I was born in Riverside, California into an equestrian family - both my parents were active competitors in team roping horses. In fact, my mother Lori continued to ride into her sixth month of pregnancy with me. So when I say I was born into an equestrian family, I mean that almost literally!
With horses being such an important part of my parents' lives, it seemed only natural that I would start riding at an early age. I was four years old when my mom put me on Rex, her own team roping horse. When I was seven, my mom and I moved to Mendocino County, California and my mom switched from roping horses to dressage. Naturally, I switched too. After a couple of years, my mom decided that she missed the action of roping, and we switched to hunters and jumpers. By the age of 11, I was competing in children's jumpers on a Morgan cross named Mister Dan. What a blast!
Even though I was having a great time, it wasn't until I was 15 that I got serious about horses and riding. It was at that age that I watched my first international jumping competition on television. I saw Ludger Beerbaum and the amazing German jumping team. and I was captivated by the power and precision of competing at the international level. I knew right away that's what I wanted to do with my life. As a result I became a serious student of the top jumper riders and began to emulate how they rode.
I credit my next horse, Lyttle by Lyttle, with being my best teacher. He wasn't really little - he was 16.3 - and he didn't do anything for free. Lyttle had a very low tolerance for half-hearted rides - and I had work hard for everything I got out of him. He was honest and direct, and when I put all my heart into my riding, Lyttle was there for me 110%. Lyttle taught me confidence, focus, teamwork and the discipline that must accompany the passion for winning. Lyttle was fast and sure, and I loved that big unforgiving horse. During this time I was riding with Elizabeth Killham, better known as Lumpy. With Lumpy, Lyttle and I moved quickly through jumper divisions.
My first big-time horse was an 8 yr. old Dutch warmblood called Laremy. With Laremy, I moved up to do the high juniors and from there to doing national standard grand prix. As a team we achieved, multiple championships. Laremy had a difficult personality - one minute he was sweet the next he'd take a bite out of you. However, he would work for food and treats. In fact, my grandmother taught him to do all kinds of tricks for treats.
Making a living in the equestrian world is not always easy, and when I was around 19, I almost quit. In fact, I had just signed up to be a firefighter when I got a call that would change my life. Creekside Equestrian Center in Woodacre, California was looking for a hunter/jumper trainer. Along with my mom, I started Ridgetop Ranch within Creekside.
Running Ridgetop taught me a lot running a business and a lot about myself. One of the things I discovered was teaching, and through teaching I learned a lot about what it takes to become a better rider. It takes a lot of dedication and discipline to become a good rider. I see that in others, and I apply that to my own riding. I also really enjoy learning what makes each horse tick, and how to get the most out of the partnership between rider and horse. But for all the discipline and hard work, it also has to fun, otherwise it's not fresh. So that's my motto: Be disciplined. but keep it fun!
Today, I enjoy teaching the fundamentals, and watching and aiding the progression of both student and horse. And I continue to learn about myself as a rider when I teach.
I've trained extensively with Duncan McFarland and participated in numerous clinics with Richard Spooner and Bernie Traurig. It was when I was working with Duncan that I first met Rachel Yorke. I was immediately taken with Rachel, both professionally and personally. And here we are just a few years later - married and partners in SandHaven Farm. Who could have imagined that?
Working with Rachel is fun and exciting. We share the same goals and principles. And it's great to have someone to bounce ideas off of. We both love what we do, we love the horses...and we love each other.
