MY BACKGROUND

As a kid I was always very interested in riding horses. My family just could not afford lessons but, in 2014 I got a scholarship from some close friends to attend a local horse camp during the summer. That was one of the most life changing weeks of my life. I have been in love with riding since that day 6 years ago. After that camp, I found a local barn that gave riding lessons. My uncle was generous enough to pay for one month of lessons. During that month, I created a strong relationship with the trainer and began working at the barn in exchange for lessons. I would do anything I could to sit on a horse for even 10 minutes. I worked at that barn every day for nearly 3 years. Earning my way into the horse world has always been a huge thing for me. I never got things handed to me, I always had to work for them. I am very grateful that I was forced to work for everything because I became very appreciative of each and every part.

MY RIDING STORY

Working at the barn was very fun for me. I loved each and every job I was told to do. But, not being able to afford my own horse definitely had it's challenges. I was always handed the horse nobody else wanted to ride. Each horse was a challenge, but taught me to adapt and become the rider I am today. After a few months of taking lessons I went to my first horse show. My trainer told me to find some clothes and throw a saddle in her trailer and she would find me something to show. The morning of the show, I still had no idea what horse I was going to ride. Then, minutes before my class my trainer handed me the reins to a horse I had never ridden before. No warm up, no help, I just hopped in the class and hoped for the best. There were many shows I went to and never showed a horse, I would help all the other girls at my barn. I would saddle their horses, zip up their chaps, bring them their coats on a cold day, anything they needed. I was just happy to be around horses no matter what I was doing. This sums up the first 2 years of my show career.

I became very involved in 4H. I showed goats, sheep, chickens and horses at my county fair. I was the president of my Horse Club and ran for Rodeo Princess in 2017. Being Rodeo Princess was a very fun experience. I had to write a resume, give a speech, complete a horsemanship pattern and get sponsorships.

In 2017 I got the opportunity to lease a finished AQHA gelding with so much talent. He was required to stay at the barn he was at so I began riding there. His owner was a young girl in college who would come home and help me on the weekends. I learned so much from this horse and Amy helped me grow so much as a rider. I would not be where I am today without her truly pushing me to be the best I could be. Sadly, after a year of leasing him, it came time for him to retire. The year after that, 2018, I moved to the trainer I am currently with, Erin Patterson. I did not have a horse at the time, I would help Erin and ride whatever was available. I would share horses with her other clients and show whenever I could. I worked as much as possible to get in the show pen. In September of 2018 I began looking for a horse to lease or buy. My family bought my horse Babes Southern Belle aka Belle. This was the first horse I had ever owned and I became the happiest girl in the world.

Belle is a great mover but, she had only shown in western pleasure in her 12 years. Horsemanship and showmanship have always been my favorite classes, so I started teaching her the basics of the pattern classes. Training my horse myself with guidance from my trainer has been quite a rewarding experience. I have owned Belle for 2 years and she is growing everyday. We have successfully shown in showmanship, western pleasure, horsemanship and equitation. Unfortunately, Belle doesn't have the capability to be a world show caliber pattern horse so we found a new home for her and Belle has been a great horse but it is time I move up to one of a higher level, especially in horsemanship. Buying Paisley and beginning training with Kendra Weis at Twin Acres was a huge step for me. I am really enjoying the experience being pushed to my full potential and learning from one of the best.