Certification Level: Training through Second Level
Tell us a little about yourself and your equestrian background – Do you hold any other designations within the sport (L Graduate/judge level/USDF Rider Medals, etc)?
For my eighth birthday, my parents gave me a package of riding lessons at a local western barn, where I learned foundational horsemanship and basic riding skills. Shortly afterward, we moved to Kentucky and I became involved in the hunter/jumper world — that’s where I was first introduced to dressage.
Later, I was fortunate to find a wonderful trainer and mentor in Angela Jackson, who fully immersed me in the sport. With her guidance, I competed in five North American Young Rider Championships (now the North American Youth Championships – NAYC) — twice as a Junior and three times as a Young Rider. I hold my USDF Bronze and Silver Medals with Distinction, as well as my Bronze and Silver Freestyle Bars. In 2017, I graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in Equine Business Administration, determined to build a career riding and training dressage horses.
Do you currently, or have you in the past, served on any boards or committees within USDF or USEF?
I previously served on the Kentucky Dressage Association Board as Youth Coordinator, but I do not currently hold any positions on USDF or USEF boards or committees.
How did you get started in dressage?
In 2006, I started riding at Stonehurst Riding Club, a local Arabian barn, where I was introduced to dressage. I immediately loved the precision and challenge of the discipline and went all in.
Why did you decide to participate in the USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program?
I am always looking to expand my education, and I knew the USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program would be a valuable step for the long-term growth of my teaching career. I am still building the instructional side of my business, and I wanted to set myself up for success from the start. I am incredibly grateful to The Dressage Foundation for awarding me the George Williams Fund for Young Professionals Grant, which helped make my Second Level Certification possible.
What do you feel is the most valuable thing you learned from the Instructor/Trainer Development Program?
The program gave me a well-rounded, systematic approach to teaching. It taught me how to structure lessons more effectively, and created a wonderfully supportive environment with administrators and fellow candidates, where we could ask questions and share experiences openly. By the final exam, I felt confident walking up to any unfamiliar horse-and-rider combination during their warm-up and developing a thoughtful lesson plan that would truly benefit both horse and rider.
How have you implemented what you learned in the program into your own teaching and training programs?
I now spend more time on the details in every ride and lesson. I explain the theory behind the exercises more thoroughly and place greater emphasis on improving the quality of the horse’s gaits. Before the program, I sometimes moved on too quickly to new test movements, before the horse and rider had fully absorbed the current work. Now, I take the time to ensure both understand the exercise and that the quality of the gaits has genuinely improved before progressing.
Tell us about your horses.
I have two geldings that I love dearly. Killian TF is an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) who I bought as a two-year-old. I’m excited to show him at Intermediate I this summer.
Brilliant Disguise G is a four-year-old Hanoverian who I purchased as a weanling. I’m looking forward to taking him to some local shows this year to build his confidence and experience.
Do you have any tips for young riders or those interested in participating in the USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program?
The USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who teaches or wants to teach others. It helped me gain real confidence in my own knowledge so I can better support and guide my students on their dressage journeys.
