Many things about alternative training methods appeal to horse lovers: the communication, the partnership bond, the gentler, more humane approach. For me, in the beginning, it was simply the search for something that worked. As a riding instructor and some time horse trainer, I had varied success with the methods I used. Pieced together from years of lessons and two years in an Equine Science program, my methods worked on some horses but not all. I had excuses to explain away the failures, but this took a toll on my enjoyment of my horses and I soon "burned out".

Seeking the lost, carefree happiness I had while riding in my youth, I sold the last of my thoroughbred show horses and purchased a well-broke trail horse. My confidence level was nill, so going back to riding for fun seemed the best way to begin again. For a couple of years I just trail rode and taught lessons. Then one day, on a lark, I trailered over to take a lesson with an old friend. The horse who I had often said was my perfect horse suddenly became my adversary. With well-intentioned advice like "He knows what you want... make him do it." or "Don't let him get away with that." to finally "Well... he is just a trail horse." we struggled through that lesson. Doubt and frustration dogged me all the way home. If I couldn't ride a well-broke trail horse, then what could I do??

I had to find someone to help me or I was going to give up horses. This thought alone scared me enough to attend my first John Lyons clinic at Hilltop Farm in Maryland. To be honest, I was very skeptical of the "Cowboy Persona", but was at a dressage barn and I was desperate. By lunch, my skepticism had vanished and I tracked John down to find out how to become a "working student". He spent ten minutes with me in a clinic full of hundreds explaining the Certification Program application process. (I was thrilled!) After many sleepless nights, I decided if I could get in, we could find the funds and manage the eighteen months of dedication this would require.

Waiting to hear was agonizing! After the initial "Sorry, we're full up for this program, how about the certification program." Some one cancelled and I was in! At that point, I had three months to make it all come together; --from buying second unbroken horse and a new trailer to planning my first of many cross-country trips. (I had never trailered out of state before!) In no time I was in Parachute, Colorado beginning the most difficult, yet exciting, year and a half of my life.

I am prepared to help you with a better way to train your horse. I have developed the skills and knowledge necessary to assist you in helping your horse to be the best he can be. I look forward to meeting many of you, and look forward to your call.