A couple weeks ago, Taco and I wrapped up our first CPEDI3* of the season at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The couple months leading up to the competition were rough for me physically with pneumonia, a few double ear infections and sinus infections, bronchitis, and a little surgery that ended up having some complications. I hadn’t ridden for a couple months prior to coming down to Florida and had been flat on my back from the surgery right before coming down. Plus, th

Thanks to Erica Andrews from PBS39 for coming out and sharing my story about my journey to the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. It would be a dream come true if I made the US Team, but every little step of the way has been amazing so far-- the people I've met, the goals I've accomplished, and the places I've been! Take a look if you haven't had a chance to see it yet: https://www.wlvt.org/blogs/hunterdon/para-equestrian-trains-for-2020-paralympics/ #paradressage #paraequestrian #di

This arrived in the mail this weekend from Assemblyman Roy Freiman, along with a personalized letter. What an honor! He said, “Your ‘true way of going’ towards your dreams and passions is an inspiration for all. Your hard work and dedication has earned you this respectable award. Your commitment and hard work is a positive influence to everyone, not just athletes... Your story will will allow you to impact and encourage others which has earned you the respect and admiration o

What a great week at NEDA Fall Festival! I was so proud of Paco Taco taking care of me in such an electric environment. This is one of the biggest Dressage shows in the country and the longest show we've been to yet. Thanks to Sara Schmitt for prepping us for this type of environment and for helping to manage both of our energy. Each day we rode in front of multiple FEI judges who just got back from WEG judging the top athletes in the world. The first day we rode through our

I guess it has been a while since I updated everyone! El Paso and I had our last string of shows at the beginning of August at Red Tail Farm. There was a heat advisory the last few days, and if you know me you know I don’t function well in the heat (or the cold)— wait why did I come to New Jersey?! Hahaha.. Again, Taco was amazing. He’s learning to use his body better and better. We made some equipment changes right before the show and it was great to test it out at this sho

Another week, another show! This week was Summer Days Show at USET Foundation Inc. Thank you everyone at ESDTCA for putting on a beautiful show and being so accommodating with the para classes! I woke up the first day of the show with a fever and difficulty breathing. The weather this week has been downpours off and on. Fortunately for both my rides the rain mostly held off and El Paso carried me through my tests since I did not have all my energy. We pulled off a 72.2% for o

Paco Taco is a saint! Last week we went to Red Tail Farm to show our Team and Individual Championship Test. Thank you Red Tail for adding the para classes so we could come and ride through our tests! The first day as we were hauling out the skies opened and it started to rain lightly. Of course when I got on El Paso it started POURING. Just as it was time to ride through my test the thunder and lightning came. Taco was amazing and so brave for me. He got scared at one point w

I'm excited to announce my partnership with Enjoy Yums Healthy Horse Treats! Enjoy Yums are a fresh, baked treat that are made with 6 simple ingredients. When you open the bag, the fresh baked aroma makes you want to taste the treats for yourself! Taco is pretty picky about his treats and he loves all the flavors: Apple, Carrot, and Mint. Check out their website for more info. They're even great for dogs! www.enjoyyums.com #horsehealth #paradressage #paraequestrian #equestria

The other day El Paso and I had our first show together, and first adventure away from the farm at the Applewood Farm, Oldwick NJ, Marilyn Payne Dressage Show. I couldn't be more proud of Taco. There were lots of distractions with people prepping for the Essex Horse Trials this weekend, kids running around, dogs, and cars/trucks going up and down the street, but he knew his job and was focused in the ring. Thank you to Marilyn Payne for the honest feedback. I know we still ha

Photo by Kristin Lee I love the sport of dressage. I fell in love with it when I was introduced to horses and dressage after starting hippotherapy as part of my rehab. I continue to fall in love with it a little more each time I’m on my horse or I learn something new at the barn. Horses have been there to push me to some of my highs, and pull me out of some my lows. They’ve helped me become physically and emotionally stronger. When I got sick, I was in a hard place. I had bee