Where I am today is much more important than where I began, but to every end, there is a beginning.

As a young girl I started my journey with horses in saddleseat and I loved it ! I didn't know that pulling on the reins and kicking with my feet were confusing signals to a horse.

I also took turns at jumping, I didn't know that pulling straight back on a bit would not necessarily make the horse want to stop, but to fight the harsh feel in his mouth.

Then there was western pleasure, which in today's show world, sadly, they've taken the "Pleasure" out of it for the horse.

And I even spent a couple summers on the race tracks, I didn't know then that racing a horse that has not even physically developed is not kind to them.

But then I went out west, and got a job with a man who needed someone to break out young horses to be used for his ranch. I was sure I could do this. As I got bucked off, and kicked at, Mr. Todd would just shake his head and keep telling me, "he would not get on a horse that would buck him off", and after days of this, I finally asked him what he would do. And this was the beginning of learning horsemanship, and what it means. He was not a known clinician, he was not what you would even consider a trainer. He was just a man who used horses every day to do the chores that needed to be done on a ranch in Wyoming. But, he taught me more about horses, than anyone else all together. And through his knowledge, I learned to really understand what being a good steward to our horses is all about. I went on to train with many young horses to have a good start in life.

Once back in Indiana, I became a sponge for learning more about horsemanship. I read books, watched video's, attending clinics with Buck Branaham, Pat Parelli, Ray Hunt, Jon Claude Rossini, and Frank Bell.

After attending one of Frank Bell's clinics, he called to ask if I would certify in his program. It was the one that fit for me, the one I thought was important for "every" horse person to learn. It is a 7 Step Safety System.

There is no better teacher than a horse, and there is no better feeling than having a good communication system with that horse. Being the trusted leader, having a plan for both you and the horse in a bad situation.

I knew I was doing the right thing when things that normally would scare a horse, became things that the horse was curious about.

It was the right thing when I could ride a horse with only a rope halter and lead for the first ride.

I knew it was the right thing when I could walk out in a herd of horses, become their leader, and a part of their herd.

And now, I hope to help others to become one with their herd.