My connection with horses started early in my life. Every penny earned went into the piggy bank for that “first horse.” When I was 13 years old, “Fancy” became that dream. Fancy was a liver chestnut mare that had flunked out of a lesson program. She was the center of my life. My teen years were spent babysitting to earn money so I could ride and lesson more!

I went off to college, got married, had two kids, and did not ride for 10 years. Then one day Bumper arrived on the scene and I started riding again in my 30’s. He was a off-the-track Thoroughbred who had suffered an injury that had ended his racing career at the age of three. His claim to fame was winning a $20,000 claiming race at Longacres. Racing was definitely in his blood; dressage was always a real struggle for him.

At 25, Bumper is still part of the family and shares a barn with a retired Dutch Warmblood mare, Klair, and the newest member Sanibel. She is a 4 yr Thoroughbred/Holsteiner, who is definitely built for dressage and seems to enjoy the work. 
 
In 1997, while searching for the perfect fitting saddle I found Performance Saddlery and a great career has followed. Even after the formal training in New York and fitting hundreds of horses, I am still learning the art of saddle fitting. It is indeed an art. The best teaching moments have come when a horse tells me what he likes, by moving his shoulders more, or by relaxing his back. I love what I do. Seeing the satisfaction that comes with the perfect fit for both horse and rider is awesome. My business has been built on referrals.

My husband Don always laughs when he says there is a message saved. They all start the same way, “I got your name from…….”
I am blessed to have a very supportive husband and a beautiful place to work and play. Having horses at home was a goal of mine since I was a little girl saving pennies. We have 20 acres in the middle of a Pacific Northwest forest with pastures, a lovely barn and a great outdoor arena. (Yes, I do get soaking wet a lot). I am a very lucky girl!