Background Experience

1962 - 1965: I took beginner and intermediate instruction from Susie Balensteifen at Bridle Path Stables, Denver, Colorado. I started horse showing at this time.

1965 - 1971: I relocated to Arapahoe Riding Club, a very large facility in the Denver area and began taking advanced coaching from Wilson Dennehy (a nationally renowned "A" circuit judge and rider). During this time I took over teaching the lesson barn classes as well as classes for those who had purchased their own horses. While Mr. Dennehy was away, I often taught those in my own riding peer group. I was lucky enough to be invited on the Arapahoe Hunt on several occasions. I spent much of my time training green track horses (often seven a day). I was the instructor for the Denver University Equestrian Program. I toured the local horse shows coaching as many as eight students of my own, while successfully showing my own thoroughbred hunter through pre-green, first year green, second year green and open on the Colorado "A" circuit. I was a Maclay class winner and I received our riding club's two highest honors: The "A" pin which was given to those who successfully show at the "A" shows over 3'6" and the Schrefferman trophy for over all achievement. I won the latter of these awards an unprecedented two years in a row. I also won the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association Sportsmanship Award.

1971 - 1976: I attended Drake University and continued to teach private lessons at Mossland Acres, a private facility owned by Phil Moss and his daughter Maggie, a well known "A" circuit rider. After graduating with a degree in Secondary Education, I trained horses and ran the lesson program at Raccoon Valley Horse Center, another local Hunter Jumper barn owned by Bud Lautenbach. It was during this time I worked with dressage master Frank Matthews, a former member of the Austrian Equestrian team. The barn was subsequently purchased by Mossland Acres and I continued with Maggie and her husband, Brian Flynn. I also lectured and conducted clinics for the Iowa State Equestrian Club. I coached as many as 20 beginner through advanced students at local shows.
1978 - 1987: After taking a couple of years off to teach in the Des Moines schools, I became an independent contractor teaching thirty students at their homes or at several different local barns. I have prepared several students for Pony Club and 4H activities, as well as preparing several students for "A" level events. I also trained Arabian horses for the new Hunter Jumper classes in their shows, qualifying one for the Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. I rode with the Arapahoe Hunt in Colorado, the Moingona Hunt in Iowa and the Mr. Stewart's Cheshire Foxhounds in Unionville, Pennsylvania. (Thank goodness we never caught anything. I no longer believe in live hunts.) My students have successfully competed in cross country events.

1987 - Present: When I moved to Washington in 1987, I continued to contract independently and established a clientele of up to 20 students ranging from beginner to advanced. My territory ranges from the San Juan Islands to Mercer Island. This includes 4H and Pony Club. I've trained green horses and riders as well as those ready for the A and B circuits. My coaching experience included everything from local schooling shows to the Evergreen Classic. At present, my focus is holistic horsemanship. I have experience in the Parelli Method and horse communication. I also utilize herbs, flower essences, vitamins, minerals, and environmental therapy to help the modern horse achieve balance. After realizing that many horses would benefit greatly by going barefoot, I am now making customized slip-on horse shoes called HorseMocs for the horse in transition from metal nail-on shoes.

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