Samantha

Immediately out of high school I pursued a college education centering around animals. I attended my local Junior College for two years, specializing in Animal Science. I then transferred to Montana State University to narrow my focus into Equine Science. I think my greatest qualification, however, comes from my real world experience working around horses. I have found that being put into real-world situations can sometimes be the best teaching method available.

I have been involved in the equine industry for over 14 years. I began riding and working with horses at the ripe age of seven. I have trained horses (mostly hunter jumper) of ages both young and old, mostly focusing on solidifying the flat work so the horse and rider can be both safe and efficient over fences. I have worked at four equine facilities over the years: Mark West Stables, MDM Farms, Destiny Arabians, and Silver Brand Ranch. Two of these facilities were focused on showing hunter/jumper, while one of them was an Arabian breeding facility and the other a ranching operation. This diversity of the workplace has allowed me to have a fairly broad knowledge base, however, you can never stop learning. I have also had a small amount of time training young and old persons about the wonders of our equine friends.

I have also worked alongside domestic animals/livestock; Being an alumni of FFA I raised turkeys, lambs, hogs, steers, and chickens. I can administer subcutaneous and intramuscular shots, as well as packing hooves for abscesses, changing bandages, and administering oral medications. I can weld proficiently, work with different types of metals, drive forklifts and large trucks with trailers, operate tractors, and perform basic maintenance on various types of vehicles.

I have ridden both horses and ponies of all ages. My work has stayed mostly focused on young jumper warmbloods, but I have also worked with foals, yearlings, and seniors. When I was competing, I would show my 17 hh warmblood gelding over fences that were around 3'6" in height. I have also delved into groundwork in order to solidify young horses foundations. I also incorporate Dressage into my flat work to make the horses understand my cues and well as become stronger and more flexible.

As a young rider in a very competitive area, I was unable to attend many of the larger shows in my area due to lack of funds. I did, however, show quite frequently at my local shows, placing quite well in the upper level jumping divisions. I also did fairly well in flat equitations, as well as hunter/jumper courses.