Raised in Middle-of-no-where, Pennsylvania, I was fortunate enough to have a forest as my playground, a pond as my pool, and a pony as my best friend. I grew up listening to stories of the daring adventures of my teenage mother and her trusty Belgian, Fred, skidding logs down dangerous mountainsides and swimming through the nearby river. Although I have always loved my time with my Paint and Quarter Horse friends, I have also longed for exciting adventures with a mighty draft horse. During my lifetime, I was able to watch and learn from my parents, who are both fantastic riders. My mom once was an avid barrel racer, at one point one of the most accomplished in the state, while my dad enjoyed team penning and even some roping. I spent countless hours with my younger brother on the rail of arenas all over the east coast, cheering my heart out and soaking it all in. I decided at an early age that I too would spend the rest of my life with horses.

I am currently a rising senior at Mount Holyoke College, pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Nature, Culture, and History. Over the past three years, I have taken advantage of MHC’s fantastic riding program, participating on both the Equestrian and Western Riding Teams. I have been very competitive on the intercollegiate circuit, showing in western horsemanship, reining, and hunt seat equitation.

I found out about Blue Star Equiculture about a year ago through a friend, and after much time stalking its website and Facebook, I was instantly moved by this wonderful place. Having tired of the drama and politics involved in the horse show scene, BSE is a much needed breath of fresh air, and it is teaching me more than I ever could have imagined. Each person and horse here has a truly inspiring story, and I am so very blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this community.

I am at Blue Star because I want to learn how to make a difference in the world and to promote its mission: “to help horses, humans, and mother earth.”