Coaching with my heart: My perspective as a trainer, manager and teammate
Coaching with Heart: My Perspective as a Trainer, Manager, and Teammate
One of the parts of my business I’m most proud of is my coaching. It goes far beyond riding instruction—it’s about building athletes, teams, and partnerships. I offer coaching at home through lessons and training rides, as well as coaching at shows—from local schooling events to rated horse trials to national competitions. This year, I even have riders preparing for their first FEI competitions, and watching that growth is truly one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.
Over the years, I’ve learned there’s a big difference between training horses and coaching riders. Much like in baseball where you have pitching coaches, batting coaches, and team managers, in equestrian sport, we wear many hats. At home, I’m a trainer: I’m riding horses, installing buttons, fixing habits, refining their way of going and their connection to the bridle. But at a show, my role shifts—I become a manager, both of the horse’s needs and the rider’s mental game.
At a show, it’s not about making changes.
By the time we get there, the training is done. My job is to support, lift up, instill confidence, and manage the inevitable curveballs that come our way. I might offer quick reminders—about position or pace—but the foundation has already been built. Now, I focus on helping each rider and horse perform at their best, no matter what’s thrown at them.
This part of the job is one of my favorites, but it’s also the most emotionally intense. I have to be “on” all the time—reading the energy, solving problems before they happen, and keeping everyone focused. I’ve even learned how to help parents navigate their own stress (and their kids’!), manage energy levels, and keep the environment as positive and grounded as possible.
Honesty is the cornerstone of my coaching.
I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that I have to trust my gut. When I haven’t, I’ve regretted it. Speaking up honestly can lead to tough conversations and even tears, but it’s what I owe to my riders, their horses, and the goals we’re all working toward. My experience and instincts exist for a reason, and I don’t take them lightly.
And yes, sometimes that honesty leads to clients moving on to different programs. That used to be hard for me—but now, I understand that it’s not a bad thing. The right program, for the right person and horse, at the right time—that’s what matters most. I’ll always be proud of the work I’ve done and the impact I’ve had, whether a rider stays for years or moves on to grow in a new
My proudest coaching moments aren’t always the wins—though we’ve had many.
From AEC qualifiers to countless Area IX Championship wins, I’ve had the privilege of coaching riders to incredible achievements. But the moments I hold closest are the quieter ones: the grit in a tough lesson, the laughter at the barn, the teamwork it takes to fill water buckets or muck stalls after a long day. These are the moments where true horsemen are made.
Being a coach is my favorite part of this job—even when it’s the hardest.
I’m so proud of my current clients who show up, trust the process, and believe in the journey. I’m also proud of every rider I’ve coached who’s now out competing on their own—I still check their scores, celebrate their wins, and feel the heartbreak when things don’t go as planned. Coaching never really ends when the lesson does.
As I continue to grow, I look forward to learning all the things I don’t know yet. I’m proud of the mistakes I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned from them. I’m proud of this team, and I’m proud of what we stand for: horsemanship, honesty, growth, and putting the horse first—always.
If you’re looking for a coach, a team, and a program rooted in care, commitment, and connection—reach out today.
Head to the Contact Me page on my website to learn more. I’d love to be part of your journey