About Me
Horses have been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember. My journey began as a young child with my mother, who was not only my first coach and trainer but also the person who inspired my love for horses and the sport of dressage.
As a junior competitor, I rode my pony, Helluva Dream Maker, to the Festival of Champions twice before continuing my career in the Young Riders division with my heart horse, Rigadoon RF. Together, we qualified for the Festival of Champions, where we placed 10th nationally. These experiences shaped me not only as a rider but also as a competitor, teaching me firsthand the mental and emotional demands of performing under pressure.
Today, I continue to live that passion every day as a dressage trainer at Half Halt. I manage a training program of 7–8 horses, spending my days training and developing horses, teaching students, and competing. Working with riders at every stage of their journey has reinforced my belief that technical skill alone isn't enough—success also depends on confidence, resilience, and a strong mindset.
That belief led me to pursue psychology alongside my riding career. I earned my bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida, where I completed an Honors thesis examining performance anxiety in expert and amateur dressage riders. I continued my education at Capella University, pursuing a master's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Sport Psychology. My graduate research expanded into the study of performance anxiety, motivation, leadership, attribution, and personality, deepening my understanding of the psychological factors that influence athletic performance.
By combining my experience as a competitive dressage rider, professional trainer, and sport psychology practitioner, I help equestrian athletes develop the mental skills needed to perform at their best. Whether it's overcoming performance anxiety, building confidence, improving focus, strengthening motivation, or developing routines for competition, my goal is to help riders unlock their full potential while enjoying the process along the way.
I believe that the best performances happen when both the horse and the rider are prepared—physically and mentally. My mission is to help equestrians build the confidence, resilience, and mindset needed to thrive both in and out of the arena.
Achievements
Education
M.S. in Psychology, Sports Psychology Specialization
Capella University | 2023–2025
B.S. in Psychology, Clinical Psychology
University of Central Florida | 2018–2022
Competitions
6th in the Nation at age 13 as a Pony Rider
2nd in the Nation at age 14 as a Pony Rider
10th in the Nation as a Young Rider
Festival of Champions competitor 3× as a Young Rider
Regional I-1 Champion as a Young Rider
Successfully competed through I-2 and U25
Competed and trained through the Grand Prix level
23 Years on Horses
I’ve been on horseback since before I was even born. My mother was my first inspiration, coach, and greatest muse, teaching me from the very beginning and encouraging me to grow into my own rider and trainer. I started riding the moment I could—and I haven’t stopped since.
My love and passion for horses runs deep, as does my passion for helping others find their own path, confidence, and connection with their horses. Horses have shaped so much of who I am, and I feel incredibly fortunate to now help others discover what’s possible for them.