It is my firm belief that Performance and Horsemanship should be equal halves of the same whole. Both the Performance world and Recreational world stand to learn from each other. Recreational horses can benefit from being ridden more correctly to improve their longevity and ease of use. Recreational riders can benefit from the necessity in the performance world to get things accomplished in a more timely, goal based manner. Performance horses can benefit from practices that encourage having a sound mind and more well rounded skillset. Performance riders can benefit from sometimes having a little more patience at times and letting their horses get out and go focus on things other than showing. Obviously there are horses and individuals that can already do both, but the horse world still needs work on bridging that gap. Blending these two areas of the horse world together, my program is able to help both horse and rider achieve their goals in and out of the arena.

I'm from a small East Texas town called Waskom, Tx. Horses became my passion while studying Animal Science at Stephen F. Austin State University. I completed my bachelors of Animal Science at SFASU in 2021 with an emphasis in Equine. During this time period I devoted myself to studying horses both in and out of the classroom. If I didn't have schoolwork you'd just about always find me at the barn - and often even if I did have school work. I had a great opportunity to learn from multiple trainers and ride a good number of horses during that time period. By my senior year I started receiving opportunities work with people, their horses, and help solve issues.

Since graduating in the spring of 2021, my experience has varied. I've worked with various breeds and equines including Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Donkeys, Mules, Appaloosas, Paints and more. I've often worked 2-3 jobs at a time which has allowed me to attain experience with high dollar breeders, show barns, trail riders, and so on. This experience involves the care, training, and/or teaching of riders. I have also gained experience and had a lot of fun at the same time teaching clinics in various settings, including out of state. 

As I have been building my own program, I try to continue learning and improving upon my methods. I have trainer friends I trailer out to and get lessons myself when I can. My current Training Program emphasizes creating a well rounded horse. This varies per the client's goals, but with most horses I try to give them a good foundation including standing tied, hobbling, dragging objects, lunging, and helping fill in holes in their training. In other words, I try to build their confidence and skillsets.

Confidence helps the horse keep itself together in new situations. For a horse, if I can give them the skills I listed above as a good foundation, that alone can prevent and solve a lot of issues. From there, we can start focusing more on achieving higher level goals such as showing, trail riding, improving upon disciplines, and so on.

Confidence for a rider is just as important as for a horse. Without confidence, even simple tasks seem daunting. Encouraging the client to push through their trouble spots, adapt, overcome, and build consistency is key to achieving confidence. I see my role as an instructor as a guide. My job is to encourage when the student needs it, challenge them when the can handle it, and show them what they are capable of accomplishing if they put in the time and effort.

I have many people to thank for contributing to my growth as a Horseman and Showman over the years. The list has become too long to give worthy credit to everyone, but I am grateful to all of my mentors, clients, and horses that have helped me reach where I am at, and continue to push me to do better.

If you're interested in getting started with horses, improving your horsemanship, or upping your game in the show ring, contact us today!