Growing up I have always had a strong love for animals. My whole family did and we were never without at least one family pet. My favorite part of almost every family vacation was finding a place to go on a guided trail ride. My mom and dad (Donna and James) saw how much Allison, Natalie (my sisters) and I enjoyed this. When we were old enough to ride on our own, and my parents realized that once a year on vacation wasn't enough anymore, they found a barn right by our house that had trail riding called Ace Stables in St. Louis MO. We soon found they had a 'hiring day' every March to find 4-6 volunteers to learn to guide the trail rides and take care of the horses. When I was 14 my dad took me to it to see if I could have this opportunity. I still to this day remember standing in my kitchen with my dad getting the phone call saying I was picked! From then on I practically lived at the barn. In the summers I got there early to feed and do other barn chores then ride before the trail rides opened. Then, after being on a horse ALL day taking out trails, I would stay after to ride some more. During the school year I was there pretty well every day after school and all weekends. Even on holidays I would have my dad take me in early to do morning feedings. I also met one of my very good friends Jamie Baygents there.

After awhile I got more and more into the training of horses. Colt breaking became one of my favorite things to do. Something about being the first one on a young horse and working with them on all the basics and fundamentals. It is an amazing feeling when the horse you’re working with figures out what it is you are wanting them to do. When I was about 16, a client named Wendy Guebert was given to me. She had two horses (Misty and Special) who were at the time both 4 years old. She wanted to put them in training so after my boss worked with them for a few weeks he passed them on to my friend Jamie and me. Jamie worked with Special and I worked with Misty. We were so excited to have our own projects that we got to do all the training on.

Once we both graduated in 2005 from high school Jamie went to Colorado for college while I stayed close to home and went to Lindenwood University in St. Charles MO. where I studied business and was a cheerleader for four years. During this busy time I still managed to make time for the horses. Although we had moved barns I still helped Wendy care for and train Misty and Special. In 2008 Jamie returned and we along with the two horses found our way to Castlewood Stables in Ballwin MO. In March of 2008 we were offered the instructor/trainer position and started up a lesson program using Misty and Special. At Castlewood I not only taught lessons but did some training, as well as, girl scouts, birthday parties and other barn management duties. Wendy became more and more busy and was not able to come see her horses nearly as much as she wanted to. She eventually made the hard decision to sell her two horses to Jamie and me. In November of 2008, I decided I wanted to get another horse. I knew Ace had gotten back a gelding named Otis who I had worked with a lot years ago. I was super excited so I went and bought him as a graduation present to myself!

Towards the end of 2011 I decided to start looking for a job closer to Blue Springs MO where I had been spending a lot of time. During my search I found Painted M Ranch where I was introduced to an amazing group of people and the opportunity to continue and grow a lesson program. In September of 2011 I officially made the move to Blue Springs. I have been so lucky to have my best friend/boyfriend, Josh Klutenkamper along with my friends and family support and enjoy my career in the equestrian industry.

In riding a horse you form a bond with that animal. It becomes a partnership and you learn to read the signs the horse gives to you in the same way they learn to read you and what you’re asking of them. While riding you use every part of your body and mind to make the horse move and carry itself in the proper way. Different aspect of horseback riding can get very complex but a strong foundation of the basics is needed to get any rider to that point. My goal is to give every rider that strong foundation and understanding of horses so they can excel in any discipline they choose. I love my job and truly enjoy teaching people of all ages the safe way to care for and enjoy horses.