...and I'm the lead instructor and program director here at W.A Riding Academy. With 25+ years of formal horsemanship training, a background in early education, and ARIA certifications at my back, I'm pleased to offer a different kind of lesson experience that debunks the myth that horseback riding is "effortless". My classes focus on equine phycology and biomechanics, teaching riders how to be the best version of themselves when working both on the ground and in the saddle. Full disclosure, my classroom requires maximum effort from all it's participants. Winning "easy" rides are earned through grit, grace, and no small amount of patience. My experience as a formal jumper, pleasure rider, driver, rescue/rehabilitator, and (today) novis roper have taught me that there is so much more to becoming a good horseman if we put the animal before the love of the sport, and it's my mission to share that lesson with all my students.