Instructor/Trainer
My firm belief in the healing power of animals, especially horses, was the catalyst for my current status: Instructor in Training with PATH International.
In working to achieve Certification as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor I have learned how to the assess the needs of a student, establish goals, formulate and implement a lesson plan to address those needs and goals, all while remaining flexible.
My goal as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor is to implement a Veterans’ program at Crane’s Run Equitation, Ltd., now a PATH Center Member.
natural horsemanship
Horses and animals of all types have been a part of my daily life since my first memories. Born here on the farm, raised as a farm girl, the youngest of seven children, 4 brothers/2 sisters, I can hold my own. As homeschoolers we were encouraged to learn by doing, observing, interacting. At an early age I realized the connection between animals and humans. I learned how to read body language, how to approach that animal from watching behaviors. My greatest teacher was Siqua, Appaloosa that came to me as an 18 year old mare and spent her next 20 years as my partner. Horses, I learned are great at reading humans and their reactions to situations can be triggered by human reactions.
I practice natural horsemanship because it makes sense and it works! I have continued success using the tools and knowledge of Clinton Anderson through his Down Under Horsemanship Method. The opportunity to be a rider in one of his clinics at his Texas ranch, being able to ride and work side-by-side with him has given me a whole new insight into teaching and training. The practice of natural horsemanship is not just working a horse, forcing compliance. It's trying to understand your horse, form a bond, build a relationship and have your horse be a willing, respectful participant.
I have experienced first hand the ability of animals to be supportive, act as therapy. When I was three years old my father was involved in a serious vehicle accident. Dad's work truck was impacted from behind, Dad was stopped in traffic. Despite lap belt and shoulder harness Dad's head and upper body shattered the back window of the truck. Diagnosis: Traumatic Brain Injury and a lengthy list of physical injuries. Permanently disabled, Dad and our family worked through the lengthy process of healing the physical injuries. The effects and limitations of T.B.I. are daily, lifelong.
Dad tires quickly, mentally and physically, he over heats, melts down. Talking, listening, interacting with family takes energy he does not have, he needs to retreat. The silent understanding of a cat, dog, goat, pig, horse, sheep, cow, chicken, duck and their unconditional companionship often supplies the 'energy' he needs to fell connected again. Watching, sitting and stroking, sharing a snack, no words needed.
My firm belief in the healing power of animals, especially horses, was the catalyst for my current status: Instructor in Training with PATH, International. In working to achieve Certification as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor I have learned how to the assess the needs of a student, establish goals, formulate and implement a lesson plan to address those needs and goals, all the while remaining flexible if expectations for the day are not attainable. My goal as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor is to implement a Veterans' program at Crane's Run Equitation, Ltd., now a PATH Center Member.
I practice natural horsemanship because it makes sense and it works! I have continued success using the tools and knowledge of Clinton Anderson through his Down Under Horsemanship Method. The opportunity to be a rider in one of his clinics at his Texas ranch, being able to ride and work side-by-side with him has given me a whole new insight into teaching and training. The practice of natural horsemanship is not just working a horse, forcing compliance. It's trying to understand your horse, form a bond, build a relationship and have your horse be a willing, respectful participant.
I have experienced first hand the ability of animals to be supportive, act as therapy. When I was three years old my father was involved in a serious vehicle accident. Dad's work truck was impacted from behind, Dad was stopped in traffic. Despite lap belt and shoulder harness Dad's head and upper body shattered the back window of the truck. Diagnosis: Traumatic Brain Injury and a lengthy list of physical injuries. Permanently disabled, Dad and our family worked through the lengthy process of healing the physical injuries. The effects and limitations of T.B.I. are daily, lifelong.
Dad tires quickly, mentally and physically, he over heats, melts down. Talking, listening, interacting with family takes energy he does not have, he needs to retreat. The silent understanding of a cat, dog, goat, pig, horse, sheep, cow, chicken, duck and their unconditional companionship often supplies the 'energy' he needs to fell connected again. Watching, sitting and stroking, sharing a snack, no words needed.
My firm belief in the healing power of animals, especially horses, was the catalyst for my current status: Instructor in Training with PATH, International. In working to achieve Certification as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor I have learned how to the assess the needs of a student, establish goals, formulate and implement a lesson plan to address those needs and goals, all the while remaining flexible if expectations for the day are not attainable. My goal as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor is to implement a Veterans' program at Crane's Run Equitation, Ltd., now a PATH Center Member.
