Ricki

I spent time on the University of Rhode Island Dressage team. I have spent countless hours shadowing farriers and staying late with vets to obtain as much knowledge as I can. My senior year of highschool I spent 3 or more hours 6 days a week next to my trainer learning how to teach.

I have been a groom for 16 years in the Hunter/Jumper and Dressage fields, including time at head groom (management) for a school program. I have a few years experience in teaching beginner lessons with a focus on balance.

I have over 19 years of experience on the ground with studs, brood mares, and young foals ranging from under handled babies and green young horses to dressage schoolmasters. My last personal horse arrived with only 30 days of real handling at 5 years old and left me broke to ride.

As head groom I handled the care of 20+ school horses including medications, first aid, vet visits, turn out/lunging, quarantine, grooming, and tack fittings. When training horses I prefer baby steps and good foundations. The horse's confidence is paramount to success. I have taught off and on for 11 years. In Colorado I was arena director running individual lessons and summer camp groups. My passion in teaching is building confidence, whether it be a new rider or returning one.

I started riding 19 years ago in the Hunter Jumper world and moved into Dressage. I have dabbled in western please, but English is my passion. I have been teaching beginners from first rides to first cross rails off and on over the last 11 years and focus on developing rider confidence and respect for the horse.

I specialize in flat work. I prefer classical French techniques and quality over quantity. With the green broke or hardly broken horses I have trained I prioritize the horse being confident. I believe in praise and not over working a young mind.