What year did you begin your relationship at High Horses? I started volunteering in the spring of 2018. By the summer of 2018, I was on staff as an instructor in training.

How did you become involved with High Horses?  I’ve always felt the wonderful benefits of being near horses. When I realized that I lived close to a therapeutic program, I jumped at the chance to get involved.

What is your educational background?  Biological sciences.

What are your current or previous career highlights? I’ve been a ranch caretaker in the mountains of Northwest Wyoming and a field biologist in California, Alaska, Montana, Arizona and here in Vermont. Before I came to High Horses, I owned and operated a grass-based dairy farm and creamery. I milked a herd of 100% grass-fed Guernsey cows and made and sold butter and cheeses. I also raised sustainable beef, pork and poultry. I also served as an activist on behalf of sustainable, grazing farmers.

What are your credentials related to equine-assisted services? Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor through PATH International

What impact do you see with equine-assisted services? I see profound benefits from the human-horse connection! Many people experience joy, warmth and non-judgemental emotional connections with them.They can help people learn new ways to communicate, deepen empathy, reduce frustration and increase focus. Horses can positively influence a rider through their rhythmic movement and increase strength and balance. Many people gain confidence, overcome fear and realize an entirely new perspective, even feel a thrill from being around or riding a horse. Horses are the most generous of creatures. The gifts they share with us are endless.

Did you grow up around horses? Do you currently have horses?  I’ve been deeply passionate about horses since before I can remember, but I grew up in the suburbs as a very frustrated kid with few opportunities. When I got out on my own, I sought them out and couldn’t get enough. I worked on ranches and in barns, trading for lessons and trail rides. I finally bought my first horse 15 years ago and now have 5 horses and 2 mini donkeys at home on our farm. My two daughters are also passionate horse people and have their own horses that they ride and show.

Where did you grow up? I grew up feeling very out of place in the suburbs of central New Jersey. 

What are some of your favorite non-horse or therapy-related hobbies? I love to be out in the natural world, hiking, camping, boating, snorkeling and admiring fauna, flora, geology, scenery, sea, sky, etc, etc.

Anything else you would like to share about family or special interests? My daughters and I are members of a local fox hunting club, North Country Hounds. A big group of us ride our horses out into the country following 20 foxhounds as they follow scent trails (there is no killing involved). It is crazy fun with jumps and gallops through the woods and fields. Our horses love it too. On non-hunt days, we help exercise the hounds and take the whole pack for walks off leash. They are sweet and well behaved and our family dogs join in too! If you are curious about this, please ask!

If a horse from High Horses could speak, who are they and what would they say? “I am here. Who are you?”