I began riding at the age of 6 at an eventing barn in Dexter, MI. When I was 8, I was set up for lessons with a farm down the road -- an event that would change my equestrian life forever. I began riding with Susan Terrall, a local horsewoman dedicated to the preservation of classical horsemanship. Sue, and her stallion Kredit, taught me for over a year on the lunge line, helping me develop my seat and balance, independent of the horse. While at the time all I wanted to do was ride on my own, I now see the benefit from those lessons and am eternally grateful for them. Through the years I lessoned regularly with Sue, we schooled many maneuavers, all of which stemmed from basic school figures and aids. It was through Sue that I was also able to ride and audit several of Erik Herbermann's (author of Dressage Formula and Horseman's Notes) clinics. Sue moved to North Carolina in August of 1998, but I am still in regular contact with her and participate in her clinics hosted by Laura Van Riper and Synergy Dressage.
