How it all began…
A little about me and how my philosophies developed
I have been around horses since I was 8 years old, owned my first horse at 19 and have been teaching since 1994. I have attended many different clinics over the years, some for the horse, some for myself and some for teaching. I took something from every clinic, whether it was something that I wanted to incorporate in my program or not. My teaching and program evolved over the years from my own experiences with students and horses and with all the learning opportunities I have had. I believe it is my responsibility to keep learning and offering the very best I can for our students. I want to share my experience and knowledge with riders and the next generation of instructors.
A little about my horsemanship program
Safety is my priority. Every student is given the opportunity to grow: physically, emotionally and spiritually. Students should be learning new skills at their own pace. My farm, It Takes Two Farm, offers quality traditional horsemanship programs within a safe and enriching environment where sportsmanship, community, respect and responsibility are fostered.
Horsemanship involves all aspects of handling, caring for and riding horses. By building a strong well-rounded foundation in each of these three skill areas, students gain a deeper understanding of these magnificent creatures, develop respect for them and create the meaningful bonds necessary for long term successful relationships between horse and rider. Successful horse and rider relationships require patience, responsibility, discipline, perseverance and teamwork. As these traits develop through horsemanship activities at It Takes Two Farm, they are sure to carry over to many other areas of the rider’s life. Each lesson is structured to include time for grooming, handling, and riding. Lessons are individualized based on a rider’s abilities, goals and learning style. All lessons and activities take place in a non-competitive, friendly, and supportive environment which enables students to meet their potential, void of pressure and without the fear of failing. With the close supervision of my experienced and knowledgeable staff, riders are encouraged to stretch their limits, meet new challenges and take appropriate risks as they build a stronger sense of self and increase their confidence. The indoor ring, the trails, and the classroom are all utilized for lessons. Both English and western fundamentals are taught at It Takes Two Farm. Bareback pads are used for students to remain balanced and centered on the back of the horse without the assistance of a saddle.
I pride myself on being a safety conscious, experiential, comfortable place for people to learn all about the horse. The dedication of our staff is why our programs have been so successful.
This is just the beginning
In this next chapter, I will focus on sharing my experiences and knowledge to riders, instructors, and programs alike. Through my blog posts, digital products, and videos, I aim to breakdown concepts and exercises to provide valuable insights and guidance to all individuals involved in the equestrian world. Stay tuned for in-depth analyses and practical demonstrations that will enrich your understanding and enhance your skills in all things horsemanship.
