Horses came into my life early starting with lessons in 1971 in Southern California. Hunt seat riding and jumping were the focus for my early years, peppered with some western pleasure and parade competitions. Dressage became important to my horse's development in 1984. Horses just jumped better with good dressage basics. I was also involved in 3-day event and cutting horse training at that time. Moving to the Rogue Valley in 1987, I found that dressage was just starting out in the area and only a few clinics and a couple of shows were available. I trained with local instructors and visiting clinicians as our area grew, always striving to learn more. I volunteered as a 4-H leader for several years and became more involved in showing and training Western horses. When the round pen revolution started, I was not very interested. Most people that were self proclaimed experts in 'natural' horsemanship were unimpressive. Several times I left a clinic thinking some horses were chased to be fearful or just plain unsafe. There are a few great 'natural' horsemen and through study and clinics I have found that a thorough understanding of use of the round pen has an important and unique place in horse training. I became a professional in 2001 and have taught all ages of students with various abilities and interests. I became certified by the American Riding Instructor Association, am in the USDF learner judge program and continue to seek out regular educational opportunities so that I may continue to take my students towards the goal of improving riding skills and understanding horses.