Eventually I wanted to start riding year round. So, we found a farm, Haverhill, close to home. From about 10 years old to 18, I rode hunter/jumpers. I went from a school kid to a leaser, and actively competed my last year at home. The last trusty steed I leased was Miracle Worker, a.k.a. Matthew. He was an appendix quarterhorse and the best horse to ride. He's the real reason why I won blues. Then college came, and I went off to UofM in Ann Arbor. Found the equestrian team, and continued my riding through that. It was there that I began to learn what dressage was about, and I quickly fell in love with it.
After college, I was making money, and went off in search of my first horse. The last horse I leased made me fall in love with the Morgan breed. So, I did my research, found a Morgan trainer and bought a Morgan horse with her help. I've owned my horse, Sugarlane Sonata, for the past three years, and showed the Morgan circuit the past two show seasons. Due to a crazier schedule, I decided to move my horse closer to home. That's when I found Mary.
Mary's been absolutely the best. I've been riding for the past 18 years, and I've done the hunter circuit, the open circuit, and the breed circuit. She's the best I've found. She's kind and considerate with the horses, and everything she's had me do with my horse has worked. For two and a half years I struggled with bending and leg yielding. In three short months my horse is more flexible and willing to bend. It's amazing! And I didn't use harsh bits, or draw reins, or spurs, or whips, or anything. All the techniques Mary had me use were gentle and based off of horse mechanics and behavior. I hope to continue going to a few Morgan shows this season, and fit in some dressage shows as well. Hopefully we'll be able to go around without having a fit about everything imaginable.
Beyond horses, I work at the University of Michigan Business School as a Web Developer. I'm going back to school for Interior Design and taking classes to enhance my current computer skills. Also, I help Mary out at shows when she needs it, and I'm building this website for her. Add onto all of that, I'm working on a Show Secretary program for her. That way, she'll be able to schedule shows with the greatest of ease!