a bit of my story. . .
. . . Growing up in rural Ohio, I began riding horses at a young age. At the encouragement of my Grandfather and his intention to instill confidence and direction, I found myself pursuing horseback riding in a way where it quickly became part of my identity. Trained in various English disciplines, I developed respect for my trainers and community; a group of professionals that instilled discipline and honed my skills as a competitive equestrian.
Reflecting on my experiences as a young rider, it isn’t without the realization that I utilized my horses as a conduit to my next ribbon; a tool in my path to success as opposed to a partner in a journey with outcomes much greater for both of us.
It was when a dear family friend gifted me Bill Dorrance’s book, True Horsemanship Through Feel, that I was introduced to an entirely new part of the equine world. A world where the relationship between human and horse was void of fear and force, and instead was built through respect and patience. That book was a catalyst for drastic change and led me to the decision in buying my first yearling. Although I found myself a student of unfamiliar territory, it was one that also felt intuitively familiar. I was on a journey toward becoming a horsewoman and forging my own true partnership.
. . .Through heartache and hardship, wide-eyes and humility, discipline and consideration, I have a herd, my herd. Each trained on the foundation of partnership. Broken B is my opportunity to cultivate a community from which I demonstrate and teach that same foundation. For young and experienced riders alike, my goal with each of my students is to utilize both skill and horsemanship, creating a partnership with their horse. A partnership that rejects dependence and fear and instead employs one of harmony and connection, providing a journey much greater for both of them.
