Event in which you compete: Hunters and Jumpers
Hometown: San Jose, CA, USA
Number of years riding: Since 3 years old
Career accomplishments to date:
Hunters:
- • Two-time Professional World Hunter Champion
- • Two-time winner of the Emerson Burr award for USEF Hunter Rider of the Year
- • 2006 and 2009 Show Hunter Hall of Fame Rider of the Year
- • Two-time Zone 10 Equestrian Athlete of the Year
- • 2009 California Professional Horseman of the Year
- • 2009 winner of Inaugural Hunter Derby Final
- • Numerous national and zone high score of the year champions.
Jumpers:
- • Qualified for two World Cups
- • Competed in Las Vegas World Cup in 2003
- • 2nd alternate for 2004 Olympics
- • Five-Time NRHA Derby Champion(KY, USA)
- • Represented the US on Nations Cup Team at such shows as Hickstead, Dublin, Falsterbo.
How you got started in your event: : I started riding in Maryland, where my mother was a riding instructor, at age three.
Favorite Ariat product: Monaco Field Boots
Proudest career moment: 2nd place finish at $175,000 Grand Prix at Olympic Trials in 2004.
Tell us about your first horse: A Shetland pinto pony named Vicky – she came from Wales, and even though she was a small pony she would jump 3’6”. I used to take her fox hunting when I was eight. She was a great pony.
You ride because: I acquired such a love of horses at a very early age – not only showing, but through fox hunting, eventing, trail riding, pony club, and 4H.
If you weren’t a professional rider, you would be a: Singer
Favorite mentor or idol growing up: Rodney Jenkins
Favorite place to travel: Biarritz, France, or Gijon, Spain
Name one fun fact that people don’t know about you: I love working with the elderly.
Favorite way to unwind outside the barn: Going to San Francisco.
Good luck charm: When my mother comes to watch.