Tell us a little about yourself (your location, awards/other certifications you hold, etc):
I live in Kirkland, Washington, board my horses at Cedar Meadow Farm, and train with Kimberly Mitchell and Alyssa Pitts. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of my life and thoroughly enjoy the sport of dressage. One of my passions is scribing for dressage judges.
I am working on an Applied Animal Behavior Certification from the University of Washington, which I should finish in the summer of 2024. Additionally, I am pursuing an independent, Lantra Accredited bit and bridle certification from Neue Schule and hope to transition to a career in the equine industry later in 2024.
I am a USDF Bronze Medalist, having earned it exclusively on a Thoroughbred that I brought through the levels myself. I currently own a 17-year-old Holsteiner Thoroughbred cross, and a 5-year-old Oldenburg whom I purchased from Alyssa Pitts.
How long have you been involved in the sport?
I have been riding for over 40 years and have always had a passion for horses. I joined the Maplewood Pony Club at Donida Farm in 1981, but left riding to attend college in California in 1984. It was not until 1997 that I returned to riding, focusing solely on dressage.
How long have you been a USDF member?
I have been a USDF member since 1997.
What made you decide to participate in the USDF L Education Program?
I have always been a very visual person, and have always enjoyed watching both riders and horses work together – especially when the work is both challenging and harmonious. In Pony Club, we scribed for dressage judges as part of our volunteer work, and I found it both fascinating and educational. It opened my eyes to how movements should be executed correctly, and how a brilliant and well-ridden dressage test can take your breath away. I became obsessed and love scribing, asking judges questions, and reading anything available on the subject to this day.
Today, I see judging as an educational and insightful form of feedback for riders and trainers. I enjoy providing encouragement and insight to very young competitors who are just starting in the dressage ring and strive to make their experience positive. But I also think dressage judges have a huge responsibility in this sport: to maintain its correctness, standards, and the health and welfare of our amazing horses.
How long did it take to complete the program, start to finish?
I believe the program took me nearly a year to complete, but it could have been longer. I only recall it as being one of the hardest endeavors I have ever completed – and finishing with distinction was critical to me, as I knew I wanted to continue with my judging education.
Do you plan to further your dressage education and to continue to apply what you learned in the program to become a licensed official?
Yes, I would like to continue on with my judging education. I need additional USDF scores to advance, and I hope my 5-year-old will help me accomplish that.
Do you serve as a judge for schooling shows in your capacity as an L Graduate? If so, on average, how many per year?
Yes, I currently have one schooling show scheduled for 2024, but I am looking to add more. There is no limit to the number – I love judging!
What impact did the program have on your dressage knowledge?
It was amazing! The program did a great deal to deepen my understanding of the individual dressage movements and the reasons why different levels ask for each of the movements. It provided clarity of the dressage training scale.
Name three things you took away from the program that you think every rider should know.
- As individuals, judges look for and see different things within the movements. A score is an assessment of that moment and should be taken as a single piece of feedback – not an overall assessment of your riding or horse’s training. Horses are not machines; they have bad days, just like all of us.
- Look for themes in your collective marks and how they tie back to each individual movement and score. If your goal is to improve and move up the levels, you will often find some good nuggets of information on where you and your trainer should focus.
- Don’t be so hard on yourself. Going to a show, getting your horse ready to ride, remembering the test, and controlling your emotions and your horse’s nerves is a tremendous undertaking. You are brave to have put yourself out there for feedback – see it as a wonderful and positive opportunity to do something different with your partner, gain some insight and knowledge, and have fun! Judges want you to succeed!
Have you served in any other official capacity with USDF (council/committee member, council/committee chair, PM/GM delegate, board member/Regional Director, etc.)? Please describe.
I have not served in any official capacity with USDF, but I would like to. Many years ago, I was the Treasurer for the Equestrian Institute. I will retire in September of this year and am always looking for opportunities to volunteer and serve the sport of dressage.
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