street tacos with mild salsa.
Something I never travel without is… Chapstick and cough drops.
To thrive, this sport needs more… Diversity. I was shocked to learn from the USEF that I am the first Black USEF “R” Judge.
The most rewarding thing about owning an equine business is… Work-life balance. I take a few clients at a time. I will not take more than five horses to a show. I want to do this sport forever, and I’m self-aware enough to know what I need in order to have longevity in the sport while being happy and healthy.
On Mondays you’ll find me… Recharging. On my days off, I recharge by doing absolutely nothing or spending time with friends in Seattle. I find the balance depending on what my needs are.
My favorite book is… Something in the psychology or personal growth genre. I’m unable to pick one specific book. I’m the same with movies and music…I can’t pick just one.
One thing I hope to teach and pass on to the next generation of equestrians is… The love for growing with your horse and finding happiness in small “victories.”
I’m a sucker for… A quality horse with a good brain.
Being a columnist and equine journalist has allowed me to… Grow. It’s outside my comfort zone and something I’m not naturally good at. I have to challenge myself.
My favorite horse show is… The Capital Challenge Horse Show because… I grew up 15 minutes away when I was a child, but I never had the resources or opportunity to compete at this show. I have now competed there several times as a professional, and it’s special to me. I remember always attending as a kid to watch and dream about being able to show. I knew if I worked hard enough, I could have an opportunity to be an exhibitor. My next dream and goal is to have an opportunity to judge there…maybe in 2030!
My motto is… Love people when they come into your life and love them when that season is over. Although I have many mottos, this is one of them that is applicable in both a professional and personal setting.
A quality that makes a great student is…The desire to keep trying
My students always hear me say…Connection! I’m a huge believer in connecting with the horses; they have feelings, too!
