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Early Years When I was three I sat on a horse for the first time. For me that was the beginning of a life long addiction to horses. As a kid I spent all my spare time at the local stables. I took weekly lessons, leased several horses, and was active showing horses in 4-H. When I turned eleven I got my first horse. He quickly became my best friend and teacher. A few months later I met someone who changed my horse world forever. He was Parelli instructor John Harms. When I met John I thought Natural Horsemanship was all about trick training. So at the start of my first lesson I told him that I wanted to teach my horse to do slide stops, spins, and to lie down. Wow, was I naive! John began explaining to me how a horse thinks and showing me how work with horses from their point of view. I began to understand how this would help prepare my horse for all the things that I wanted to do. I was amazed at the changes between my horse and I! From that moment on all I wanted was to be able to read and understand horses and gain a true feel for them. I began to travel all over Wisconsin with my horses riding with “natural” clinicians as often as I could. I went into Level 4 of the Parelli program. Also, I continued showing heavily in 4-H and open shows and taking lessons from some top showmen and trainers. I showed my horses in everything: Western, English, Jumping, Showmanship, Halter, Speed Events… you name it I was in it. I had no idea at the time how far my passion for horses would lead me. A Horsemans Education I knew that if I wanted horses to be my career I would need an education worthy of the job. So, at the age of 17, I began a professional horsemanship journey that continues to this day. I spent six weeks at the International Study Center in Colorado where I was able to study directly with Pat and Linda Parelli and some of their top instructors. This course bridged the gaps in my development with horses and was the foundation for major horsemanship opportunities down the road. From there I went to La Cense Montana, an 88,000 acre working cattle ranch focused on developing colts into premium recreational riding horses. At La Cense, I apprenticed with Steve Byrne, a horseman and colt starter from Australia. I spent the next three years mainly at La Cense under the guidance of Steve Byrne, gaining experience starting colts, working with difficult horses, and establishing solid foundations in young horses. Being in Montana gave me the opportunity to meet Ray Hunt. I was able to watch, and ride in numerous clinics that he put on in the area. I also spent three months at the Parelli Center in Florida in an exclusive course of only ten people taught by Pat Parelli. This course gave me a better understanding of how to help difficult and problem horses and included extensive hands-on experience. As a bonus, the course provided twice-weekly intensive lessons with highly accomplished dressage trainer Karen Rolf. In 2006, I had the opportunity to spend six months with Leon Harrel, a world famous cutting horse legend. There I gained experience introducing young horses to a cow, and in showing and fine tuning finished horses. Today Today I am still, and will always be, a student of horses and horsemanship. I cannot imagine doing anything else with my life. I'm located in Jackson, Wisconsin where I give private lessons and take horses in for training at Rainbow Acres Ranch. I've been helping people with their horses since I was 14. I've always enjoyed the process of observing and being a part of helping people progress with their horses. My teaching style has been greatly influenced by every person who has spent time teaching me over the years. I look forward to meeting you and having the privilege of being a part of your horsemanship journey. A Special Thanks I want to say thank you to my parents who have always believed in me and given me unlimited help and support. To the late John Harms for giving me the "I can do it" attitude when I doubted myself. I'm so thankful for your impact on my life. To every instructor who taught me about horses. To the wisest and always forgiving teacher – the horse. |
    Emily with Pat Parelli  Steve Byrne at La Cense  Dressage trainer Karen Rolf    |
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