As a horsewoman, I am most proud of… How much trust my current and past horses have in me.
As a horsewoman, I would most like to improve … So many things, though I’ve never quite figured out how to clip legs well, so probably clipping legs.
A horse person I admire is… Fran Dotoli. She has such strong fundamentals in her teaching, a true admiration and respect for the horse, and is a wonderful judge. Other qualities of Fran’s I admire are her sense of humor, work ethic, and dedication to a job well done.
The best part about having a career in horses is… Being professionally connected to something I care so much about. Big picture, I really believe that we are working towards a better life for horses and having a positive impact on the sport. It’s also pretty neat to be able to ask your co-workers how their horses are, small-talk about their horse’s new turnout friends, or help decide between two new turnout blankets.
One thing everyone can do to make our sport better is… Listen to the horses, and let it go when it’s not your day.
To the barn, I always bring… Patience and a good attitude. The right hair tie. A hat (ball cap or beanie, depending on the temperature) because my helmet hair is always atrocious. Water. On the weekends, coffee.
My favorite horse book is… Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.
My favorite non-horse book is… Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez.
Something members may not know about USHJA is… The staff loves horses, dogs, and coffee! Everyone there is really trying their best, day in and day out. Committees and programs are geared towards hunter/jumper best practices, sport growth, and the betterment of the sport for horses and humans.
A moment in the show ring I will always remember is… Being Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champion at the Kentucky Spring Classic in May 2022 on Je T’Aime. (I rode and showed Je T’Aime for about 5 years.) The jumps came up so easily at that show, it felt like magic! The icing on the cake was being Grand Adult Champion.
On Mondays you’ll find me… Working from home with my three dogs, Eddie, Winnie, and Peter. Possibly hopping on the bike or pulling weeds. Cooking dinner with my husband and watching Jeopardy.
I encourage young riders to take advantage of… The community at your barn. Watch lessons, ask others about tack, horse care, routines, feed—everything. Outside of the barn, consider participating in the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge (HQC), Emerging Athletes Program (EAP), and any clinics nearby. When at shows, watch other rings and classes; it’s so much better in person than streaming.
The best time of year in Lexington, Kentucky is… Tie for spring and fall. It’s really a beautiful place, and I’m lucky to call Lexington home.
A piece of advice for people and families new to the sport is… Read and watch as much as possible. Ask questions! Encourage lots of unmounted time around the barn. Absorb as much as you can in all ways possible.
I’m a sucker for … Houseplants and SmartEquine sales.
My favorite horse show is… Kentucky Spring because… The weather is perfect here (outside of rain, at least one day guaranteed). For those of us who winter in Kentucky, it’s our first chance to really show outside and enjoy a nice trail ride at the Horse Park. My motto is… Love the process. There is so much joy in every little thing that builds to the big thing.
